Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez
Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez
Delray Beach Fred Astaire Dance Studio owners Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez to teach "American Smooth & American Rhythm" segment of course this fall
We're honored that FAU recognizes the educational value of these skills and is providing students with this opportunity. ”— Mar MartinezBOCA RATON, FL, UNITED STATES, August 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Students at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) will soon be able to take ballroom dance lessons as part of their academic schedule. Starting in the Fall 2026 semester, world champion dance professionals and co-owners of Delray Beach Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez, will lead the "American Smooth & American Rhythm" unit—a newly introduced ballroom and Latin dance module that highlights practical life skills useful beyond the dance floor.
This ballroom and Latin component is part of a newly expanded 15-week Introduction to Dance course at FAU, offered through the university’s Department of Theatre and Dance. Alongside the five weeks of American Smooth and American Rhythm taught by Sepulveda and Martinez, students will spend five weeks on Tap and five weeks on Hip Hop—providing a broad exposure to three distinct dance styles, including their rhythms, historical backgrounds, and techniques, all within one semester. This pilot marks the first time ballroom and Latin dance have been included in FAU’s academic offerings, and students will earn three credit hours for completing the course.
Open to every FAU student, the American Smooth & American Rhythm unit will cover ballroom dances that move across the floor and Latin dances that are mostly performed in a stationary spot. This five-week section includes ten sessions, meeting twice a week from August 24 and ending with a showcase on September 23.
Beyond learning steps, the course aims to help students build valuable personal and professional abilities, such as socializing and interpersonal communication, professional poise and self-assurance, manners and social awareness, leadership and teamwork, as well as physical fitness and overall wellness.
"This is much bigger than teaching dance," said Sepulveda. "Ballroom dancing teaches people how to communicate, connect, present themselves professionally, and work with others. These are skills that students can carry into their careers, relationships, and everyday lives."
Martinez noted that the program draws from educational traditions found across Europe, where ballroom dance has long been a part of school curricula, used to teach social interaction, confidence, communication, and cultural appreciation.
"In many European countries, learning ballroom dance is considered part of a well-rounded education," added Martinez. "We're excited to bring that philosophy to FAU and introduce students to an experience that develops both technical skills and personal growth."
For Sepulveda and Martinez, who have spent years instructing everyone from beginners to competitive dancers, this opportunity represents a significant milestone in elevating ballroom dance as an academic discipline.
"Ballroom dance combines artistry, athleticism, etiquette, teamwork, and communication in a way that few activities can," said Sepulveda. "We're honored that FAU recognizes the educational value of these skills and is providing students with this opportunity."
Martinez added, "Our hope is that students leave the course with more confidence, stronger communication skills, new friendships, and a lifelong appreciation for dance."
About Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez
Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez are world champion professional dancers and co-owners of Delray Beach Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Recognized among South Florida's leading ballroom and Latin dance instructors, they have helped hundreds of students build confidence, improve wellness, and discover the transformative power of dance through personalized instruction, competitive training, and community programming.
About Delray Beach Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Delray Beach Fred Astaire Dance Studio is one of South Florida’s premier destinations for ballroom and Latin dance instruction, offering private lessons, group classes, social dance parties, competitive training, and specialized programs for adults of all ages and abilities. Owned and operated by world champion professional dancers Clifton Sepulveda and Mar Martinez, the studio is recognized for its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional teaching, and strong sense of community. With a focus on confidence, connection, and personal transformation, Delray Beach Fred Astaire helps students experience the joy, artistry, and wellness benefits of dance — whether they’re brand-new beginners, seasoned performers, or individuals seeking movement-based wellness support. Learn more at https://www.fredastairedelraybeach.com.
About Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University serves more than 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses along Florida’s Southeast coast. Recognized as one of only 11 institutions nationwide to achieve three Carnegie Foundation designations – R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production,” “Opportunity College and University,” and Carnegie Community Engagement Classification – FAU stands at the intersection of academic excellence and social mobility. Ranked among the Top 100 Public Universities by U.S. News & World Report, FAU is also nationally recognized as a Top 25 Best-In-Class College and cited by Washington Monthly as “one of the country’s most effective engines of upward mobility.” As a university of first choice for students across Florida and the nation, FAU welcomed its most academically competitive incoming class in university history in Fall 2025. To learn more, visit www.fau.edu.
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