Fred Astaire Dance Studios

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.

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.

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.

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. They also saw marked improvement in mental health and patients reported being happier than those who did not participate in dancing. Partner dancing can also decrease loneliness among all age groups, because it’s a goal-oriented social activity that brings like-minded people together.

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!!

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. 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 of Greensboro!

Tempted By The Tango? 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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. The popularity of the Mambo was almost entirely the work of Cuban bandleader Perez Prado. During the early 1930s, Latin style dance bands were coming increasingly popular with American audiences and filling the airwaves with Rumbas, Sambas and Tangos. Then, in the early ’50s, Prado recorded the song, “Mambo Jambo,” and the fun was on. The Mambo can be danced according to the individual dancer’s temperament. Conservative dancers can stay in a closed position, while the more daring can perform steps that break apart and completely separate themselves from each other. Spins and turns are quite popular with Mambo dancers. Ready to take your first step towards a new and exciting lifestyle? Contact us, at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Inside our doors on Mill Street, you’ll discover a warm and friendly Greensboro atmosphere that will inspire you to reach new heights, and have lots of fun doing it!

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.

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.

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. As of this writing, the main difference between the two styles is that the International style Foxtrot is danced entirely in contact maintaining the normal dance hold, while the American style allows for complete freedom of expression utilizing various dance holds and positions.

The Jazzy Foxtrot dance step was named after Harry Fox, a vaudeville dancer and comedian. Fox is believed to be the first to use the "slow step," marking the birth of the Foxtrot. This freestyle use of the "slow step" became popular around 1912 during the ragtime music era, ushering in a new phase of ballroom dancing where partners danced closer and ad-libbed to the exhilarating music. Before this, dances like the Polka, Waltz, and One-Step were popular, with partners held at arm's length and following set patterns.

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. The Lindy was first danced as a modified box step, with a slight shuffling movement. The shuffling movement of the original Lindy can be likened to today’s single rhythm in Swing.

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.

There are many legends and stories about the origins and development of tango. 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.

Wedding dance lessons are a great way to have fun and relax before the Big Day. Enjoy this time together to de-stress and re-energize. Give everyone at your wedding a dance to remember.

Certified Greensboro Dance Instructors can help you learn a few basic steps to feel at ease and confident on your wedding day. Choreograph the whole dance, even include the wedding party. Decide on the plan and we’ll make your dream dance a reality.

Choreograph a "YouTube-worthy" wedding dance for the whole wedding party, set to your favorite music! Extend those special wedding day moments with an awesome routine you’ll want to re-live, again and again. Get the celebration started with a memorable routine.

A memorable Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance is a wonderful complement to your First Dance. Including your parents in your wedding dance is a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation. Schedule a few wedding dance lessons for them.

Learn from a few simple steps to get by to a fully choreographed routine for your first dance. Make your first dance as unique as the rest of your wedding day. We can help make your first dance as unique as the rest of your wedding day.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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. They also saw marked improvement in mental health and patients reported being happier than those who did not participate in dancing.

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. Increased flexibility will help your dance abilities, decrease joint pain and muscle soreness after exercise, and improve core strength and balance.

Our most popular program, 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. 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.

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. Practice parties help you “put it all together”, aid with music identification, and help you learn how not to run into other people on the dance floor. Practice parties are a great (& FUN!) way to apply what you’re learning. Stop by our studio – down the street from Lucky 32, and check out our calendar!

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.

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!

Experts at all styles of ballroom dance, we can incorporate any one or more 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 you master the steps.

Wedding dance lessons are a great way to have fun and relax before the Big Day. Enjoying this time together can help you both de-stress and re-energize, and we promise you’ll have lots of fun doing it. Contact us today for a dance to remember.

A memorable Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance is a wonderful complement to your First Dance. Including your parents or special friends and family members is a wonderful way to show your love and appreciation. We recommend scheduling a few wedding dance lessons for them, too.

