Dan Rutherford

Born: January 24
Current location: Carmel, Indiana
Current status:

Fred Astaire Dance Studio Owner
Area Director & Dance Board Member of Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS)
Instructor
Choreographer
NDCA Invigilator
NDCA Adjudicator
WDC Adjudicator

Dan Rutherford is a former Professional Ballroom Dancer, specializing in the American Style. A World Professional Open American Rhythm Champion, Dan is the owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio located in Carmel, Indiana. He is also a certified adjudicator for the National Dance Council of America and the World Dance Council.

Contents [hide]

1. Overview
2. Renowned Performer
3. Sharing His Passion
4. Accomplishments
5. Dance Partners
6. Entrepreneurship
7. Photo Gallery
8. Video Gallery
9. References

Overview

Dan Rutherford studied jazz dance extensively from the age of five through his late teens. He then began a career in ballroom dancing.

Dan started competing with his dance partner and wife Nicole Carroll-Rutherford in the Open American Rhythm division. They were in every Open American Rhythm final from the start to the end of their career, which lasted for 10 years. After only seven months of competing together, they took part in the United States Dance Championships (USDC) and became the 4th official ranked couple in the U.S.

The couple went on to win major competitions throughout the U.S. and ultimately to win their highest accolade: the World Professional Open American Rhythm Championship. Dan and Nicole were also voted the United States “Overall Top Professional Couple of the Year,” two years consecutively.

Dan and Nicole have always treasured the moments they have shared together, grand or small, then and now. They have never wavered from their kindred love, passion and desire of dance. To this day they say, “We are so fortunate to have found each other as dancers and soulmates," as they became husband and wife during this 23 year partnership as well.

Renowned Performer

Dan and Nicole have been featured performers on America's Ballroom Challenge as seen on PBS in February 2007 as well as on the results show for Dancing with the Stars.

They have also been seen on Nostalgia, Good Life TV, PBS's Championship Ballroom Dancing, Dancing with the Stars Christmas at Disney World and recently, in 2017, after 14 years from being retired, Dan and Nicole performed a Rumba while Linda Eder from Broadway sang live “What Did You See Inside The Stars” on Live TV for America’s Ballroom Challenge/Ohio Star Ball’s 40th Anniversary Show, “Legends and Champions”.

Sharing His Passion

Dan has produced numerous champions throughout his career as a teacher and coach. He has also danced on stage with numerous celebrities as a back up, chorus line and principal dancer in many productions. He is now the owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio located in Carmel, Indiana and has been with Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) since 2004.

Dan is part of the prestigious Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) National Dance Board team that actively coaches students and instructors in dance studio locations across the Fred Astaire network, oversees dance instructor training and certification, judges (Professional, Amateur, Pro-Am) at Regional and National Fred Astaire Dance Studio Dance Competition events, and continuously reviews the proprietary dance curriculum to ensure only the finest, most up-to-date programs for students.

Accomplishments

Finalist in every Open American Rhythm Championship of his career
Ranked 4th official couple in the U.S. at the United States Dance Championships (USDC) after only 7 months of dancing with Nicole Carroll-Rutherford
World Professional Open American Rhythm Champion
Voted U.S. “Overall Top Professional Couple of the Year” two years consecutively with Nicole Carroll-Rutherford
Featured performer on: