Today we’d like to introduce you to Tetyana Makarenko.
Hi Tetyana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband and I are both originally from Eastern Europe — I’m from Ukraine, and he’s from Belarus. Dance has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember — we both started when we were just six to eight years old and never stopped. It’s more than a hobby for us; it’s a way of life.
In our early twenties, we had the amazing opportunity to move to the United States to continue doing what we love. We began teaching ballroom dancing here in Florida back in 2014, and after more than a decade, we now proudly own our own studio in Orlando.
At our studio, we’ve created something truly special — a warm, welcoming community for adult ballroom dancers. While we work with children occasionally, our main focus is adults 30 and older. We love giving people a second chance to dance — to feel young again, to reconnect with themselves, and to discover how movement can make life brighter, healthier, and happier.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge made us stronger. When we first came to the U.S., we started from zero — a new country, new language, and new culture — and worked tirelessly to build a name and a community around our love for dance.
In 2020, when the world shut down during COVID, the dance industry faced one of its toughest moments. Many studios closed, teachers left, and everything we had built seemed uncertain. But we refused to stop — we kept going, adapted, and stayed connected with our students and community.
Now, looking back, we realize that it was never meant to be easy — and that’s what makes the journey so meaningful. Every bump, every risk, and every long day brought us closer to where we are now: stronger, wiser, and more passionate than ever about what we do.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Fred Astaire Dance Studio Dr. Phillips, we specialize in ballroom and Latin dance instruction for adults — from absolute beginners to advanced dancers. What truly sets us apart is the atmosphere we’ve created: elegant, welcoming, and full of positive energy. Our studio has become a community where people come not only to learn how to dance, but also to connect, grow, and celebrate life together.
We’re best known for helping adults rediscover themselves through dance. Most of our students are 30 and older, and we love giving them a space where they can feel young again, build confidence, and experience the joy of movement. Over the years, we’ve proudly represented Orlando in national competitions and showcases, always with the same mission in mind — to inspire confidence, connection, and happiness through dance.
What makes you happy?
What truly makes us happy is seeing the transformation in people who come to us. Many arrive carrying stress, sadness, or self-doubt — and sometimes even deeper emotional struggles. But after just one lesson, we start to see their faces light up. Their energy changes, their eyes shine, and they leave smiling and full of life.
That feeling — watching someone rediscover joy and confidence through dance — is priceless. It reminds us that what we do goes far beyond steps or technique. It’s about helping people feel alive again. Our students make us happy, no matter what’s happening on the business side. Their growth, their victories at competitions, or even just the progress in a 45-minute lesson — that’s what truly fills our hearts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fredastaire.com/doctor-phillips/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredastairedoctorphillips
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GW4Kg3hVU/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fredastairedoctorphillips
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/Mr_DCdNQYI
