Fred Astaire Dance Studios

A 30-minute private session with instructor to learn basic steps to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses and goals. You will then have a chance to dance to popular social dances during a class or social party.

One private lesson and one group class to take the first step into dancing and discover your passion for dance.

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!!

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. West Coast Swing incorporates many forms of swing including the Lindy, Shag, Whip and Push. Versatile dancers, eager to display their talent, are continually innovating new and interesting movement in swing. After nearly five decades, Western Swing has endured the test of time, and as with the Eastern Swing, it is possible to dance in a relatively small area. The West Coast Swing is danced in place in a slot. Its slower tempo allows for freer rhythmic interpretations using single, double, triple and various other syncopated rhythms. A relaxed, sometimes shuffling movement and upright position are characteristic. Occasional use of hip movements and or push style is also used to enhance the style of the dance.

The Waltz dates back to the country folk dances of Bavaria, some 400 years ago, but was not introduced into “society” until 1812, when it made its appearance in English ballrooms. The Waltz is a progressive and turning dance with figures designed for both a larger ballroom floor and the average dance floor. The use of sway, rise and fall highlight the smooth, lilting style of the Waltz.

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. Waltz music expresses eloquently, the carefree gaiety of those bygone days that are so closely linked to Vienna, The Blue Danube and Strauss. The most startling innovation of the dance was the close proximity of the partners; so daring, it only became socially acceptable in Great Britain after it was danced publicly by Queen Victoria. It is a dance that requires a great deal of control and stamina, due mainly to the tempo of the music. The Viennese Waltz is a progressive and turning dance and features some figures that are danced in place. Rise and fall is used in the dance but differently than in other smooth dances. In Waltz and Foxtrot, a dancer will often rise above their normal standing height but in the Viennese Waltz that’s not done. Rise is created through the knees and body. From wedding dance instruction, to a new hobby or a way to connect with your partner, you’ll learn more, faster and with more FUN, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios! Contact us today, and be sure to ask about our special introductory offer for new students.

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. The Tango first came to be known as such, early in the 20th century in Argentina. It was danced, however, under various names throughout all of Latin America. Years later, Argentine plainsmen or “gauchos,” danced a modified version of the Milonga in the bawdy cafes of Buenos Aires. Argentine and Cuban youth later changed the name (and style) to Tango which was more acceptable to society. The Cubans danced it to habanera rhythms which were syncopated and obscured the basic Milonga rhythm. It was not until after it caught on in Paris and was re-introduced to Argentina, that the music was restored to its native style. For over 60 years, the four beat Tango rhythm has endured and continued to enjoy popularity everywhere as the music is universal with many types of sub-styles. Of all the dances which came into being in the early 20th century, only the Tango has continued to enjoy this much popularity. The Tango is a progressive dance where the staccato movement of the feet and flexed knees highlight the dramatic style of the dance. The Tango is one of the most highly stylized ballroom dances. It is dramatic with measured crossing and flexing steps and poised pauses. Perhaps the main reason for its widespread popularity is that it is danced close to the partner. Take advantage of our special introductory offer for new students, and contact Fred Astaire Dance Studios today. We’ll help you take the first step towards a new and exciting lifestyle.

The Samba is festive and lighthearted, and performed today in all parts of the world. It brings to mind pictures of Rio’s festive and exotic Carnival!

Oozing with a sensuous style, Salsa has it all – passion, energy, and joy. As a dance form, Salsa has its origins in the Cuban Son and the Afro-Cuban dance, Rumba. As it relates to the popular music style, Salsa is continuously evolving, and new modern dance styles are associated and named according to the geographical areas that they are developed in. Some of the popular Salsa styles are Cuban, Columbian, Los Angeles, New York (or Eddie Torres Style), Palladium, Puerto Rican, Rueda, and On Clave. In the early 1970s in New York City, several franchised and independent dance studios, sensing the popularity of the burgeoning dance form capitalized on the Salsa craze by developing a standardized curriculum in which to teach the dance to an eager public. Salsa taught in Fred Astaire Dance Studios is based on Mambo patterns, but danced on the “one.” Take the first step towards realizing your ballroom dance goals, at your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio!

Rumba (or “ballroom-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: the Paso Doble, the Samba, the Cha Cha, and the Jive being the others. This ballroom Rumba was derived from a Cuban rhythm and dance called the Bolero-Son; the international style was derived from studies of dance in Cuba in the pre-revolutionary period which was then popularized by the descendants of African slaves of Cuba.

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 Quickstep music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo of about 48 -­‐ 52 measures per minute for examinations and competitions. The Quickstep is a progressive and turning dance moving along the Line of Dance, utilizing Walks and Chasse movements. Rise and Fall, Sway and Bounce action are the basic characteristics of the International Style Quickstep.

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.

Merengue is a lively dance that originated in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is characterized by a staccato rhythm and is danced in place to Latin music. The dance involves favoring one leg while flexing knees and leaning the body slightly to the same side.

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.

In the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, discotheques (or discos), with high quality sound systems and flashing lights became a popular form of entertainment in Europe and the U.S. Early ‘70s dancing in discos was mostly freestyle dancing (similar to the “rock” style exhibited by pop stars of the day like The Jackson 5) along with the prerequisite dress code of bellbottom pants and elevator shoes.

