Fred Astaire West Hartford Dance Studio - Dance Instructors and Staff
Jessica Lengenfelder - directorJessica began dancing at the age of 4 and has a dance background of ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acrobatics, and hip hop. She took a break from dancing while attending the university of connecticut, where she received her bachelors degree in child psychology. Jessica started at fred astaire in 1998 where she met and started competing with her husband Clemens. The two took over ownership of the studio in 2001.
Clemens Lengenfelder - instructor/dance director/managerClemens began dancing in Linz, Austria at the age of 15. After completing all of his examinations in dance school, he began competing in major dance competitions throughout europe including the Austrian Open, German Open, Italian Open, Copenhagen Open, Czech Republic Open, and Blackpool. He was recruited by the studio in 1998 and became the owner with his wife in 2001. During his time with Fred Astaire, he has won numerous new england regional championships as well as top teacher awards. He is also the proud winner of the 2004 superhero award.
Alexander Lengenfelder - studio hostHe loves to shake what his momma gave him! Has a great sense of rhythm but is too shy to start teaching yet ;)
Kate Barnhill-Dance Instructor
As a young girl, Kate watched her mother glide across the floor as an amateur ballroom dancer. Although she was involved in gymnastics and ballet, she didn't start her ballroom career until August 2007 when she started as a trainee with another dance studio. Looking to make her dream of being a professional dancer into a full time career Kate left her previous studio and joined the Fred Astaire team in November 2008. In the short amount of time she has been with our studio she has become the most popular female teacher in the studio and has many students of all ages and levels of dancing.
Alexie Lovkin - Dance Instructor
Started dancing in Russia at age six where he competed in numerous finals around Europe. He started teaching part time at Fred Astaire Dance Studios while attending the University of Hartford. He then switched to full time and has been with Fred Astaire dance studios for fifteen years. Alexie has a vast knowledge of the Fred Astaire system of teaching and dancing. He has years of experience, a fun attitude and lots of energy. His ability to teach all levels and ages and to adjust his teaching style for all different types of students makes him a most valuable asset to the team!
Harra Giangrave - office managerHas been with the West Hartford studio for fourteen years and has been named "Receptionist of the Year" every year! Harra is our "go-to"girl and also helps out at our regional competitions!
Olaf Pries-Dance Instructor
Olaf joined us from Germany where he was very successful in both the Latin and Standard styles of dance. Olaf competed in the highest levels in Germany as well as teaching, coaching and judging. Olaf owned his own dance school in Hamburg and danced many shows throughout Germany with his partner. Olaf also specializes in Argentine Tango. Mr. Pries had the honor of helping to choreograph Dirty Dancing and was a coach for Sara Connor one of Germany's biggest pop stars. Olaf is one of the top teachers in the country. We are very honored to have Olaf on our team.
Brad Adcock-Dance Instructor
Brad started dancing at the age of 6 in Cambridge, England. He joined the Fred Astaire team in 2007 and has since become one of the top male teachers in the region. Brad is currently competing in local and national competitions with his partner Mira Cherkezova (Glastonbury Fred Astaire studio) in standard ballroom dancing. Brads energy and great sense of humor as well as teaching and dancing ability is a great addition to the studio.
Brad and his partner Mira are available for show. Please call the studio for more information.
