Local dance studio battles breast cancer during National Ballroom Dance Week

For many of us it takes a nagging partner or an act of God to get us on the dance floor. But with hearts bigger than our pride, even the most uncoordinated among us will bust a move to help locals battling breast cancer.

That's why local husbands, daughters, wives, sons, grandmas and grandpas will come out for professional dance lessons to raise money and awareness for those battling and surviving breast cancer.

To celebrate National Ballroom Dance Week, Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Long Grove will offer introductory dance lessons for only $1 and introductory dance packages for only $10 to anyone battling or having survived breast cancer. All proceeds raised from the offers will be donated to a local charity focused on breast cancer awareness. The offer begins at the start of National Ballroom Dance Week (September 20) and lasts through October at their studio located at 342 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove.

"With National Ballroom Dance Week leading right into October this year, we thought it made great sense to get a jump on breast cancer awareness month by encouraging locals to get out and dance," says Fred Astaire Dance Studio owner Jesse DeSoto. "We know how important it is for breast cancer survivors to have activities that make them feel whole, so National Ballroom Dance Week is a great opportunity to get them into the dance studio for some emotionally therapeutic fun."

A recent study from the National Institute of Health found that women battling or recovering from breast cancer who participated in dance therapy found five major benefits. Dance therapy helps them:

*Cope with cancer, treatment, and physical symptoms.

*Improve mental well-being, attention, and appreciation for the self and body.

*Improve total functioning.

*Bridge back to a normal and better life.

*Participate in shared positive experiences.

The offer begins during National Ballroom Dance Week (September 20-29) and extends throughout October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Long Grove located at 342 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Everyone is invited to come and try ballroom dancing, but breast cancer survivors can sign up for introductory dance lessons for only $1 and introductory dance packages for only $10.

Offers are available by calling Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Long Grove at (847) 634-1100.