Ballroom meets Broadway at the Sarasota Opera House

This Sunday, a combination of dance and drama will delight audiences at the Sarasota Opera House. Fred Astaire Dance Studios presents “On Broadway,” a revue featuring musical dance routines to both classic and modern shows from the Great White Way.

As one not entirely familiar with the world of ballroom but with an extensive background in theater, I’ve been asked to sing three show tunes throughout the course of the evening.

And as we prepare for the main event, the experience has opened my eyes to an entire sector of Sarasota entertainment with its own community, costumes and choreography.

The No. 1 dance studio, nationwide

The local studio, which you’ve probably seen accessorizing the corner of Swift and Bee Ridge, is one of 150 Fred Astaire-franchised studios nationwide. But you may be surprised to discover that Jack Rottweiller, president of Fred Astaire Dance Franchised Dance Studios, Inc., has recognized the Sarasota company as the No. 1 dance studio in the country.

And certainly, I’ve been impressed getting to know the people behind the studio from Sergio Ruiz, PR manager, dancer, instructor and all around great guy, owner Enrique Curi and Bruno Collins, world champion and choreographer for this Sunday’s show.

A star student

I spoke with Lynn Hayes, a student who had her first lesson only a year and a half ago and now attends classes nearly every day. At age 60, and never having danced before, she and her husband were interested in picking up some skills. Since then, Hayes has dedicated herself to this art form — attending competitions, losing 35 pounds and gaining abilities and confidence she’d never before experienced.

“I’ve always been a quiet person,” she explained. “A lot of my friends are surprised that I get up and do this. And then there’s the makeup, the hair, the dresses and the glitz — I actually grew up more of a tomboy.”

She says she's excited for this Sunday’s revue, during which she’ll dance in two numbers, "I Gotcha" and "Cell Block Tango," opposite two instructors and other dancers.

“I enjoy preparing and learning the routines," she says. "There’s always a point where you think ‘I’ll never be able to get this,’ but now it’s coming together. It’s very satisfying to realize, ‘Hey, I can do this.'”

As I listened to Hayes explain the rehearsal process, it occurred to me there’s a lot more similarities between ballroom and theater then either of us probably realize.

Give me somebody to dance for

Alongside Hayes and other students, the evening will feature professionals, as well as the U.S. mambo champions: husband and wife Ronald and Katie Guillen from Peru and Anna Maria, respectively.

What’s more, Curi emphasizes that “On Broadway” will be entertaining, inspiring and all ticket-sale proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organizations, Instride Equine Assisted Therapy and Living with Angels.

But until Sunday, the studio will be knee-deep in preparations for the main event.

“I think I'm more nervous this year because I know what to expect, but it’s still fun,” Hayes said.  “It’s opened up a whole new aspect for me. I had never danced a step in my life until, at 60, I discovered I had this passion for dancing. And now, I’m hooked … I gotta dance.”

Now … where have I heard that before?

IF YOU GO:

"On Broadway" — curtain rises at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. General admission seating is $20 per person (please ask for special offers for large groups and senior discounts). Seating is first come, first served. Call Sarasota Fred Astaire Dance Studios at 921-6651 or email at [email protected].