Heather (Rosenstein) Sarachek grew up in New Jersey and developed a passion for sports at an early age, instilled by her father, a lifelong NY Giants fan. Her only experience with organized dancing was a year of ballet classes she took in her youth. Flash forward, Heather loves to run and has completed several New York City Marathons with a PR of 3:44. She also enjoys skiing, tennis, cycling, swimming, and anything that involves being active outdoors with her family and friends. Professionally, she received an MBA from Columbia Business School and has always worked in the investment world, for the past 8 years as a Financial Advisor in Private Wealth Management.
Heather attended the 5th Annual Greenwich Dancing Stars last year at the invitation of good friends who introduced her to Abilis. She was immediately drawn to the people and the incredible work they do. Both she and her husband Joe have gotten involved since then. Heather, by making her debut in Dancing with the Stars, and Joe by becoming an Abilis employment partner, employing an Abilis community member working part time for his law firm.
Heather resides in Scarsdale and has 5 adult children, Jake, Sydney, Josh, Jason and Spencer. She loves to spend time with them playing sports, traveling and cooking healthy meals. Along with her parents, Nancy and Harry, family and close friends, they are excited to see her dance! She is grateful to Elmar and his team for their great instruction and to Afton for the warm welcome and encouragement.
Heather is paired with Fred Astaire Professional Elmar
Elmar began ballroom dancing in Germany at the age of 7, and through the years successfully competed in many Regional, National and International competitions. Upon completion of the extensive German training to become a certified dance instructor, he was immediately offered a position as Assistant Manager and Dance Instructor at one of the largest German dancing schools in Munich, Germany.
In January 2007, Elmar joined Fred Astaire Dance Studios as an owner and Director of the Brookfield, CT location and with the success of that studio He and his wife opened a second studio in Greenwich where he continues to pursue his passion for dancing. Under his direction and instruction, the Greenwich Fred Astaire Dance Studio's students and certified instructors have won top placements in competitions and enjoy the magic of dance.
