Georgia Ambarian has been dancing since the age of five. She graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Boston Conservatory. After graduating, she decided to add ballroom dancing to her list of dance studies, and quickly found a new calling and outlet for her skills.
Georgia teaches for Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She is a ten-time National Fred Astiare Theatrical Champion. Georgia and her partner, Eric Luna, are also two-time World Cabaret Champions, two-time United States National Cabaret Champions, Ohio Start Ball Champions, Heritage Classic Champions, and three-time United States representatives at the Blackpool Invitational. They have been featured performers on the PBS special “American’s Ballroom Challenge” and the ABC hit “Dancing with the Stars.”
Georgia is a passionate teacher and coach. Her many years of ballet, modern, and jazz training, combined with her knowledge of Rhythm and Smooth help create a multi-faceted understanding of technique, movement, and performance quality.
Accomplishments to Date:
Two-time World Cabaret Champions
Two-time United States National Cabaret Champions
Ohio Start Ball Champions
Heritage Classic Champions
Three-time United States representatives at the Blackpool Invitational
PBS special “American’s Ballroom Challenge” ABC hit “Dancing with the Stars.” / featured performers
Jesse Benedetti - Jesse brings ten years of experience to the Fred Astaire’s of Ft. Walton Beach by way of Tennessee. One of the few to have worked at every angle of the industry, as an instructor to management, he owned and operated the Coral Springs, Florida Fred Astaire’s for three years. He gave it all up to come join us in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, and return to teaching and training. Jesse has been under the world renown tutelage of Bruno Collins and LuAnn Pullium to reach his goals.
While working at his craft he was partnered with Kimalee Piedad, another instructor in the studio, and their combined efforts have earned them numerous titles. As professionals they won the 2007 Fred Astaire national Theatre Arts Championship, the Florida State Open Championship, and the Open Challenge of the Continent. This dynamic duo most recently placed 2nd at the prestigious United States Championships in the Theatrical division, and were invited as one of the world representatives in 2009 to Blackpool, England.
Jesse’s return to the teaching and competitive arena has paid off. He is recognized as one of the Top Instructors in Florida, as well as one of the most engaging professionals around. His love of dance and zest for life makes him a fantastic instructor and entertaining performer.
Accomplishments to Date:
2nd National Cabaret Champions
2nd World Cabaret Champions
United States Championships in the Theatrical division
Emerald Ball Showdance Champion
Southern States Dancesport Cabaret Champion
Fred Astaire’s Cabaret Champions
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event / Performer
Krickett Fontenot- Krickett was born in the south and raised in “good ole” Cajun county of Lafayette, Louisiana. Since the age of four she has been involved in ballet, tap, and Jazz. The style that is her forte is hip-hop dancing and without a doubt something she does well. All forms of dance have given her a passion that continues to grow!
She relocated to Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and quickly joined the staff of Fred Astaire’s Dance Studio in November of 2007. She has worked within the community teaching dance and performing for special events. Krickett has expanded her dance talent with dance champions of all styles, including Valentine and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Eric Luna & Georgia Ambarian, Jonathan Roberts, and Valaria Kostenko.
While continuing to embark on her professional dance career, and the competitive world of dance, Krickett is pursuing her degree in Business Management. She hopes to combine these two talents as she makes her way into the Rising Star Dance categories of competition. Watch for her!
Accomplishments to Date:
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event Performer
Ronald Guillen- Ronald was born and raised abroad in Lima, Peru. He started his dancing career at the young age of seven. He has studied Folk dancing and Latin, and enjoys a career teaching, performing and choreographing dance of all forms. During his youth he represented Peru in many competitions throughout Europe and South America.
In 2006 he moved to the United States, and as a professional dancer joined the Fred Astaire’s studio in Sarasota, Florida. While working as an instructor he participated in the pre-champ divisions in Regional and National competitions in the Orlando, Florida area. Presently, he is ranked among the top male instructors in Florida for 2007. Ronald recently relocated to the Emerald Coast of Florida to join the teaching staff at the Ft. Walton Beach Fred Astaire’s. He is partnered with Katie Jenkins, and will be hitting the professional stage soon to show off their sharp and elegant style. Everyone at the studio enjoys this international dancer and his Peruvian accent, which makes him a welcome addition.
