Frequently Asked Questions
Fred Astaire offers lessons for singles and couples alike. Whatever your situation, one of our well-trained professional instructors will guide you.
All lessons are 40 minute sessions; the hours of instruction are Monday-Friday 12pm-9pm and Saturday by appointment only. Private instruction is tailored to your personal needs. Learning at your own pace is the optimum method of comprehension and that is what private instruction enforces. One common misconception about private lessons is that they take place in seclusion. On the contrary; up to ten private lessons could be going on at the same time in our Main Ballroom. Our students have found that learning in this environment has given them a major advantage in social dance settings.
All of the dances at Fred Astaire Dance Studios are interrelated, it is just as easy to learn 3-4 dances as it is to learn 1-2. In most dance situations, you will need to know a variety of steps in a multitude of dances.
Comfort and class is what we encourage. Comfortable leather soled shoes dance best on our ballroom floor. Any type of sling-backs, tennis shoes or boots are discouraged. Practice wear and dance shoes are available for purchase in our dance apparel department.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios teaches a style of dance that is used in any social situation. Although many students come to us initially to learn for a special occasion, for example, a wedding, cruise, bar mitzvah, Doctor’s ball, etc., they find many other events for dance in their personal lives. We also provide practice parties for your convenience. Our facility is a smoke-free environment for your dancing pleasures. So, take your “first step” with our current special.
A Social Dance Party (also referred to as a Practice Party) is an event we hold 2-3 times per month to allow our students to practice dancing socially before using their new skill in a public setting. These parties are designed for Beginner Students that don’t feel confident enough to dance in social situations. Not only are parties great to further your dance education, but they are also a great way to fill your social calendar and meet new people! Our professional instructors are there to offer any help, and make you feel comfortable.
Our Group Classes are designed to be taken in addition to your private lessons. We offer a variety of topics to better your technique, physical fitness, and understanding of ballroom dances. In order to attend our Group Classes, you must regularly attend private lessons as well.
Not necessarily. In order to accommodate your busy schedule, we attempt to be as flexible as possible. We also recommend that you book your lessons several weeks in advance in order to reserve your preferred times.
Due to the growing popularity of ballroom dancing, we ask that our students cancel any lesson a minimum of 24 hours ahead of time to avoid being charged.
Good is a relative term. We treat every student as an individual and focus on their personal talents and goals. A social bronze dancer has complete confidence in being able to dance with any partner on any size dance floor to any tempo of music.
It helps to remember that everyone in your group class is at the same level as you. Some people learn quickly, some more slowly. Remember that everyone in the group is concerned about what others think of them. No one is going to have time to worry about how you look! Their thinking about how they look! So, relax, take your time and have FUN learning. Anyone who can walk can dance!
