Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Cave Creek

In group lessons, weekly practice parties, regional and national competitions and studio events and outings, you’ll meet a melting pot of people of all ages, with varied cultural and occupational backgrounds. And the best part? Since they all share your passion for dance, these meetings often transition into lasting friendships.

Ballroom dance lessons offer you a great opportunity to expand your social circle, build connections and engage with people in a low-pressure environment, where there are no expectations. It’s perfect for younger singles who want to step up their dating game, couples looking to reconnect, and for adults interested in discovering something new and inspiring, just for them.

Ballroom dance as anxiety or depression treatment is more likely to be voluntarily continued by participants than some traditional forms of therapy, which can further increases its effectiveness.

Group activities such as ballroom dance lessons can expand your sense of social “connectedness”, which is beneficial to lowering stress and depression levels. Ballroom dance is similar to the practice of mindful meditation (which has been shown to significantly reduce levels of depression and stress) in that it requires you to fully focus your attention, and be present in the moment.

Dance lessons provide an enjoyable escape from your normal daily routine, plus a chance to relax, relieve stress, and concentrate just on yourself. Our students often tell us that even if they’re “not feeling it” when they arrive for a lesson, once they stretch and start dancing, they’re able to forget about the day’s triggers, simply b-r-e-a-t-h-e and let the dance take over.

Dancing comes naturally to people, and it’s an easy activity for anyone to partake in. Dance provides an emotional outlet to express your feelings through body movements, with passion and flair. Ballroom dancing can be a wonderful creative outlet to enhance your ability to permanently use these expressive qualities even when you are not dancing, and to share that creativity with others.

Every opportunity to dance – whether during a lesson or a social event, whether with your significant other or a new dance partner – will help improve your comfort level, confidence and communication skills on the dance floor. As your dance technique improves and you feel more at ease with other people, your sense of accomplishment, motivation and confidence will continue to increase.

Research has found that ballroom dancing improves mental acuity throughout a dancer’s life – and that there are also substantial benefits to those who start ballroom dance as adults. Ballroom dancing can help enhance memory, alertness, awareness, focus, and concentration. It can prevent the onset of dementia and significantly improve spatial memory in elderly patients.

Ballroom dance can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen weight-bearing bones, help prevent or slow bone loss related to osteoporosis, lower the risks of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, and promote increased lung capacity. It can help speed up recovery after orthopedic surgery since it’s a lower impact exercise than jogging or biking.

Yoga and ballet stretches can be extremely beneficial as pre-ballroom dance warm-ups, but be sure to talk with your Fred Astaire Dance Studios instructor about a recommended warm-up regimen.

Ballroom dancing contributes to the build-up of muscle strength because the act of dancing forces a dancer’s muscles to resist against their own body weight. The use of quick steps, lifts, twists and turns, will help you develop more muscle strength in your arms, legs and core as your lessons continue. Endurance (in this context) is the capability of your muscles to work harder and longer without succumbing to fatigue.

Ballroom dancing is that perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation, and it can bring so much to your life. It’s a great workout; has documented physical and mental health benefits; can enhance your social life and self-confidence; reduces stress and depression; promotes relaxation; is a wonderful outlet for self-expression and creativity; and it’s FUN!! With all these reasons to start dancing – we challenge you to find a good reason NOT to.

West Coast Swing (or Western Swing) quickly gained popularity across the U.S. because of its sophisticated style and easy adaptation to contemporary rock music. A regional style popular on the West Coast of the U.S., the dance made a bid for national recognition in the late 50s and continues to grow in popularity in the 21st century.

The Waltz, one of the most timeless and elegant dances, traces its roots back over 400 years to the countryside of Bavaria. Initially a simple folk dance known as the Volte, it began captivating European society when it debuted in English ballrooms in 1812.

The Viennese Waltz, as its known today, was first danced by European royalty during the era of the Austrian composers, Johann Strauss I and Johann Strauss II (1800s). Its hallmark charisma and social grace is typical of that period of history. The Viennese Waltz became the only dance of that era which is still performed by the American public.

During the greatest period of the dance evolution in American history (1910-1914), the Tango made its first appearance. It was instantly a hit with the dance-conscious public for its intriguing, asymmetrical, and sophisticated patterns which added a touch of romance to the country’s dance consciousness. The Tango has no clearly defined origin: it may have originated in Argentina, Brazil, Spain, or Mexico, but it clearly descended from an early Spanish folk dance, the Milonga, and bears traces of Moorish and Arabic ancestry.

