Local Instructors

Leigh Ann Bishop

Phone: (901) 619-9890
Email: send an email to Leigh Ann

Leigh Ann instructed for four years with Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Germantown. Leigh Ann was chosen "Rookie of the Year" for the South Central United States in her first year of teaching and was ranked in the top 5 female teachers for the year. The following year, Leigh Ann was named top female teacher for the region.

Charles Cox

Phone: 901-267-4347
Email: send an email to Charles

Receiving his Instructor Certification from the Arthur Murray Dance Studios of Memphis in 1968, Mr. Cox continued teaching at Arthur Murray, and  later at the Ambassador Studio, Memphis; Fred Astaire Studio,Dance City in Houston TX and Fred Astaire,Metarie, LA.   Coaching studies, to date, includes Ray and June Mavor, Shalene Archer-Ermis and currently Anne Marie Fournier.  As a competitor, he holds a Bronze Champion, in the USADance Southeast Region Competition.

Ed Hirsch

Phone: 901-362-9139
Email: send an email to Ed

Frank Holeman

Phone: 901-338-5312
Email: send an email to Frank

Studied all forms of dance and theater since the age of six and studied piano, classical guitar and voice. Beginning in 1960, employed by several of the major ballroom dance organizations, with these companies was a Certified Adjudicator, Certified Dance Director, Regional Dance Director, Teacher, Owner, and Competitor - Professional and Pro Am. 

Jeannette Jeffries

Phone: 901-486-8176
Email: send an email to Jeannette

Jeannette Jeffries has been teaching West Coast Swing since 2000. She is a certfied instructor of West Coast Swing through the PDIA. She has continued her education through private lessons and workshops with some of the top national instructors.

Desiree McCain

Phone: 901-831-1790
Email: send an email to Desiree

Desiree McCain was dancing by the time she was three years old. She grew up under the instruction of acclaimed ballroom dance icon, Roy Mavor. At the age of 18, Desiree moved to New York City to accept a dance scholarship with the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She has taught ballroom and choreography for more than twenty years. 

Michael Richardson

Phone: 901-336-3096
Email: send an email to Michael

Ballroom and Latin;  Instructor , Coach and Adjudicator, Kerry began his professional teaching career, in Memphis,  in 1978 at age 15.  1989 moved  to a New Orleans Studio. After teaching only 7 months, he was offered a position in New York., later becoming an Independent Instructor to date.

Kerry has traveled world wide , competing for 30 years and is ranked 30th in the top 48, in Blackpool, Professional Standard.  He has preformed in major motion pictures and on New York Stages;  Danced at Carnegie Hall in a remake of Cole Porter’s “Jubilee”, sharing the stage with Sandy Duncan and Bea Arther.  He is ranked one of the top pro-am teachers in the country.

Joseph Rukendorfer

Phone: 901-685-0145
Phone: 901-857-2950
Email: send an email to Joseph

Joseph Rukendorfer is a dual fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and certified in all levels of Ballroom and Latin American Dancing (international style). He has worked years at local Fred Astaire studios, which gave him thorough experience with the American style of dancing.  He teaches all levels of both styles including Theater Arts.

Eric Snyder

Phone: (502)-376-6329
Email: send an email to Eric

Eric Snyder began his professional teaching career in Louisville 9 years ago.  He has been employed at the Memphis Fred Astarie for 7 years.  Eric is certified to teach all social levels of American dance.  Although he does a great job with new students, Eric's position at Fred Astaire has him concentrating on teaching advanced and competitive students.  He has won numerous regional competitions in both smooth and rhythm at a professional level.  His fun teaching methods and easy-going personality make him well liked and well known throughout the country in the Fred Astaire family.