Greater Port Jeff coverage is funded in part by McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson & Riordan, LLP, representing NY’s injured workers for 80+ years. Click here to read more.
Fred Astaire Ballroom Studio is waltzing into Port Jefferson this week, marking the latest addition to the village’s growing Jefferson Crossing development.
The new dance studio, located at 1615 Main St., is owned by Hlib Obraztsov and Oksana Mykytchuk, a Ukrainian-born couple that have spent their lives mastering ballroom dancing.
Together, they’ve competed around the globe and spent the last three years teaching at a Fred Astaire studio in Brewster, N.Y.
Now, they’re striking out on their own.
“We decided we are ready to do something for us and where we can share our skills with other people,” Mykytchuk said. “We loved visiting Port Jefferson and fell in love with the area.”
The pair signed the lease for the 3,100-square-foot space in December after discovering the newly built Jefferson Crossing complex — conveniently located near the Port Jefferson LIRR station and just a mile from the ferry.
Construction has been ongoing since, with the studio set to welcome its first students in early July.
Founded in 1947 and named after the legendary dancer and actor, Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer more than 20 styles of social dance. That includes everything from salsa and swing to tango, foxtrot and waltz.
They also provide wedding dance lessons and competition training for both children and adults.
This marks the fourth Fred Astaire location on Long Island, joining studios in Manhasset, Garden City and Smithtown.
“Come enjoy with us and enrich your life through the power of dance,” Mykytchuk said. “It’s never too late to start dancing, it’s what’s going to make you happy and create a community.”
More from Upper Port
From the archives
Top: Oksana Mykytchuk and Hlib Obraztsov. The Ukrainian-born couple that have spent their lives mastering ballroom dancing. (courtesy photo0