Feel the Rhythm of Samba at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Cave Creek. When the lively Brazilian Samba first made its way to the U.S. in 1929, it was an instant hit, captivating dancers with its infectious rhythm and vibrant energy.

Bring the Heat with Salsa at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Cave Creek Salsa is the ultimate blend of passion, energy, and fun! With its roots in Cuban Son and Afro-Cuban Rumba, this dynamic dance is full of rhythm and flair.

Rumba is one of the ballroom dances which occurs in social dance and in international competitions. It is the slowest of the five competitive International Latin dances. This ballroom Rumba was derived from a Cuban rhythm and dance called the Bolero-Son.

The Quickstep, with its roots in Ragtime, was developed in the 1920’s in New York from a combination of Foxtrot, Charleston, Peabody and the One-Step. Originally it was danced solo – away from the partner, but later became a partner dance. It was originally given the name “Quick Time Fox Trot” but eventually that name was changed to Quickstep. The dance traveled to England and was developed into the dance that we know today, and was standardized in 1927. In a basic form Quickstep is a combination of walks and chasses but in an advanced stage hops jumps & many syncopations are utilized. It is an elegant and glamorous dance and body contact is maintained throughout the dance.

The Paso Doble (or pasodoble), in its classical form dates back many centuries and was originally intended for use at bullfights when the matador was victorious in the arena. The music adapted itself so beautifully to the dance that the villagers danced to the exciting, lively music for hours on end. Americans first viewed the Paso Doble when flamenco dancers used this music to dance the role of a bullfighter. It has been a favorite (in its ballroom version) since the 1930s. In the ballroom version of the Paso Doble, the gentleman usually portrays the bullfighter and the lady is his cape, although there are times when a very strong aggressive action in certain movements seems to suggest the actions of the bull. The Paso Doble moves around the floor and is characterized by sharp movements. A most helpful aid in acquiring the proper feeling is to visualize the pageantry of the matadors, as they make their grand entry into the bull ring and feel the attitude that is displayed during the fight.

Both Haiti and the Dominican Republic claim Merengue as their own. According to Haitian lore, an earlier ruler of their country had a lame son who liked to dance. In order that this beloved prince would not feel self-conscious about his affliction, the entire populace took to dancing as though they all were lame. The Dominican’s version is that the dance originated at a fiesta that was given to honor a returning war hero.

No other dance from south of the (U.S.) border has ever attained the instantaneous popularity than the zestful Mambo did when it was first introduced from Latin America. The extent of the Mambo’s reach can be observed by the widespread use of its rhythm by Tin Pan Alley. Love ballads were written to a slow Mambo beat, novelty songs to a fast Mambo beat, and rock ‘n’ roll numbers were being tailored to the tempo. Across the nation, dancers who had never progressed beyond the Foxtrot and Waltz were clamoring for Mambo instruction.

Jive evolved from the popular American dances of the 1930’s such as Jitterbug, Boogie-Woogie, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, Shag, Rock “n” Roll etc. Eventually all of these styles of dance would be coupled under the Hat of “Jive”, but in the 1940’s a combination of these styles was given the name “Jive” and the dance was born. During World War II American G.I’s took the dance to Europe where it soon became very popular, especially among the young. It was new, fresh, and exciting. It was adapted by the French and became very popular in Britain and eventually in 1968 it was adopted as the fifth Latin dance in International competitions. The modern form of ballroom jive is a very happy and boppy dance, with many flicks & kicks. The Jive music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of about 38 – 44 bars per minute. A spot dance not moving along the Line of Dance. Relaxed, springy action is the basic characteristic of the International Style Jive with lots of flicks and kicks in the advanced style.

Rediscover the Hustle at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Cave Creek. This dance, initially nameless, began with a simple 6-count step featuring turns, eventually giving birth to the iconic Hustle. The Hustle evolved into a more intricate and dynamic dance, incorporating multiple turns, hand changes, and flowing arm movements. This version, dubbed the “Rope Hustle” or “Latin Hustle,” blended the elegance of mambo with the excitement of disco. Its rhythmic, side-by-side patterns and playful spins made it an instant hit. The NYC Hustle of the late ‘70s, performed with a distinct 3-count rhythm (&-1-2-3), set the gold standard for Hustle dancers nationwide. Fast forward to today, the Hustle remains a vibrant, smooth dance set to contemporary pop hits. Its fast tempo and dynamic spins make it exhilarating to watch and even more fun to perform! Ladies spin and glide while their partners skillfully guide them with smooth, rhythmic moves.

