TESTIMONIALS
What stood out to me when I began lessons at the Ridgewood Fred Astaire Dance Studio when it was owned by Charles and Jean Penatello was how incredibly professional the staff was. In 2001, my husband, Alex, and I took our first dance class together and we absolutely loved it! Jean and Charles Penatello ensured that everyone entering the studio was greeted immediately and offered fresh coffee and cookies (if you were lucky, the cookies were of Jean's own creation).
Due to scheduling, Alex could not make all the classes, but dramatically insisted that I go on without him because I loved it so much. Over the years, Alex was able to join me for the occasional class with Anya Garnis (from So You Think You Can Dance) as his teacher, but not frequent enough to compete as I did. Perhaps for some husbands, having their wives travel to competitions with a young, handsome, blue-eyed teacher might pose an issue, but I assure you, this was not the case. Actually, many of other competitors, both male and female, were married and competed with their teachers while their spouses cheered them on from the audience.
After becoming a regular, Pasha Kovalov (from So You Think You Can Dance) felt I was ready to perform a sexy Rumba. Charles Penatello noticed that I was having difficulty acting sexy while trying to learn the steps and said, "Wood, yes. Carpet, no!" which was his way of saying that what you do on the dance floor does not continue off the dance floor and onto the carpet. Because quite a few styles of ballroom dancing require intimate movements as you see on DANCING WITH THE STARS, it is important to feel safe as a student and have a teacher that is incredibly understanding and professional. Although competitive dancing does help you to become a better dancer at a quicker pace, students in the Fred Astaire Organization are encouraged to learn at their own pace, and become whatever kind of dancer they want to be, whether it be a social dancer only or a competitive dancer.
It was not long before the studio really felt like home for me. The Penatello's became like family and I am still close friends with Jean, Charles, and their daughter, Christina, today. Somehow they achieved this balance of having a comfortable, homey setting while demonstrating the utmost in professionalism.
~ Joyce Biener
Dear Jeannie & Charlie:
May I be honored on behalf of Ilya, Nadia and myself to express our sincerest appreciation to you both for your help at the event on the 22nd and thru-out the whole process of my becoming a new partner/ owner in the Princeton studio. Your hard work made the event an" evening to remember". Each time I saw Charlie pouring wine, serving food or entertaining guests , proved he really is a hands-on regional director. He showed the staff and all attendees present that it takes "team-work" to be successful. His charismatic way, sense of humor and warm smile are a sign of warmth and trust acknowledged by all. I know everyone who attended, left the event with a new found respect of the Fred Astaire Way and a love for both Charlie & Jeannie.
What else can I say about Jeannie, except that she is an excetional woman and leader of the pack. Never so true is that "behind every successful man is a good woman " , Jennie has always been available to me whenever I reached out to her for help and she truly is the driving force behind what goes on. She does all of this with wisdom, grace and class. She has been an inspiration to me and I feel to everyone she meets.
I am proud to know you both and look forward to a lasting business and friendly relationship.
Millie Dhirmalani
Fred Asataire of Princeton, NJ
I am a biomedical research scientist, teacher, and lifelong musician, but I never danced until after my retirement, when I began taking lessons at one of the North Jersey Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Since then, ballroom dancing, including competition and exhibition (showcase) performances, has become my principal hobby. It's a source of good exercise, the satisfaction of learning new skills, and tremendous enjoyment. In addition to coordinating the dance education at the studios in their region, Charles and Jean Penatello have generously provided consistent help and encouragement, for which I am very grateful.
~ Dan B.