From the time she was a child, Nikki Azcona aspired to dance. She began taking lessons at a young age, studying a variety of styles, including jazz, salsa, and musical theater. However, while attending Syracuse University, she fell in love with ballroom dancing, which led her to join multiple dance teams where she excelled in both competitions and choreography.
In 2012, Nikki became a professional certified instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Montville--and never looked back. She and her husband, Jaime, are now the owners/operators of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Oradell.
Nikki is a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to the world of dance because she has seen the benefits of dance first-hand. "I have been teaching since 2012," says Nikki. "My students have incredible stories about how dance has changed their lives, and it has fueled me to continue my journey to help others experience happier, healthier lives through dance."
"I felt like I won the jackpot when I started at Fred Astaire Dance Studio," says Ginny Davenport of River Vale. "Nikki and Jaime greeted me with open arms and treated me like family. They embraced all my expectations to make my dreams come true in the magical, spiritual world of dance! I never imagined that, in my retirement years, I would meet a group of people who could help me reinvent my passion for dancing that I had lost over the past ten years. I have enjoyed every last minute of losing 40 pounds while lowering my diabetic A1C. I have also met many new friends who share and understand the same extraordinary experiences while we learn to spread our feet, wings, and fly!"
Alayne Pick of Montvale is also a student at Fred Astaire. "The studio is a new, safe place to exercise," she says. "Dancing keeps my mind active and helps me to feel good about myself. The supportive, safe environment encourages making friends of all ages, and the instructors are all amazing, talented, and patient. The parties and events are so much fun--building community and confidence. It has been a wonderful journey."
Lucille Rizzo and her husband, Anthony (publisher of Pascack Valley Lifestyle) worked with Fred Astaire Dance Studio to prepare for their wedding day. "The staff was amazing at helping us prepare our first dance,” she says. We had so much fun working with the talented team at Fred Astaire to learn our routine, and our guests were so impressed with how it turned out! Jaime, Nikki, and their instructors were extremely accommodating and patient helping us learn the moves. You would never know we did not have prior dance experience thanks to the help of Fred Astaire Oradell!"
Born in the Dominican Republic, Nikki is fluent in Spanish and English, opening doors for students whose first language is Spanish. "Being able to communicate effectively makes everyone more comfortable if they are nervous their first time," says Nikki.
Nikki and Jaime work with every age group, too. "I have a 4-year-old and a 94-year-old," laughs Nikki. "And there are inherent benefits for each age group. Dance helps build confidence in kids, provides social interaction, and improves quality of life. And, for the older population, it's an incredible activity. It's not high impact, so it's easy on the joints and promotes flexibility, agility, and balance while delivering a nice cardio workout."
The professional instructors at the studio can take on students of every ability and accommodate any injuries or conditions. Nikki notes that dance also helps improve post-surgical mobility and conditions such as vertigo.
Matching movement and technique to music that is loved and meaningful to a student helps enrich the emotional side of learning to dance, so students are invited to bring along their favorite music.
"Dance changes lives," states Nikki. "I would advise all future students not to wait to get started. You are never too old or too young to dance. Most importantly, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone--that's where the fun is!"
"Dance helps build confidence in kids, provides social interaction, and improves quality of life."