Foxtrot is a ballroom dance that originated in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its smooth and sophisticated feel, with figures designed for larger ballroom floors but adaptable to smaller spaces. It evolved from earlier dances and incorporates smoother dancing and individualized expression.

Eastern Swing or East Coast Swing (or just Swing), evolved from the Lindy Hop and is perhaps the most famous American folk dance. The best known forms of Swing include the Charleston, Black Bottom, and Shag. In the early 1940s, these forms consolidated into what was called the Lindy.

Cha Cha is a vibrant and energetic dance with Cuban roots, named after the playful rhythm created by a syncopation on the fourth beat. Its personality and charm come from its unique blend of influences, including the Mambo, Rumba, and even a dash of the Lindy. Each of these dances contributes to the Cha Cha’s signature one-two-three triple step, making it a delightful mix of cultural flavors. Though its foundation lies in Latin America, the Cha Cha truly blossomed under North American influence, gaining recognition as a distinct and lively dance style.

The Bolero was introduced to a U.S. audience in the mid-1930s; and at that time, it was danced in its classical form, which was performed to a constant beat of drums. It emerged from this classical form to what was called Son, with a faster and livelier tempo (later renamed as the Rumba). Spanish dancer Sebastian Cereza is credited with creating the dance in the year 1780; since then, the Bolero has remained a true source of expressing sensuous feelings. It is truly the “dance of love.” The Bolero is one of the most expressive dances: the use of arms and hands, legs and feet, as well as facial expression, all contribute to its beauty.

Tango is a dance and music that originated in Buenos Aires at the turn of the century, developed in the melting pot of cultures that was Buenos Aires. The word Tango was used at the time to describe various music and dance.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we are experts at all styles of ballroom dance – and can incorporate any one (or more!) of them into your Wedding Dance choreography. From a classic Waltz or Foxtrot or sultry Tango, to a fun & lively Country Western Two-Step and more, our certified Dance Instructors can help!

While our main focus and priority will be on your First Dance, we do suggest a few lessons for parents if you plan to feature a traditional Mother/Son and Father/Daughter specialty dance during your reception.

We offer special introductory packages that help you create a dream Wedding Dance that’s a great value. Beyond that, we will tailor a program to meet your individual goals and budget. Lessons with just the two of you can range from a few simple dance steps to a fully-choreographed dance.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, our Wedding Dance programs are tailored to you – your style & personality, and your priorities for the music and choice of dance. Our friendly, certified Dance Instructors can teach everything from a few simple dance steps to a fully-choreographed routine for your entire wedding party – it’s up to you!

Wedding Dance lessons are also a great way to have fun and relax before the Big Day. Think of it as “date nights”! With all the decisions and deadlines involved in wedding planning, enjoying this time together can help you both de-stress and re-energize, and we guarantee you’ll have LOTS of fun.

Our wedding dance classes can prove to be a great way for you to leave the stress behind and have a little fun. Contact us today and learn a dance you and your guests will be sure to remember for years to come.

Looking for something really memorable? Interesting in getting the whole wedding party involved? Bridesmaids? Groomsmen? We can choreograph a “YouTube-worthy” wedding dance for everyone in your party, that’s set to your favorite music! Extend those special wedding day moments, and keep the memories coming, with an awesome routine you’ll want to re-live, again and again.

A memorable Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance is a wonderful compliment to your special day. Including your parents (or the special friends or family members who will be standing in that traditional role) in your wedding dance is a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation. We’d also recommend scheduling a few wedding dance lessons for them!

Your first dance is an everlasting expression of your love and commitment – for you and your new spouse, as well as for the special guests celebrating with you. In a short time, our qualified instructors will assist in teaching you a few basic steps or choreographing a full dance to “your special song.” ‘Wow’ the crowd and make your first dance as unique as the rest of your wedding day.

Through our Wedding Dance Instruction Programs, we help you not only build the technical skills to impress your friends and family, we also build your self-confidence, charm, and grace. Get ready to show off your personality through your customized “First Dance” that will be sure to make your wedding day magical.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, all new dance Students can take advantage of our special money-saving Introductory Offer! Simply complete and submit the Intro Offer form on this website to get yours, and we’ll contact you right away to learn about your dance goals and help you set up your first Lesson. Once you discover how much fun ballroom dancing can be, we know you’ll be back for more!

