Born and raised in New York City, Robin Arnold is a proud Mom and Grandma. She has a Masters in Deaf Education and taught at Lexington School for the Deaf. Robin does Pet Therapy work with her Standard Poodle at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.
Robin has traveled the world. She is an avid hiker-summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro and trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp. Robin is also a former marathon runner with three marathons under her belt. As someone who has always loved dancing and has a background with the special needs population, Robin feels this is a great way to combine two of her passions to help a wonderful cause.
Robin is volunteering at Abilis and preparing for her debut at the Dancing With the Stars event. Her spine is fused with titanium rods and screws as a result of severe scoliosis (from T9 to her sacrum), but she is always ready to dance!
Robin 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.
