Rocky Hill Seven-Year-Old Steals the Show at Dance Competition

This article written and reported by Karen Green  

While ballroom dancing is not at the top of the list of preferred activities for most boys, it has been my experience that cute guys who can dance, no matter what their age, will always be a star on the dance floor. 

I recently had the chance to witness this for myself when I had the pleasure to watch seven-year-old Aidan Boutin of Rocky Hill compete at the Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios Dancesport Championships where he instantly became the star of the show.  

Aidan has been a student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Middletown for about six months and recently attended the ballroom dance competition at the Omni Hotel in New Haven with his instructors, Kimber Petrucci and Christina Dufour.  His first number was a showcase to a medley of tunes from the Wizard of Oz.  Kimber was the beautiful Glinda the Good Witch, while Christina, as Dorothy, bore a startling resemblance to Judy Garland right down to her curly pigtails.  Aidan of course, was the most adorable Toto.  He danced his way into the hearts of the crowd and the judges, to whom he presented a giant lollipop as part of his routine.    

Aidan completely stole the show during the Latin portion of the event.  His dances with Christina included the Rumba, Cha Cha and Swing.   In addition to Aidan’s many fans, which included mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather, twin sister Abby and brother Alex, spectators around the floor were enchanted with the young star.  As Daniel Tackett, the Master of Ceremonies, commented, “He’s only 7 years old and somehow you can't help but look up to him!  I’m telling you, his performance throughout the competition was single-handedly worth the whole trip!”  

During the Ballroom portion of the competition, Aidan, looking handsome in his black vest and light blue tie, competed with Kimber in the Foxtrot, the Waltz and the Swing.  Nerves didn’t seem to be a problem for him as he completed the steps and executed a perfect under arm turn to the delight of everyone in the ballroom. 

Aidan, who is in second grade, also enjoys baseball and traveling with his family.  But, spending time with his grandmother, who considers Aidan to be her Prince Charming, is one of his favorite pastimes. After completing his first session of dancing, Aidan came off the floor and jumped right into his grandmother’s arms.  “I’m so glad you signed me up for dance lessons,” he said as he hugged her tight. 

Aidan is currently working on his next showcase, a Superman routine with Kimber which he will perform at the Fred Astaire World Competition in Puerto Rico in July.    The Dancesport Championships are one of four events held by the New England Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios and feature competition in Ballroom and Latin dancing.  The competitors range in age from 7 to 92 and come from all over New England.  

For more information on future events contact a Fred Astaire Dance Studio near you.  You can find your closest studio at www.fredastaire.com.