Ballroom Dancing Power Couple

At the corner of Temple Trail and Howell Branch Road sits the recently remodeled studio decked out in modern touches and shimmering chandeliers. As elegant and full of life as its owners, this space ushers in a fresh take on dance, creating a place where both singles and couples can come to explore their creative sides, to reconnect with each other, even to fall in love again.

“Dancing can change lives,” says Poghosyan, as she glances affectionately at her husband, who adds that “couples sometimes forget to look each other in the eyes, especially after being married a long time.” The act of moving together and focusing on the subtle shifts of the other person’s body ignites a new kind of intimacy, but the couples often need a loving push to get there. “Dance instructors are also psychologists,” says Emilia, flashing a big smile as she tells the story of a client who told her she’d rather spend money on dance classes than therapy sessions.

Being a dance instructor is as much about navigating the nuance in each person as it is about teaching the steps, which Poghosyan says anyone can learn. It’s keeping an open mind, having the heart, possessing the willingness to be uncomfortable that leads to success on the dance floor. The couple encourages prospective students to attend events and parties at their studio before even trying a class. “Come drink, eat and make friends,” they say, “watch a few dances, try a few steps for fun,” emphasizing the importance of the social component of dancing.

In Europe and throughout the rest of the world, ballroom dancing is either Standard or Latin. In the US, though, between 1910 and 1930, influences of jazz music coupled with the development of dancing as a social activity created what came to be known as American Rhythm and American Smooth. After the first few steps, any “Dancing with the Stars” fan worth their salt knows a paso doble from a samba — both rhythm dances — or the smooth styles of foxtrot versus tango. Find these and more on tap at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, where the newly minted owners don’t play style favorites.

Brides and grooms, mothers and sons, fathers and daughters come to the studio to take part in the popular wedding program, where the instructors choreograph a special routine to the chosen reception music. Often, couples enjoy the experience so much that they keep returning long after the wedding bells have rung. Some even participate in national competitions. The spirited twosome love preparing their students to compete; they attended the US Nationals this past September in Orlando for the first time as instructors rather than as competitors.

When they’re not cutting a rug, you can find the duo barbecuing at home surrounded by friends, laughing, sharing stories and talking about the future. As Poghosyan expresses excitement about learning to drive, her hubby’s eyes get as big as saucers: “This will just mean more shopping!” There’s no shortage of smiles and love between this modern-day Fred and Ginger, whose humor, hard work and humility will keep their dance cards full for a very long time.