Accomplishment to Date:
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event/ Performer
Omar Hammad - Omar, a world traveler, joins us from the country of Amman, Jordan. As a youngster growing up abroad, he was exposed to a lot of international styles, and enjoys free style, break dancing and hip hop the most. This ethnic background gave his dance career a jump start into his present style and unique flair on the dance floor.
While working at Starbucks, he was discovered by Joe & Tommie Trovoto, who invited him to come join the dance world at Fred Astaire’s in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida launching off from the training program, today our international instructor loves Rhythm and Latin dances the most. He has really taken off after finding his professional partner and can be seen competing across the country. He continues to improve his dance skills with the coaching of Jonathan Roberts, Bruno Collins, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, marylynn Benetiz, Valentine Chmerkovskiy, and many more.
Conversations with him are always full or worldly views, energy and laughter, making each lesson an interesting one. Whether Omar is on his own time or on studio time, he puts everything into being one of the best.
Accomplishments to Date:
2007 & 2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event / Performer
2008 Freddy Ball / St. Augustine, Florida / Competitor
Eric Luna came to Ballroom dancing after spending most of his life training for a career in sports. He transferred the dedication and teamwork developed in athletics to his dance career.
Eric’s hard work has paid off, both in his teaching and his competitive career. His efforts in Ft. Walton Beach have earned Eric recognition as one of Fred Astaire’s Top Teachers for the past seven years. In addition to winning the National Fred Astaire Smooth title, and is a seven-time National Fred Astaire Theatrical Champion. Eric and his partner, Georgia Ambarian, are also two-time United States national Cabaret Champions, two-time World Cabaret Champions, Ohio Star Ball Champions, Heritage Classic Champions, and three-time United States representatives at the Blackpool Invitational. The have also been featured performers on the PBS Special “America’s Ballroom Challenge” and the ABC hit “Dancing with the Start.”
Eric has a reassuring nature with his students and strives to instill the best in them through a calm, yet persistent personality. His eleven year of experience allow him to bring a great depth of knowledge to his lessons.
Accomplishments to Date:
Two-time World Cabaret Champions
Two-time United States National Cabaret Champions
Ohio Start Ball Champions
Heritage Classic Champions
Three-time United States representatives at the Blackpool Invitational
PBS special “American’s Ballroom Challenge”
ABC hit “Dancing with the Stars.” / featured performers
Francesca Mallow - Francesca began her dancing career at the young age of fivewith ballet, jazz, and continuing with several other styles later on. Upon growing up in a household of artists and athletes, she was surrounded by creativity and drive. She is a self-professed “Air Force Brat” who has enlarged her talents with each location her family was relocated. Travel is one of her hobbies and each new city has brought her a new dancing experience. While seeking a more ethnic style and deepen her knowledge for her passion she discovered Middle Eastern Belly Dancing. She was a part of the award winning “Saba Benat” Belly Dancing troupe in California. She perfected her talent under the tutelage of Sarasa and Angelika Nemeth. In addition to this group, she performed in many locations and events with a Lindy Hop Troupe in San Francisco, California. This troupe gave her lots of experience, and an addiction to lifts and aerials.
One of her greatest talents is reaching out to the community. Francesca has a degree in Pilates and Dance Conditioning from OCC in California, is a certified Zumba Fitness Latin Cardio instructor, Certified Pharmaceutical Technician, and was a part of the Dance Outreach program, Fiesta Latina with Jose Costas, which involved educating all levels of education in Latin dances of the world by performance and lecture of ballroom dancing. Other educational training includes a degree in Event Management of Weddings and Parties. She feels this has helped her see how to assist so many people, and enjoys choreographing dances, especially for weddings.
