Fred Astaire Dance Studios Southbury Shines at 2026 Annual Awards

The exceptional talent and dedication of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Southbury team were on full display at the 2026 Fred Astaire Dance Studios Annual Training & Awards Ceremony, held at the Patterson Country Club in Fairfield on January 10, 2026.
The event celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of studios and instructors throughout the region, marking a moment of pride for the Southbury team.
A standout highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of dance instructor Zlata Dzhaman, who captured multiple top honors:

• First Place Professional Female – Top Lessons Taught 2025: This award recognizes the instructor with the highest number of private lessons taught in the region, highlighting Zlata’s exceptional student engagement and business success.
• First Place Professional Female – Top Advanced Teaching Specialist 2025: An elite distinction, this award honors her expertise in instructing advanced-level students. Her technical mastery and dedication have earned her outstanding enrollment numbers for advanced students, showcasing her commitment to their growth.
• Second Place Professional Female – Top Competition Entries 2025: Zlata earned this recognition by the total number of competition entries across all Fred Astaire Championships in 2025, including regional, inter-regional, and national events.
• Third Place Professional Female – NSDD Specialist 2025 (NSDD stands for New Student Development Director): This award celebrates her impact on students, staff, and the studio community. From nurturing beginners to guiding students toward measurable success, Zlata’s mentorship, technical expertise, and dedication make her an invaluable leader within the region.

Beyond Zlata’s individual accomplishments, Fred Astaire Dance Studios Southbury was honored with Third Place Top Studio Award, reflecting the team’s hard work, commitment, and pursuit of excellence that have made the studio a thriving hub of dance education. The studio also received the prestigious “Million Miler Award”, recognizing extraordinary growth and success in reaching a major milestone in 2025.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every student who has been part of our journey. Your dedication, passion, and trust have been instrumental in helping us achieve these milestones. This celebration is as much yours as it is ours—thank you for dancing alongside us and making our achievements possible.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Southbury team is inspired to continue growing, learning, and providing opportunities for students to thrive. With excitement and dedication, we look forward to a year filled with success, learning, and unforgettable moments on the dance floor.