Fred Astaire Dance Studios

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 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. 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. During the 16th century, it was simply danced as a round dance called the Volte. In most dance history books, it is often stated that the Volte made its first outside appearance in Italy, and then later on to France and Germany.

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. 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.

When the Brazilian Samba was first introduced to the U.S. Dance Masters in 1929, it became an overnight sensation. Like many other Brazilian dances, the music is an amalgamation of African and Latin American rhythm that is adorned with expressive, melodic lines. In form, the Samba is a serenade; the repetition of its melody is continually interrupted by the strumming of a guitar or other stringed instruments. Originating in Bahia, Brazil, the dance first became popular in Rio de Janeiro, and later, its intoxicating rhythm was taken up by serious Latin American composers. 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! In its native land, the Samba is usually danced to a moderately slow tempo which contrasts vividly with the spirited version favored in U.S. The Samba has withstood the test of time and still ranks high among social as well as competitive dancers.

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! Contact us today, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios – and ask about our Introductory Offer just for new students! We’ll look forward to seeing you on the dance floor.

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. Its tantalizing rhythm first invaded the United Sates in the early 1930s, and has remained one of the most popular social dances. The Rumba is characterized by a smooth, subtle hip motion and a heavy walking step. Of the three styles of Rumba that were introduced to the United States, the Bolero-Rumba, the Son-Rumba and the Guaracha-Rumba, only the Bolero-Rumba (shortened to Bolero) and the Son-Rumba (shortened to Rumba) have survived the test of time. The Guaracha-Rumba quickly faded in popularity when the more exciting Mambo was introduced to Americans in the late 1940s. The Rumba is danced in place as the steps are quite compact. Although the Rumba is not danced with the same body contact that is used in smooth-style dances, there may be times when partnership looks and feels more attractive when a closer contact is felt. A smooth and subtle movement of the hips is characteristic of the Rumba.

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.

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. When the brave warrior rose to dance, he limped on his wounded left leg. Rather than make him feel self-conscious, all the men present favored their left legs as they danced.

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.

Hustle is a fast, smooth dance that evolved in the late 1960s and 1970s, originating from freestyle disco dancing and incorporating elements from Latin dances like mambo and salsa. It is characterized by intricate turn patterns, multiple turns, hand changes, and a rope-y feel to arm movements, often featuring a lady spinning almost constantly while her partner draws her close and sends her away. Free rhythmic interpretation is characteristic of this dance.

The Foxtrot dance step was named after vaudeville dancer and comedian Harry Fox. It emerged around 1912 during the ragtime music era, marking a new phase in ballroom dancing with closer partner holds and improvisational ad-libbing to exhilarating music. By 1915, it adapted to smoother, more rhythmic popular music, and from 1917 onwards, the emphasis shifted to smoother dancing and individualized expression. The International style was incorporated into the American style Foxtrot by 1960. The primary distinction lies in the International style maintaining a normal dance hold throughout, while the American style allows for complete freedom of expression with various holds and positions. Most figures are designed for larger ballrooms but can be adapted for average dance floors by dancing 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 Cha Cha, while sprung up from Latin American roots in Cuba, really flowered under North American influence.

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.

Argentine 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.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we’re masters of all styles of ballroom dance, ready to blend them seamlessly into your Wedding Dance choreography. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of the Waltz or Foxtrot, the passionate embrace of the Tango, the lively rhythm of the Salsa, or any other style, our certified Dance Instructors have you covered!

Wedding dance lessons are also a great way to have fun and relax before the Big Day. With all the decisions, deadlines and scheduling involved in wedding planning, enjoying this time that’s just for you can help you both de-stress and re-energize – and we promise you’ll have lots of fun doing it.

Looking to make your wedding truly unforgettable? Let us create a show-stopping dance routine for your entire wedding party! Set to your favorite music, it’s a YouTube-worthy performance that extends the magic of your special day, ensuring moments you’ll want to relive again and again.

Incorporating a Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance adds a beautiful layer of sentiment to your celebration. Including your parents or special individuals who hold those significant roles is a heartfelt way to express your love and gratitude.