We can help make your first dance as unique as the rest of your wedding day, from a few simple steps to get by to a fully choreographed routine. This is an everlasting expression of your love and commitment for you, your new spouse, and your special guests.

Full wedding party dance routines choreographed to your favorite music, creating a memorable and "YouTube-worthy" celebration starter. Extend those special wedding day moments with an awesome routine you’ll want to re-live, again and again.

Completely customizable dance instruction programs designed to turn novice dancers into poised, confident performers ready to impress wedding guests. We offer personalized choreography for first dances, father/daughter, and mother/son dances, ensuring your special moments are captured gracefully.

Programs that help young people get active, stay healthy, develop grace & poise, establish goal-setting behaviors and build confidence through various dance styles.

Programs that help young people get active, stay healthy, develop grace & poise, establish goal-setting behaviors and build confidence through various dance styles.

Programs that help young people get active, stay healthy, develop grace & poise, establish goal-setting behaviors and build confidence through various dance styles.

Programs that help young people get active, stay healthy, develop grace & poise, establish goal-setting behaviors and build confidence through various dance styles.

This introductory package includes 3 x 20-minute private lessons and 2 group classes. It is suggested to attend one private and one group visit per week.

Kids and teens discover new-found joy and confidence through kids' dance lesson programs. Whether it's a positive outlet for exercise and self-expression, or competitive ballroom dance instruction for those aspiring to be DanceSport Champions.

Our studio welcomes you to the elegant world of ballroom dance, where rhythm meets grace. Here, you’ll not only learn the art of dance but also enjoy a multitude of benefits. Ballroom dancing is an exceptional way to improve physical health, enhancing flexibility, balance, and strength. It’s a heart-friendly activity that boosts cardiovascular health and promotes weight management. Mentally, it sharpens the mind and enhances memory skills by requiring you to recall steps, routines, and patterns. Emotionally, ballroom dance is a stress-reliever, offering a fun escape from the daily grind and a chance to express yourself creatively. Socially, our welcoming community provides a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and build lasting friendships.

Embark on an exciting dance journey as a couple at Fred Astaire Dance Studios Greensboro! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our professional instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. This unique opportunity allows you to receive individualized attention, ensuring that your technique, style, and confidence flourish. Our instructors are skilled in leading and following, making your learning process smooth, enjoyable, and tailored to your pace and preferences. Embrace the thrill of dance and discover a supportive community that celebrates your growth and passion. Join us at FADS Greensboro and let us lead you into the mesmerizing world of dance!

Embark on an exciting dance journey as a single at Fred Astaire Dance Studios Greensboro! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our professional instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. As a single student, you’ll be paired with one of our talented instructors who will be your dance partner throughout your learning experience. This unique opportunity allows you to receive individualized attention, ensuring that your technique, style, and confidence flourish. Our instructors are skilled in leading and following, making your learning process smooth, enjoyable, and tailored to your pace and preferences. Embrace the thrill of dance without the need for a partner, and discover a supportive community that celebrates your growth and passion. Join us at FADS Greensboro and let us lead you into the mesmerizing world of dance!

Get our introductory offer and get dancing with this special introductory offer. Simply submit the form on this page and we’ll be in touch right away to schedule your first lesson. To purchase the Introductory Course as a Gift Certificate click here. Come by yourself or with a dance partner (we teach lessons either way).

This program is for children aged 5-12 years old and runs from September 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. It offers a structured approach to learning ballroom dance.

Customizable dance instruction programs to turn novice dancers into poised, confident performers for wedding guests. Offers full wedding party dance routines to get the celebration started. Make your first dance an everlasting expression of love and commitment.

Enrollment for the entire semester offers various package options combining private, semi-private, and group lessons to suit different needs and learning preferences.

The starter program consists of 3 x 40-minute private lessons and 4 group lessons. A suggested schedule is one private and one group visit per week for two weeks.