Our Staff

Martin & Gina Goethche

Born in Denmark, Martin began ballroom dance instruction at the age of three. He danced in amateur competitions before he was ten years old, and was a finalist in all the major Danish Dance Sport Championships in the children, junior and youth classes.

Gina comes from Munich, Germany and started to dance at the age of fifteen. She competed very successfully at the amateur level with several partners and was the German Champion in the Latin American dances (A-level).

In 1990, Martin and Gina began their partnership as competitive ballrooms dancers. Their titles include the Danish 10-Dance Champions and Austrian Latin and 10-Dance Champions. Martin and Gina were also finalists in the World and European 10-Dance Championships and in the World Latin Showcase Championships.

Elmar Schmidt

Elmar began ballroom dancing in Germany at the age of 7, and through the years successfully competed in many Regional, National and International competitions. Upon completion of the extensive German training to become a certified dance instructor, he was immediately offered a position as Assistant Manager and Dance Instructor at one of the largest German dancing schools in Munich, Germany.

In January, 2007, Elmar joined Fred Astaire Dance Studios as an owner and Director of the Brookfield, CT, location where he continues to pursue his passion for dancing. Under his direction and instruction, the Brookfield Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s students and certified instructors win top placements in competitions and enjoy the magic of dance.

Marcel Helms

Marcel began ballroom dancing in Germany at the age of 8. Taking place in many Regional, National and International Competitions in Europe, he is a four‐time German Master, European Champion and World Champion in Boogie Woogie and Swing. Marcel became certified as instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in 2009, and added the duties of Studio Supervisor in 2011.

Isabelle Gollwitzer

Born in Germany, Isabelle started ballroom dancing at the age of 14. Specializing in Latin dances, she successfully competed in many Regional and National Competitions. In addition to her passion for ballroom dancing, Isabelle also loves Hip‐Hop and holds the honor of being South German Hip‐Hop Champion.

Since joining the team of certified instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in 2010, Isabelle continues to successfully compete and is a frequent finalist in Regional and National American Smooth Competitions.

Matthew Ames

With over 20 years of dance experience and expert training in both classical and more modern styles of dance, Matthew was ranked by the largest international dance franchise as one of their top teachers for 3 consecutive years. He is also the recipient of the coveted Winners Circle Award given only to the top 3 instructors each year.

Immersed in the dance culture for many years, Matthew has performed with the major ballet companies in NYC and Pittsburgh, as well as appearing Off-Broadway, and has received several awards for acting and dancing in international acting and modeling competitions. Currently, Matthew is competing in American Smooth and during his career, he has competed in all 9 American Style dances, theater arts, and show dance. Most recently, Matthew received 2nd place in the 2011 North American Same Sex Dance Championships in both American 9 Dance and American Smooth Championships.

Aaron Blizzard

A graduate of the Waterbury Arts Magnet School of Performing Arts, Aaron is a dance instructor from the Waterbury area, trained in many styles of dance including Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip-Hop. Aaron has performed, toured, and continues to teach with many different companies and organizations such as Elm City Dance Collective, The Connecticut Dance Theater, Berkshire Foothill Ballet, Brass City Ballet, Earl Mosely's Institute of the Arts, Life Dance Company, and The NVCC Ensemble.

Complementing his dance accomplishments, Aaron has a background in Pilates, is certified as a personal trainer specializing in the area of flexibility and strengthening, and a welcomed addition to Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Brookfield.

Monica Logan

Born in Columbia, Monica has been singing and dancing since she was a little girl. She is passionate about dance, Zumba Fitness® and her enthusiasm is contagious! As Zumba® Manager and Instructor Coordinator, Monica is certified in Basic 1, Basic 2, Gold, Toning, AquaZumba®, ZumbAtomic® for Kids and continues to teach classes and train instructors.