MEET OUR FRED ASTAIRE FAMILY!
CRISTIAN POZO
Cristian is and continues to be a tremendous addition to our Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Born in Ecuador, he chose to move to the U.S at the age of 12, and we are truly fortunate to have him as a member of our staff. With his extreme passion and love for dance, he brings a unique style that can’t be mirrored. Christian illuminates even the darkest of rooms with his effervescent personality and charisma. He goes above and beyond for all of his students and creates a fun and exciting environment from the moment they walk through the door. “I see many situations in which people walk into our studio depressed, without any self confidence, or on the verge of divorce, and within only a couple of lessons, I can see such a positive transformation, and they see it too. This is why I teach. This is my reward. If you find yourself feeling a little under the weather, don’t be surprised if your doctor recommends 10 cc’s of ballroom dancing!”
DENISE BUCHNER
Denise holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Montclair State University where her primary focus was contemporary ballet and modern dance. She has danced for several ballet and modern dance companies in NJ and NY. She has also used her dancing to travel through Europe while working on the Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line. Denise is now happy to be settled here at Fred Astaire of Manasquan N.J. Denise says, “Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.”
DANA MASI
Dana has always had a passion for dance since she was young. At the age of three, she began learning modern dances and hip hop. Her love for Ballroom and Latin dancing began at thirteen when she saw how confident and beautiful the dancers looked and aspired to be one as well. Currently, she is studying psychology and creative writing to become a dance/art therapist and help others through the many benefits of dance. She is preparing to compete with her partner in Professional Rhythm. Dana is a firm believer that dancing changes lives and helps in every aspect of life.
Christina Penatello and Ken Hansen
Christina Penatello and Ken Hansen have had the opportunity to work with many gifted champions from around the world…Louis Van Amstel (whom Christina has trained with since the age of 17), Shirley Ballas ( mother of Mark Ballas DWTS), Allen Tornsberg, Vibeke Toft, Toni Dovalani, Elena Grinenko, and, of course, her parents, Charles and Jean Penatello, three-time Undefeated Open to the World American Rhythm and Ballroom Champions. Her belief has always been “to become the best, you must train with the best!” It definitely paid off!! Christina and Ken are currently United States Rhythm Finalists and quickly rising to the top! They also travel around the country coaching and choreograph for many professionals and students in the dance industry. Since they have recently become partners in the Red Bank and Manasquan Fred Astaire Dance Studios, they have been passing along all of their many years of training to their extremely talented and dedicated staff.