Along the way Francesca worked at Disneyland, had a “lots of fun”, but considers her move to Fred Astaire’s the “happiest place on earth.” In moving back to Alaska, her dance experience moved her towards ballroom dancing, and has never left. The move to Florida has brought her to the top Fred Astaire Studio in the state. She has continued her training under the coaching styles of Bruno Collins, LuAnn Triliegi, Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Marylynn Benetiez, Jonathan Roberts, and Steven Knight, to name a few.
Competition is her all time favorite and loves dancing with her students. Francesca hopes to pass on her passion of dance to others to enjoy while watching the success they achieve. Wishes to meet you soon!
Accomplishments to date:
3rd Emerald Coast Dance Championships / Rhythm / Sandestin, Florida / 2007
2nd Florida Freddy Ball / Cabaret Division / St. Augustine, Florida / 2008
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event / Performer
Stephanie Parker - Stephanie was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She was drawn to the arts at an early age, heavily involved in all activities that helped her explore her creativity. Many of these talents included playing the violin, writing, and all forms of dance. She put these passions on hold when graduating from high school to attend Louisiana Tech University. Stephanie has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Photography which included studies in painting, sculpting, Art History and Graphic Design.
When Stephanie moved to Ft. Walton Beach, Florida she was working as a photographer, but quickly decided to follow her passions back to the dance floor. The studio has been her home since. She has trained with some of the leading professionals in the business including Jonathan Roberts, Corky Ballas, Valentine Chmerkovskiy and Valeria Kostenko. While her career is only starting she has already placed herself in the upcoming one’s to watch. Stephanie and her partner are looking forward to a long career competing in American Open Smooth.
Accomplishments to Date:
2007 Emerald Coast Dance Championships / Performer
2007 Regional Novice Champion
2008 Freddy Ball Dance Championships
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event / Performer
2008 United states Dancesport Champions
2008 National Smooth Finalist
2008 National Rising Star Finalist
Heather Phillips comes to us from the heart of Alabama. She has always had a passion for dance and for travel. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Elementary Education, she traveled to Hong Kong to teach. While abroad she was a member of a Salsa Exhibition Team. That experience gave her the ability to study different types of dance from around the world. Heather joined the Fred Astaire’s Studio about a year ago to pursue the professional world of dance. She is presently an instructor, and using her education to introduce dance in our Kids Classes and local area schools.
Heather has an infectious smile, a knack for helping her students relax and have fun, while they learn to become beautiful dancers. She has studied with Bruno Collins, Tony Dovolani, Corky Ballas, and Valentine Chmerkovskiy. These coaches have helped to move her dance to a showmanship quality and assist her present training for competition as a professional. Look for her soon on the dance floor!
Accomplishments to Date:
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event / Performer Regional Pro-Am Champion
Kimalee Piedad- Kimalee has been in the dance world all of her life. She danced professionally with the Louisville Ballet (2002-2003), Ballet Met (2003-2004), and as a Principal Dancer for the Northwest Florida Ballet here in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. This ballerina has fourteen years of experience in classical dance training. She fills some of her spare time with this local organization teaching ballet to young dancers.
In 2005, she joined Fred Astaire’s Dance Studio in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and immediately began her competitive Ballroom dancing career. As a talented instructor, she has assisted many students in presenting themselves in a graceful way. She teaches our Kids Class in ballet, and performs throughout the community at special events.
Kimalee and her partner, Jesse Benedetti, are currently ranked second in the nation and the world in the Cabaret Divisions. Together they hold many dance titles for their unique performances. This dynamic duo most recently placed 2nd at the prestigious United States Championships in the Theatrical division, and were invited as one of the world representatives in 2009 to Blackpool, England. They are definitely worth watching!
Accomplishments to Date:
2nd National Cabaret Champions
2nd World Cabaret Champions
United States Championships in the Theatrical division
Emerald Ball Showdance Champion
Southern States Dancesport Cabaret Champion
Fred Astaire’s Cabaret Champions
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event / Performer
Chris Schultz -Chris is from the snowy state of Michigan, where he graduated from high school and joined the United States Marine Corps. After his military career, he moved to the sandy beaches of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida where he decided to purse a career that would allow his artistic talents to shine. In 2005, he joined the top studio in the state and has been non stop ever since. He is ranked as one of the Top male Instructors in the state of Florida in 2007.