The Foxtrot dance step was named after Harry Fox, a vaudeville dancer and comedian, who was believed to be the first to use the “slow step.” This dance came into vogue around 1912, during the period of ragtime music, marking a completely new phase of ballroom dancing where partners danced much closer together and ad-libbed to the new and exhilarating music. The accent has been placed on smoother dancing and individualized expression. By 1960, the International style of dancing was making its way into the U.S. ballrooms and many of the techniques were implemented into the American style Foxtrot. With its smooth and sophisticated feeling, most figures are designed for the larger ballroom floor. However, these same figures are also suited to the average dance floor when danced more compactly.

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 dance of Cuban origin, and derives its name from the rhythm developed by a syncopation of the fourth beat. Cha Cha gathers its flavor, rhythm and charm from a derivation of three primary sources: the Mambo, Rumba, and indirectly, the Lindy (with each being danced to the same one-two-three triple step).

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. Get started with your dancing adventure today, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!

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. The exact origins of Tango—both the dance and the word itself—are lost in myth and an unrecorded history. The generally accepted theory is that in the mid-1800s, African slaves were brought to Argentina and began to influence the local culture. The word “Tango” may be straightforwardly African in origin, meaning “closed place” or “reserved ground.” Or it may derive from Portuguese (and from the Latin verb tanguere, to touch) and was picked up by Africans on the slave ships. Whatever its origin, the word “Tango” acquired the standard meaning of the place where African slaves and others gathered to dance.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.”

1 Private Lesson and 1 Group Lesson for your wedding dance.

We customize our Wedding Dance Instruction Programs just for you, to give you both the skills to show off your elegance, style – and maybe even a little personality on the dance floor, on your wedding day. We can help you create a special “First Dance” that’s totally “YOU” – whether that means elegant, contemporary, or just plain fun.

Discover the joy of ballroom dancing with a proven teaching method developed by Fred Astaire himself.

Programs tailored to meet your individual goals for competitive dancing.

Programs designed to meet your individual goals for social dancing and connecting with your partner.

Specialized lessons to make your wedding day even more special, from a simple first dance to a choreographed routine.

Learn with others in a fun and engaging group setting to improve your social life and well-being.

One-on-one instruction tailored to your specific interests and goals in dancing.

Our monthly calendar of events for Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Long Grove, including group classes, practice parties, special events, guest coaches, and more!

From there, students can continue to the Silver Program and then all the way to Gold!

From there, students can continue to the Silver Program and then all the way to Gold!

From there, students can progress to the Bronze Trophy Program (our most popular!), which 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.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ ballroom dance curriculum covers the full range of American, Latin-American, International Style, Exhibition/Theater Arts dances and more.

Every Fred Astaire Dance Studio offers a special Introductory Offer for new Students. Beyond that, our prices vary as dance lesson programs are designed to fit each student’s specific interests & goals – social dancing, wedding, competitive dancing, etc. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we will tailor programs to meet your individual goals and budget.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, you’ll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your very first lesson! Our official teaching method includes Private Lessons, Group Lessons and Practice Parties, to ensure you learn as much as possible, in the least amount of time, with the most retention… and have the most FUN doing it!

Regardless of whether you’re keen on wedding dance lessons, a new pastime or way to connect with your partner, improving your social life, physical or emotional well-being, or taking your skills to the next level, you’ve come to the right place – and we’re happy you’re here! Fred Astaire Dance Studios can help make your Wedding Day even more special!

Our official teaching method includes Private Lessons, Group Lessons and Practice Parties, to ensure you learn as much as possible, in the least amount of time, with the most retention… and have the most FUN doing it! Fred Astaire Dance Studios can help make your Wedding Day even more special!

Our official teaching method includes Private Lessons, Group Lessons and Practice Parties, to ensure you learn as much as possible, in the least amount of time, with the most retention… and have the most FUN doing it! Fred Astaire Dance Studios can help make your Wedding Day even more special!

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!

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.

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.

The Beginner Wedding Program includes a wedding consultation and four private beginner lessons, focusing on personalized instruction for the couple's special day.

This special offer provides a dedicated wedding consultation session along with a practice party, helping couples prepare for their first dance.

This gift certificate package offers an introductory private lesson, a group class, and access to a practice party, providing a comprehensive dance experience.

This is a gift certificate that includes one private introductory lesson and one group class for the recipient to experience dance instruction.

A 30- minute private session with instructor to learn basic steps to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses and goals. You will then have a chance to dance to popular social dances.

One Private Lesson and One Group Class. Take the first step towards discovering your passion for dance and learning new skills.

Four 40-minute private lessons and four free group classes or parties to help you learn and retain more, faster.

Six 40-minute private lessons and six free group classes or parties to help you learn and retain more, faster.

12 Private Lessons, 12 Free Group Classes, Wedding Choreography Included. Amaze your family and friends with your new-found dance skills, and enjoy magical wedding day memories that will be yours forever.

6 Private Lessons, 6 Free Group Classes, Wedding Choreography Included. Amaze your family and friends with your new-found dance skills, and enjoy magical wedding day memories that will be yours forever.

The Beginner Program is designed for new students, offering a structured learning path with four private lessons and four group classes to build foundational dance skills.

4 (40 minute) Private Lessons and 4 Free Group Classes or Parties. Receive one month free of our Online Trophy System. This program is designed for new students to learn.

6 (40 minute) Private Lessons and 6 Free Group Classes or Parties. Receive one month free of our Online Trophy System. This program helps you learn and retain more, faster.