Your First Dance isn’t just a moment; it’s a timeless expression of your love and commitment, shared with your new spouse and cherished guests. From simple steps to a fully choreographed masterpiece, we’re here to ensure your First Dance is as exceptional as every other aspect of your wedding day.

Tailored instruction programs crafted exclusively for the two of you, empowering you with the confidence and finesse to grace the dance floor with your unique elegance, style, and perhaps a touch of personality. Let us assist you in choreographing a memorable ‘First Dance’ that truly reflects who you are.

Fred Astaire dance instructors hail from all over the world. Many have Fine Arts degrees, and are actively competing and award-winning professional dancers. And all have completed the rigorous work required to become, and remain, certified in the Fred Astaire Dance Curriculum – a proven teaching method that was developed by Fred Astaire himself, and is unique to our organization.

We can help you make your Wedding Day even more special! Whether it be a simple First Dance, to “YouTube-worthy” routines for the entire wedding party, our instructors are ready to help make your dreams a reality.

Our certified teaching method includes Private Lessons, Group Lessons, and Practice Parties, to ensure you learn as much as possible, in the shortest amount of time, while absorbing as much as possible… and have the most FUN doing it!

Our certified teaching method includes Private Lessons, Group Lessons, and Practice Parties, to ensure you learn as much as possible, in the shortest amount of time, while absorbing as much as possible… and have the most FUN doing it!

learning how to ballroom dance is always fun! Step inside, and discover a warm, welcoming & 100% non-judgmental community that will inspire you to reach new heights, feel and look confident, and have fun doing it.

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.

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.

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 to increase flexibility.

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!!

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we’re masters of all styles of ballroom dance, ready to blend them seamlessly into your Wedding Dance choreography. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of the Waltz or Foxtrot, the passionate embrace of the Tango, the lively rhythm of the Salsa, or any other style, our certified Dance Instructors have you covered!

We welcome students in various attire, recognizing that ballroom dancing brings a touch of glamour to the dance floor. Many find that dressing the part not only enhances their confidence but also contributes to a more enjoyable dancing experience. We encourage you to wear attire that allows for ease of movement and reflects the elegance of the dance.

The number of lessons needed for your First Dance varies depending on factors such as your desired dance style, prior experience, frequency of lessons, practice time, and budget. Rest assured, our certified Instructors and Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ effective teaching method prioritize maximizing your learning in the shortest time possible while ensuring retention and, most importantly, fun!

We offer special introductory packages to kickstart your journey towards crafting the dream Wedding Dance you’ve always envisioned, all while ensuring excellent value. Following this initial step, we’ll tailor a program to meet your individual goals and budget, ensuring flexibility and personalized attention every step of the way.

This initial session offers valuable feedback and guidance tailored to your unique needs and preferences, setting the stage for a remarkable dance journey ahead.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, our Wedding Dance programs are as unique as you are – crafted to match your style, personality, and musical preferences. Whether you envision a few elegant steps or a fully choreographed spectacle involving your entire wedding party, our friendly and certified Dance Instructors are here to make it happen.

Wedding dance lessons are also a great way to have fun and relax before the Big Day. With all the decisions, deadlines and scheduling involved in wedding planning, enjoying this time that’s just for you can help you both de-stress and re-energize – and we promise you’ll have lots of fun doing it!

Tailored programs crafted exclusively for the two of you, empowering you with the confidence and finesse to grace the dance floor with your unique elegance, style, and perhaps a touch of personality. Let us assist you in choreographing a memorable ‘First Dance’ that truly reflects who you are – whether it’s sophisticated, contemporary, or simply exuberant.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we will tailor programs to meet your individual goals and budget.

We can help you make your Wedding Day even more special! Whether it be a simple First Dance, to “YouTube-worthy” routines for the entire wedding party, our instructors are ready to help make your dreams a reality.

Our certified Instructors and unique teaching method help you learn & retain more, faster – regardless of your age, dancing skills or physical abilities. And at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, learning how to ballroom dance is always fun! Step inside, and discover a warm, welcoming & 100% non-judgmental community that will inspire you to reach new heights, feel and look confident, and have fun doing it.