Looking to create a lasting memory from your wedding? Fred Astaire offers classes for your wedding dances that will make you look awesome. Talk with us to get started today and we will work with you!

Connect with your partner by taking dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios! Dance lessons with Fred Astaire Dance Studios are always a great time and it even allows you to make new friends! Take your dancing skills to the next level while having fun. Dancing can help improve your social life and improve your physical and emotional health!

In group lessons, weekly practice parties, regional and national competitions and studio events and outings, you’ll meet a melting pot of people of all ages, with varied cultural and occupational backgrounds.

Ballroom dance lessons offer you a great opportunity to expand your social circle, build connections and engage with people in a low-pressure environment, where there are no expectations.

Ballroom dance as anxiety or depression treatment is more likely to be voluntarily continued by participants than some traditional forms of therapy, which can further increases its effectiveness

The physical act of dancing releases endorphins, and lowers the levels of stress hormones in our bodies. This produces a sense of alert calm, and improves mood and energy levels

Ballroom dance is similar to the practice of mindful meditation (which has been shown to significantly reduce levels of depression and stress) in that it requires you to fully focus your attention, and be present in the moment.

Group activities such as ballroom dance lessons can expand your sense of social “connectedness”, which is beneficial to lowering stress and depression levels

Dance lessons provide an enjoyable escape from your normal daily routine, plus a chance to relax, relieve stress, and concentrate just on yourself.

Among younger dancers, the results can also be significant. Swedish researchers studying teenaged girls with stress, anxiety and depression saw a decrease in anxiety and stress levels among those who took up partner dancing.

Research has found that ballroom dancing improves mental acuity throughout a dancer’s life – and that there are also substantial benefits to those who start ballroom dance as adults.

Ballroom dance can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen weight-bearing bones, help prevent or slow bone loss related to osteoporosis, lower the risks of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, and promote increased lung capacity.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we work with students of all age groups, physical abilities and skill levels – and will create a custom dance program that’s comfortable yet challenging, and will help you attain your dance AND exercise goals.

Ballroom dancing as exercise is particularly effective at building up your endurance – so as you work on your dance steps, you are conditioning your muscles to perform these feats with less and less fatigue. And the added benefit is that you’ll look and feel strong, toned and sexy

A reputable ballroom dance class will typically begin with a few stretching exercises, to get you prepped to execute dance steps with comfort & ease, and to protect against dance-related injury. Beginner dancers especially will notice that the more you dance, the more flexibility and range of motion your body develops.

Ballroom dancing is that perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation, and it can bring so much to your life. It’s a great workout; has documented physical and mental health benefits; can enhance your social life and self-confidence; reduces stress and depression; promotes relaxation; is a wonderful outlet for self-expression and creativity; and it’s FUN!!

Our most popular! This program enables students to dance on any size dance floor, to any music, with any partner, and feel comfortable and confident.

Our Beginner and Social Foundation Programs teach newer students the step patterns and techniques to move comfortably around the dance floor.

Regularly scheduled practice parties complete the information taught in your private lessons and group classes. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ practice parties, we turn down the lights, turn up the music, and enjoy time dancing with different people in a relaxed social setting.

Group classes complement your private lessons, because this is where patterns, technique, and style are learned. Group classes also enable you to meet other students with similar dancing goals, develop balance, and learn the mechanics of dancing.

Private lessons, with one or more dance instructors, give you the specialized and personalized attention to look and feel confident on the dance floor, while developing the ability to lead or follow any partner. We move at your pace, perfecting and polishing your dancing all the while.

From Waltz to Tango to Salsa, we offer all styles of dance lessons in a fun, friendly, supportive environment, while promoting physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Our Para-Dance lessons are led by Fred Astaire’s professional, certified dance instructors with experience in teaching wheelchair and amputee ballroom dancing. Participants are welcome to bring their own dance partner or they will be paired with a partner.

Our Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Cave Creek is extremely proud to take a leadership role in expanding the awareness and availability of Para DanceSport in the U.S., and in helping everyone experience the joy of dance ! We are officially certified in Para Dance training and are happy to provide wheelchair dancing education to the Cave Creek area!

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we are experts at all styles of ballroom dance – and can incorporate any one (or more!) of them into your Wedding Dance choreography. From a classic Waltz or Foxtrot or sultry Tango, to a fun & lively Country Western Two-Step and more, our certified Dance Instructors can help!

