Cleveland Browns' Halloween halftime show will feature Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby
Oct. 30—For the first time ever, ballroom dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Willoughby will perform for a Cleveland Browns' halftime show.
Michael Jackson's "Thriller" will be the theme of the Oct. 31 performance.
"We're honored that our studio was invited to perform during Monday Night Football," said Kellie Titus, owner of Fred Astaire Willoughby. "I think from the very moment it came out of my mouth, they were thrilled at the opportunity. There was never hesitation. They were marking their calendars right then."
In addition to Alyssa Maynard, of Eastlake, Shannon Grace, of Medina, and Sean Dance of Willoughby, the ballroom dancers from the Willoughby studio, cheerleaders, members of the Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team and break dancers will be performing.
During the time Titus danced professionally for the NBA, the AFL and for a modern dance company, she never heard of any dancing opportunities for the Browns.
"Anything Cleveland I could do, I did, but the one thing that was not even accessible as a pro was the NFL," Titus said. "When I heard about the director putting together something and wanting to have a ballroom piece, I got contacted for it. Immediately, I was like yes."
Titus put together a specific ballroom piece of "Thriller" for the halftime show and shortly after, the Fred Astaire Willoughby dancers were invited to perform.
"I'm hoping that this exposure gets them to imagine even bigger for their own lives. It's a joy to be along for the ride."
"For them, this is probably their first time performing for thousands of people," Titus said. "One of my dancers has performed at a NBA game, but never NFL. This will probably be their first time on such a massive scale in Cleveland to be able to dance in front of people."
Fred Astaire Dance Studios was founded in 1947 by the famous dancer. There are more than 110 franchises in the United States. The Willoughby studio has been operating since 2005.
Andrea Bisconti opened the studio with a partner and then sold it to Titus in 2017.
Prior to Dancing with the Stars aired, people's minds went to the Lawrence Welk Show when ballroom dancing was talked about, Bisconti said.
"Ballroom dancing was sedate and for your grandma, and young people didn't do it," she said. "We all danced by ourselves in night clubs. When Dancing with the Stars came out, people saw how athletic it is, how interesting the choreography is and partnership. You look in someone's eyes, you bring out emotions, you can be romantic and you can be flirty."
Although it's unusual to see ballroom dancers at a halftime show on the football field, it's an opportunity for the dancers to showcase ballroom dancing, Bisconti said.
"It's just a really neat thing," she said.
Titus is hoping that the exposure will allow the dancers to imagine bigger for their own lives.
"It's a joy to be along for the ride," she said. "I think any time you are a performer, you hope that what you're doing makes an impact. My hope is that someone watches it and sees how much we added to the performance. Jazz dancers and hip-hop dancers you think of, but not always ballroom in a sports arena. There is a place for it."
