Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Life’s Better When You Dance
How One Family’s Passion for Dance is Changing Lives
by Kevin Boerup
Originally from Ukraine, the Varyvoda family moved to the United States eight years ago. They brought with them decades of academic expertise, rich dance experiences, a relentless work ethic, and a dream. Today, they own and operate two Fred Astaire Dance Studios in the Tucson metro area, and their story is more than an immigrant success story—it’s a story of transformation, community, and joy.
It All Started with a Step Oleksiy Varyvoda began dancing at age nine in Ukraine, chosen by a local program that spotted his potential. He trained competitively, traveling nearly every weekend for events, and began coaching by the age of 14. His wife, Yevheniia, pursued a professional academic career and became a university professor in environmental sciences.
Their daughter, Polina, followed in their footsteps. A competitive dancer, she trained and performed while excelling academically. After graduating from BASIS Oro Valley with high honors, she enrolled at the University of Arizona, the Eller College of Management, where she balances her studies with a leadership role in the family’s studios and community outreach. Their younger daughter, Monika, chose gymnastics as her passion and is now a fifth-grade student at BASIS Oro Valley.
The Birthday Wish
When Polina was just eight years old, her birthday wish was simple yet bold: “I dream to celebrate my 10th birthday in the United States of America.” That wish set the family’s journey in motion.
In 2017, supported by the Fred Astaire Dance Studios network, Oleksiy was granted a visa for athletes of extraordinary ability, and the family moved to Arizona. It was a leap of faith, but the Tucson community quickly embraced them.
Wayne and Marie Corso, the original founders of Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Tucson, embraced the Varyvoda family and became their first and closest American friends and partners. Through their generosity and support, they laid the foundation for success and inspired the family to build their future here.
Today, Yevheniia is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona’s College of Public Health, making her own impact on the community.
Meanwhile, Oleksiy and Polina poured their energy into the Fred Astaire Dance Studios franchise. Their newest studio, located at 7315 N Oracle Rd., Ste 200 in Oro Valley, opened with a mission: to enrich people’s lives physically, mentally, emotionally & socially, through the positive, transforming power of dance.
More Than Just Dance Lessons
The Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Oro Valley offers private lessons, group classes, practice parties, and competitive opportunities. Students don’t need a partner to start—professional instructors guide them step by step with patience and care.
“Dancing is for everyone,” Polina explains. “We work with excited wedding couples preparing their first dance, competitive dancers striving for championships, and social dancers rediscovering joy in life. We also bring dance into the lives of students with special needs and disabilities.”
The studio has hosted etiquette dances for local schools, joined university fundraisers, and is collaborating with the University of Arizona’s School of Dance to introduce ballroom into its curriculum.
A Place to Belong
Community lies at the heart of the Varyvoda family’s philosophy. They recall how neighbors furnished their first apartment and celebrated milestones with them. Today, they give back by making the studio a second home for others.
“Many of our students have always dreamed of dancing but come in nervous, unsure if they can even move to the rhythm,” Oleksiy shares. “A few months later, they’re performing confidently in front of crowds. It’s not just about dance—it’s about a remarkable experience, a new lifestyle, being active and inspired, filled with positive energy and unforgettable memories.”
Something for Everyone
Whether students aspire to compete at the world level or simply want to have fun, the studio offers a path. Weekly practice parties, cruise prep classes, and opportunities to learn from world-renowned guest coaches all enrich the experience.
The studio also creates choreographed routines for quinceañeras, corporate events, and other special occasions. Every program is customized to the student’s goals, age, and ability.
October Grand Opening: You’re Invited
The Varyvodas are celebrating the grand opening of their Oro Valley studio on October 14 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, dance demonstrations, and community festivities. It’s not just a business launch—it’s a heartfelt thank-you to the town that welcomed them with open arms.
A Simple Message: Take the First Step
“It’s never too late,” Oleksiy reminds. “Between your dream and the decision to act is the longest distance. Once you take that first step, everything can change.”
www.fredastaire.com/orovalley/
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