Yes! Including your parents (or friends or family members who will be standing in that role) in your wedding dance can make your time on the dance floor extra special, and it’s a demonstration of your love and appreciation for them. While our main focus and priority will be on your First Dance, we do suggest a few lessons for parents if you plan to feature a traditional Mother/Son and Father/Daughter specialty dance during your reception.

Absolutely! These days, more and more couples are including their wedding party in dance lessons – to create a unique dance routine, or even re-create a famous dance scene from your favorite movie, musical or video! A YouTube-worthy First Dance can be a show-stopping surprise for your friends and family, and will become moments you’ll all want to re-watch, again and again.

We offer special introductory packages that help you create a dream Wedding Dance that’s a great value. Beyond that, we will tailor a program to meet your individual goals and budget. Lessons with just the two of you can range from a few simple dance steps to a fully-choreographed dance. We can include your wedding party, for a YouTube-worthy routine.

It all starts with a free consultation at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. We’ll discuss your plans, and learn more about your dream Wedding Dance. We encourage you to bring along favorite songs, pictures of the venue & your wedding attire, examples of dance videos you love, etc. Everything you can share helps us understand your goals for the day, so we can help you create a Wedding Dance experience that will amaze your guests and make your wedding even more special.

From ceremony to reception, your wedding day is a celebration of your love for each other. Everything you’re planning – the venue, flowers, attire, food, music, and more will be a reflection of your style and personality, and your First Dance should be, too! For many couples, however, their First Dance can be a nerve-wracking experience.

A memorable Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance is a wonderful compliment to your special day. Including your parents (or the special friends or family members who will be standing in that traditional role) in your wedding dance is a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation.

Your first dance is an everlasting expression of your love and commitment – for you and your new spouse, as well as for the special guests celebrating with you. In a short time, our qualified instructors will assist in teaching you a few basic steps or choreographing a full dance to “your special song.”

2 Private Dance Lessons, 2 Practice Sessions. New Students only.

1 Private Dance Lesson for you (or your gift recipient), plus 1 Dance Party AND $25 Dance Credit for you!

Fred Astaire Dance Studios will tailor programs to meet your individual goals and budget. Learn faster, achieve more, and have more fun through a variety of different teaching methods.

Dance lessons with Fred Astaire Dance Studios are always a great time and it even allows you to make new friends! Take your dancing skills to the next level while having fun.

Discover the joy of ballroom dancing and make your learning experience enjoyable, educational, rewarding – and FUN! Fred Astaire dance instructors are dedicated to helping you discover the joy of ballroom dancing.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, all new dance Students can take advantage of our special money-saving Introductory Offer! Simply complete and submit the Intro Offer form on this website to get yours, and we’ll contact you right away to learn about your dance goals and help you set up your first Lesson.

Fred Astaire offers classes for your wedding dances that will make you look awesome. Talk with us to get started today and we will work with you!

This is a weekly class series that focuses on a variety of dynamic and traditional dance styles and routines from cultures across the globe, taught right here by our world class instructors!

2 Private Dance Lessons and 1 Practice Party, specifically for new students to get introduced to dancing. This special is offered with a limited purchase policy.

Give the best gift of the year and save big with this gift certificate for the dancer close to your heart! This certificate provides a large amount of dance credit.

Get an amazing deal on lesson credit with this gift package for the dancer in your life! This gift card offers substantial dance credit at a reduced cost.

Get an amazing deal on lesson credit with this gift package for the dancer in your life! This gift card provides $99 in dance credit for a discounted price.

1 Private Dance Lesson, 1 Bottle of Wine, and a Cheese Plate, perfect for a romantic evening. This special is designed for new students looking for a unique date night experience.

3 Private Dance Lessons and 3 Dance Parties, plus you get a $55 Dance Credit For You! This comprehensive holiday gift special allows for extensive dance exploration.

2 Private Dance Lessons and 2 Dance Parties, plus you get a $35 Dance Credit For You! This holiday gift special offers more opportunities to experience dance.

1 Private Dance Lesson and 1 Dance Party, plus you get a $25 Dance Credit For You! This holiday gift special is designed to provide a wonderful introduction to dance.

2 Private Dance Lessons and 2 Practice Sessions, with 10% off your first Beginner Program! This special offer is for new students only and includes everything a new dancer needs to get their toes wet and explore all the fun Fred Astaire Dance Studios has to offer.