While his week is full of teaching, his practice time is spent with the some of the best, such as Bruno Collins, Makism Chmerkovskiy, and Jonathan Roberts to improve his performances. Chris’s laid back and fun-loving approach to each lesson makes him a sought after instructor and is currently our Studio’s Guest Director.
Chris is presently partnered with Stephanie Parker, and together won the Pre-Champ division regionally, and placed 2nd at the National level in Orlando, Florida. They are the up and coming couple to watch! In March of 2008, he traveled internationally to Argentina to compete in the World Pro-Amateur Championships. This trip was truly one of his most memorable. While It is apparent to all that Dancing is a passion of his, he always continues to use his talents to be a stand-out in the professional arena.
Accomplishments to Date:
2006 Regional Novice Champion
2007 Regional Pre-Champ Champion
2007 Freddy Award Recipient
2008 National Smooth Finalist
2008 National Rising Star Finalist
2007 & 2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event / Performer
Chance Skaggs grew up in the southern town of Dyersburg, Tennessee. An athlete from a young age he excelled during his high school years as a stand out football player. The nine years of dedication awarded him with multiple college scholarships to purse this sport. Instead he turned his athletics towards ballroom dancing.
While he is new to the dance world, Chance has already extended his training with several of the best, including Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Jonathan Roberts, Bruno Collins, and Valentine Chmerkovskiy. He has recently started training to compete in the Cabaret division, where is football size and strength serves him well. As an instructor, he is easy to learn from and makes his students comfortable at all times. Chance has a calm demeanor and a southern politeness that is sure to make him a hit on the dance floor!
Accomplishments to Date:
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event/ Performer
Diedre Williams- Diedre moved to the area as a child from Palm Springs, California. She was very active in theperforming arts, voice, piano, art, and many different sports as a child. She continued her athletics during her high school years as a member of the volleyball, tennis, and Step teams. Whatever she was involved in, dancing was always her passion and focus.
At the age of thirteen, she began taking lessons and dancing competitively at an independent studio. Her love of dance convinced her brother to start dancing. Upon graduation from high school, Diedre decided to continue her quest of excellence by training to become a professional dancer and instructor at Fred Astaire’s in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. She inspires others throughout the community to dance as an instructor for Liza Jackson Prepatory, Northwest Florida State College, retirement homes and several elementary schools in the area. She also participated in the Relay for Life in 2007.
Diedre continues to make a name for herself, with many accomplishments including attending Northwest Florida State College part-time. She is working towards a degree in the Performing Arts. The focus of her dance is in Latin and Rhythm. As a competitor since 2004, her tall lines and graceful moves make her beautiful to watch.
Accomplishments to Date:
National and Regional awards in the Pre-Champ and Novice Divisions
Fred Astaire’s National Pre-Champ title w/ partner / Orlando, Florida /2007
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event / Performer
Caleb Young was born and raised in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on the beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast. He graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Broadcasting and Production. This education led him to New York City, where his career moved towards music. Caleb spent twelve years as a singer and songwriter, performing in many shows, including his own “Sold Out” production on the Upper East Side. One afternoon, while in Central Park he stumbled across a group doing the waltz in the park. This display of dance inspired him to purse the art of Ballroom dancing.
Recently joining our studio he is the master of decoration, has a smile for everyone and always has time to chat with each of the students. He is presently one of our instructors at the Ft. Walton Beach Fred Astaire’s. While learning his newly found craft, Caleb has studied with Georgia Ambarian & Eric Luna, Valentine Chmerkovskiy, Jonathan Roberts and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. To date, he has learned all the art forms he can to improve his dance. So, next time you meet him ask about his Hip-Hop experience at Fred Astaire’s. He will have a great story for you!
