Evan Wellemeyer - Manager/ Owner
Evan began dancing at the age of 15, taking Ballroom and Latin classes regularly until age 20 when he was hired by Arthur Murray dance studios as an instructor.  He then began competing professionally and won numerous regional titles as well as being a finalist in larger national competitions.  Evan joined the Fred Astaire team in the spring of 2007.  Taking over as manager in 2008.

Kate Barnhill - Manager/ Owner

Kate began dancing at the age of 7 taking ballet classes with her siblings. Her passion for dance expanded into other areas in her teen years. Music, Cheerleading and Gymnastics helped solidify her athletic ability and interpretation of music. Her dancing career began at the age of 22 where she was trained as an instructor for Arthur Murray. Kate came to Fred Astaire in 2008 where she was able to really excel as a dance professional in the West Hartford studio. She has consistently maintained status as a top teacher in the region while partnering with other professionals and competing regularly.

The Staff of the Glastonbury Studio

Andrew Kerski - Dance Instructor

Andrew began dancing at age 15, taking ballroom and Latin classes at his local dance studio. Within a year, he had begun partnering with numerous amateur females and competing nationally by the age of 18. Andrew began to develop  a passion for American rhythm and began to train outside of his local studio. Within several years of venturing out from his starting studio, he and his partner had already won several regional and national titles, including the Ohio Star Ball. Another year after that, he won his first world title.

Rachel Stankevich - Dance Instructor

Rachel began dancing as an amateur at the age of 11. She began competing in 2001, taking numerous titles including regional American Smooth Champion and National 10 dance Junior Champion. While attending high school, she obtained the title of Top Regional Junior. Her passion and drive inspired her to turn her love of dancing into a career. In 2009 she joined the Glastonbury Fred Astaire Team as a Professional teacher and competitor. Since then she has won multiple championship titles in the region as well as nationally. She is  among the top Female teachers currently in the region.

Ecaterina Liubenco - Dance Instructor

Ecaterina Liubenco came to Fred Astaire in August of 2010 from the republic of Moldova!  She brings with her an extensive background with over 15 years of International Latin and Standard experience.  Ecaterina competed extensively and holds numerous European titles as well as Moldavian National Champion.  Although her main competitive focus was International Latin, she studied Standard in depth as well.  She has already become very familiar with the American style of dance and has grabbed her first united states title as Fred Astaire Regional Champion.  We are very happy to have her on our Glastonbury Team!

Vlad Astafiev - Dance Instructor

Vlad Astafiev came to Fred Astaire in October of 2009 from Ukraine.  He has been a passionate dancer and competitor since childhood participating in many european competitions such as the Lugansk Open, golden Cup Ukranian National championships, Slovenia Open, Venice Open, and Italian National Championships.  since he arrived in the U.S., he has already begun making his mark in many United States Dancesports Championships and has taken the title of Fred Astaire Regional Champion!  Vlad is well trained in International Latin & Standard as well as American style Smooth & Rhythm.  We are proud to have his dynamic approach to dancing & teaching on our Glastonbury Team!

Jen Crandall - Receptionist
Jen has been with the studio for seven years and is a pivotal piece of our Fred Astaire Glastonbury Team. She is happy and friendly and ready to help with all of the non-dancing needs.