Humans have told stories with their bodies since the beginning of time. Across ancient civilizations—from the rhythmic ceremonial movements of early African tribes to the Haka of the Mãori in New Zealand—dance was a language, a means of storytelling, emotional expression and communal bonding. It was how people celebrated, mourned, connected and even healed.
While dance has evolved through centuries, its fundamental purpose remains unchanged. Today, we may dance for fun, for fitness or to celebrate our most joyous occasions. But dance still fulfills those deeper human needs. It builds confidence, strengthens relationships and creates a sense of belonging—benefits that have existed since the very first beat of a drum.
At Fred Astaire Dance Studio in New Canaan, co-owners Amy Cherrez and Marko Micic are bringing the transformative power of dance to the local community. With roots in two distinct dance traditions—Cherrez, originally from Ecuador, steeped in the rhythms of Latin dance, and Micic, a ten-time national ballroom champion from Serbia—they combine expertise and passion to create a welcoming space for dancers of all levels.
Since opening its doors in October 2024, the studio has quickly become a hub for people looking to move, connect and rediscover themselves through dance. While some come for practical reasons—learning a routine for a wedding or to pick up a new hobby—many find that dance becomes something much greater.
“We’ve had couples come in just wanting to prepare for their child’s wedding, and then they end up staying because it brought them closer as a couple,” Cherrez shares. “We’ve seen single men and women walk in feeling shy and leave with a new sense of confidence. Dance transforms people—it lifts them up.”
The science behind dance’s impact on mental and emotional well-being is compelling. Studies have shown that it not only improves mood but also reduces stress, enhances cognitive function and delays the onset of neurological conditions like dementia.
According to research from Harvard Medical School, dance engages multiple regions of the brain at once, strengthening neural connections and promoting mental agility. It’s for this same reason that Cherrez says dance is such an effective form of stress relief: “You have to be fully present—your mind, body and emotions have to be engaged.”
Cherrez and Micic see this science play out in real time at their studio. “We had a woman come to us after a long illness, just to get out of the house—she was hesitant, shy, unsure if she even belonged in a dance class,” Cherrez recalls. “Now, she’s the most social, confident person in the room. She not only improved her health, but completely transformed her outlook on life.”
Dance, they explain, offers something that traditional workouts often don’t: joyful movement. “People don’t even realize they’re exercising because they’re having so much fun,” Micic says. “But beyond the physical, it’s the confidence, the social connection, the sense of accomplishment—that’s what keeps people coming back.”
Fred Astaire Dance Studio in New Canaan welcomes all ages and levels. Additional Fred Astaire Dance Studios are located in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Southport.