Accomplishments to Date:
2008 Desire Street Show / Charity Event/ Performer
Georgia Ambarian has been dancing since the age of five. She graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Boston Conservatory. After graduating, she decided to add ballroom dancing to her list of dance studies, and quickly found a new calling and outlet for her skills.
Jesse Benedetti - Jesse brings ten years of experience to the Fred Astaire’s of Ft. Walton Beach by way of Tennessee. One of the few to have worked at every angle of the industry, as an instructor to management, he owned and operated the Coral Springs, Florida Fred Astaire’s for three years. He gave it all up to come join us in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, and return to teaching and training. Jesse has been under the world renown tutelage of Bruno Collins and LuAnn Pullium to reach his goals. 
Krickett Fontenot- Krickett was born in the south and raised in “good ole” Cajun county of Lafayette, Louisiana. Since the age of four she has been involved in ballet, tap, and Jazz. The style that is her forte is hip-hop dancing and without a doubt something she does well. All forms of dance have given her a passion that continues to grow!
Ronald Guillen- Ronald was born and raised abroad in Lima, Peru. He started his dancing career at the young age of seven. He has studied Folk dancing and Latin, and enjoys a career teaching, performing and choreographing dance of all forms. During his youth he represented Peru in many competitions throughout Europe and South America. 
Omar Hammad - Omar, a world traveler, joins us from the country of Amman, Jordan. As a youngster growing up abroad, he was exposed to a lot of international styles, and enjoys free style, break dancing and hip hop the most. This ethnic background gave his dance career a jump start into his present style and unique flair on the dance floor.
Eric Luna came to Ballroom dancing after spending most of his life training for a career in sports. He transferred the dedication and teamwork developed in athletics to his dance career.
Stephanie Parker - Stephanie was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She was drawn to the arts at an early age, heavily involved in all activities that helped her explore her creativity. Many of these talents included playing the violin, writing, and all forms of dance. She put these passions on hold when graduating from high school to attend Louisiana Tech University. Stephanie has a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Photography which included studies in painting, sculpting, Art History and Graphic Design.
Heather Phillips comes to us from the heart of Alabama. She has always had a passion for dance and for travel. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Elementary Education, she traveled to Hong Kong to teach. While abroad she was a member of a Salsa Exhibition Team. That experience gave her the ability to study different types of dance from around the world. Heather joined the Fred Astaire’s Studio about a year ago to pursue the professional world of dance. She is presently an instructor, and using her education to introduce dance in our Kids Classes and local area schools. 
Kimalee Piedad- Kimalee has been in the dance world all of her life. She danced professionally with the Louisville Ballet (2002-2003), Ballet Met (2003-2004), and as a Principal Dancer for the Northwest Florida Ballet here in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. This ballerina has fourteen years of experience in classical dance training. She fills some of her spare time with this local organization teaching ballet to young dancers. 
Chris Schultz -Chris is from the snowy state of Michigan, where he graduated from high school and joined the United States Marine Corps. After his military career, he moved to the sandy beaches of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida where he decided to purse a career that would allow his artistic talents to shine. In 2005, he joined the top studio in the state and has been non stop ever since. He is ranked as one of the Top male Instructors in the state of Florida in 2007. 
Chance Skaggs grew up in the southern town of Dyersburg, Tennessee. An athlete from a young age he excelled during his high school years as a stand out football player. The nine years of dedication awarded him with multiple college scholarships to purse this sport. Instead he turned his athletics towards ballroom dancing. 
Diedre Williams- Diedre moved to the area as a child from Palm Springs, California. She was very active in theperforming arts, voice, piano, art, and many different sports as a child. She continued her athletics during her high school years as a member of the volleyball, tennis, and Step teams. Whatever she was involved in, dancing was always her passion and focus. 
Caleb Young was born and raised in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on the beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast. He graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Broadcasting and Production. This education led him to New York City, where his career moved towards music. Caleb spent twelve years as a singer and songwriter, performing in many shows, including his own “Sold Out” production on the Upper East Side. One afternoon, while in Central Park he stumbled across a group doing the waltz in the park. This display of dance inspired him to purse the art of Ballroom dancing.