STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Kelly Gilmore, owner and director of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Arrochar, was recognized during a ceremony commemorating 35 years with the organization at a national dance competition in Orlando, Fla.
Gilmore's association with the organization dates back to 1982.
And here's Gilmore's illustrious story:
In the summer of 1995 Gilmore founded the Fred Astaire Studio in Grasmere and throughout the years he has also owned and operated dance studios in Manhattan and in New Jersey.
He has coached countless local residents in the art of social as well as competitive ballroom dancing -- and his dancing talent and teaching skills have been showcased on local and national television programs.
Fred Astaire dance instructor, Kelly Gilmore, with Staten Islander dancers, Halina Malinowski and Valerie Belzaguy who participated in the Fred Astaire National Dance Championships in Orlando, Fla.
Interestingly, he's performed alongside cast members of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" for a "Disney' Holiday Special" filmed at Disney World.
What's more, Kelly has actively engaged in community outreach dance programs taught for Staten Island's YMCA and JCC.
Under the auspices of the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, Staten Island Arts Su-Casa Program, he has conducted dance programs and demonstrations for Staten Island seniors at Friendship Clubs and Senior Centers.
And earlier this year, Gilmore was recognized by Channel 1 News as the "Staten Islander of the Week" for his work teaching dance with Eden II students.
In addition to dance, the illustrious dance instuctor shares his numerous talents with the public by continuing his lifelong interest for acting, singing and musical theater.
In 2016 he performed at the Lincoln Center Mostly Mozart Festival's world premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner David Lang's choral event and he frequently appears with Viva Voce Choir adjunct to Staten Island Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2015 Kelly appeared in the Off Broadway play "The Events" at the New York Theatre Workshop.
He has also acted in several Manhattan equity showcases for the Out of The Box Theatre Company.
He most recently performed in "It's a Wonderful Life Radio Show" and in 2016 he reprised the role of Roy Maxwell in "Deep are the Roots" a play originally directed by Elia Kazan and performed on Broadway in 1946.
He also performed in the "Amahl and the Night Visitors" for the The Harbor Lights Theater Company in Staten Island.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio is located at 96 McClean Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.
FYI: The Fred Astaire Dance Studio was founded when a chain of dance studios opened in his name to ensure his dance techniques could be preserved and passed onto the public.
So on March 7th, 1947, the first Fred Astaire Dance Studio opened, at 487 Park Ave. in Manhattan and since that time they've produced a wealth of amateur and professional dancers, who are embodying Fred Astaire's unique style and grace.
The Staten Island Fred Astaire Dance Studio is located at 96 McClean Ave.
For additional information on dance programs, contact Gilmore at FredAstaireStatenIsland.com or 718-668-1300.