Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Soucie-Howren.
Tiffany has been dancing since she could walk. She has the skills necessary on and off the floor to transfer concepts in dance and in business. She has won various titles in American Smooth dancing and trains all levels of students from very beginner social dancing to advance professionals at a competitive level. She leads a team of extraordinary young professionals as the first Fred Astaire Franchisee in the DFW. Her goal is to continue training professionals to enable her to grow and expand the Fred Astaire brand throughout the Metroplex. She wants Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios to be the household name when it comes to partnership dancing, wedding dances, and just all around the friendliest, funniest spots in town. Tiffany and her teams actively find ways to give back to the community by helping to host Fundraisers with “Dancing with our Heroes”, the Fort Worth Opera, the Fort Worth Symphony, and numerous other community outreach programs. Her and her team also volunteer their time throughout the year to work with the Fort Worth ISD “Lift” Program, teaching children with disabilities they too can learn to dance. Tiffany’s main mission is to bring to life the goal of Fred Astaire himself when he founded the franchise in 1947; to enrich the lives of anyone and everyone associated with her companies. Pretty tall order for a couple of dance studios, right? But that is exactly what she does everyday- inspire passion for life through dance.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been smooth road for Tiffany to become this success. But with the right mentors, a dedicated and loyal team, and community support, she has been able to and continues to over come all obstacles put in her way. Just like other entrepreneurs, some plans have failed at one point or another. She truly believes the obstacles she has experienced not only helped develop her knowledge and skill sets needed as a young entrepreneur, but are pivotal to the growth and future success of her studios and her teams.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios – what should we know?
Our company began when Mr. Fred Astaire co-founded a chain of dance studios under his name, to make sure that his dance techniques could be preserved and passed onto the public… and on March 7th, 1947, the first Fred Astaire Dance Studio opened, at 487 Park Avenue in New York City. Since then, our network of worldwide dance studios has produced a wealth of amateur and professional dancers, who are the living embodiment of Fred Astaire’s style and grace. And since 1947, we have had the honor & privilege of improving the lives of our students, staff and everyone who is associated with our company, through the joy of lifelong dancing!
The teaching philosophy at every Fred Astaire Dance studio is simple and straightforward: learning how to ballroom dance is always fun! We work with students of all ages and abilities, and help them realize their ballroom dancing goals in a friendly and inspirational atmosphere. Whether you are interested in wedding dance instruction, are looking for a new hobby or way to connect with your partner, want to improve your social life, or are taking your dancing skills to the next level, Fred Astaire’s teaching method will result in faster learning rates and higher levels of achievement – regardless of your physical attributes or comprehension. And at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, you’ll always find a warm and welcoming community that will inspire you to reach new heights, feel and look confident, and have fun doing it!
Our proven dance curriculum includes a three-tiered program of regularly-scheduled Private Lessons, plus Group Lessons and Practice Parties to ensure that you learn as much as possible, in the shortest amount of time, with the most retention, and the most FUN! Our dance instructors’ repertoire covers the full range of ballroom dances – American, Latin, International Style, Ballroom Style, even Exhibition and Theater Arts dances. Created for both social & competitive dancers, our proprietary dance instruction program ensures you’ll be on your way to dancing by the end of your very first lesson! Click here for more information and to find a Fred Astaire Dance Studio near you.
The Fred Astaire Trophy System is an easy way for you to track your progress & stay motivated, while you enjoy dancing. Our Beginner and Social Foundation Programs teach newer students the step patterns and techniques needed to move around the dance floor. Students then move on to Bronze, which will enable you to comfortably and confidently dance on any sized dance floor, to any music, with any partner. From there, you can hone your skills and talents within the Silver level, and then all the way to the Gold!
Fred Astaire Dance Studio instructors are gifted dance educators who hail from all over the world. Many have Fine Arts degrees and are actively-competing, award-winning professional dancers. Our dance instructors complete the rigorous work required to become certified in the Fred Astaire Curriculum, a teaching method that not only teaches the mechanics of partner dancing, but also presents the building blocks of how people ABSORB and RETAIN information. This program ensures a consistent, high-level of dance instruction because it teaches in a way that people naturally learn! Our proprietary dance curriculum is also continuously reviewed by world-famous former dance champions and registered judges on the Fred Astaire National Dance Board, to ensure only the finest, most up-to-date programs for our students.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer a variety of fun events to make your dance experience exciting and rewarding! Guest Parties, showcases, spotlights, community outreach events, special coaching sessions and off-site group outings encourage social interaction and help you apply what you’re learning. And our branded regional, national and international Pro-Am and Professional dance competitions give you inspiring opportunities to compete, travel and hone your dancing skills in a supportive and exciting environment.
Dancing isn’t just about the steps and music. It’s a perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Dancing enhances your life in so many ways: Health, Confidence, Self-Expression, Social, Relaxation, and Fun.
Health: When you dance, your cardiovascular system improves, your muscle tone increases and you burn calories. This low-impact aerobic activity also increases flexibility, strength, and balance. Olympic athletes often dance as part of their training to sharpen their control, agility, and speed. Dancing is great exercise, and our studios offer a pleasant, fun atmosphere in which to learn.
Confidence: Dancers possess an aura of self-confidence and an ability to enjoy themselves more in social situations. When you learn how to dance, your entire mental outlook will take on a fresh sense of creativity, motivation, and energy. This new self-confidence in your dancing abilities will transfer to other aspects of your life as well.
Self-Expression: Dance provides an emotional outlet so that you can express your feelings through your body movements with passion and flair. Dancing will bring out, improve upon, and strengthen your ability to permanently use these expressive qualities even when you are not dancing.
Social: Dancing lessons are an easy, low-pressure way to meet people. Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios provide weekly practice dance parties, nights out on the town, and regional and national competitions, as well as fun trips to many different locations. Our lessons are the perfect way for couples to rediscover romance by dancing your way to love!
Relaxation: In today’s fast-paced world, we sometimes forget to take a moment for ourselves. Dancing provides an enjoyable escape from your normal daily routine, plus a chance to relax, relieve stress, and concentrate on yourself.
Fun: Dancing is a great way to add excitement to your life. Although learning to dance takes concentration and dedication, you will be constantly surrounded by artistic, cheerful people who make learning a pleasurable and rewarding experience. So join us and have some fun!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Tiffany credits her many successes to her parents, Kimberly & Ralph Soucie, for raising her with a high standard of ethics, a drive for hard work and being a team player, and the ability to problem solve and surpass expectations.
Tiffany, her husband Dustin Howren, and her best friend and business partner Stephanie Rivera, all are integral parts to this well-oiled business machine! Dustin & Stephanie were trained by Tiffany and have grown with her through the Ballroom & Latin Dance Industry since 2010. The 3 of them bring life and excitement where ever they are. Top community leaders, prominent business owners, and social/ community groups actively seek them out when they are looking to provide top quality customer service, dance performances, and dance instruction, and just all around good wholesome family fun!
Tiffany humbly admits that she would also not be where she is without the guidance and now-how of her mentor, Pahjmon Lipsey, the Fred Astaire Franchisor of Texas.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3421 W 7th St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
5509 Colleyville BLVD #220, Colleyville, TX 76034 - Website: www.fredastaire.com
- Phone: 817 332 8880
- Email: fortworth@fredastaire.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fadsftw/
https://www.facebook.com/fadscolleyville
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FredAstaireFTW
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
