Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Lake Houston

Country western dance is a uniquely American dance style that is a melting pot of influences from many cultures. As westward expansion in the U.S. increased, it brought people together from different regions of the world who had little or no exposure to one another. Dance became a unifying language that helped bring these new Americans together.

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 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.

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.

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. 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 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. 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. In both countries for many generations, the Merengue was taught and danced with these back stories in mind. When couples got up to dance the Merengue, the man favored his left leg and the lady favored her right leg; while flexing their knees a bit more than usual and at the same time leaning the body slightly to the same side. Haitians and Dominicans alike refer to the Merengue as their “singing dance;” this is understandable when you consider the exhilarating brightness of the staccato rhythm. The Merengue is danced in place to Latin music.

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.

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, with the lady spinning almost constantly, while her partner draws her close and sends her away. Free rhythmic interpretation is characteristic of this dance.

Harry Fox, a vaudeville dancer and comedian lent his name to the Foxtrot dance step. Fox was believed to be the first to use the “slow step,” hence… the birth of the Foxtrot.

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. While closely identified with the aforementioned Mambo, Cha Cha has enough intrinsic individuality to be classified as a distinct dance. Much has been written about the history of the Rumba and the Mambo, while little has been explored about the origins of Cha Cha, despite it being a dance to be reckoned with. Cha Cha’s tempo is anywhere from slow and staccato to fast and lively. It is very much an on-the-beat dance and hard not to inject one’s own feelings into it. This facet, more than any other, makes the dance fun for people of all ages. It is a real let-it-all-out type of dance. Cha Cha is danced in place as the steps are quite compact, with the feet usually no more than 12 inches apart. Popularized in the 1950’s with music by such artists as Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez, today it is danced to popular night club kind of music.

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!

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. 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.

If you are looking for something really memorable, let us choreograph a “YouTube-worthy” wedding dance for the whole wedding party, that’s set to your favorite music! You’ll extend those special wedding day moments with an awesome dance routine that you’ll want to re-live, again and again.

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

From a few simple steps to get by to a fully choreographed routine, we can help make your first dance as unique as the rest of your wedding day.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios offers customized Wedding Dance Programs to give you the confidence and skills you want, to show off your elegance, style – and maybe even a little personality on the dance floor.

Connect with your future spouse and impress your guests with an unforgettable first dance, or choreograph an impressive group dance for your entire wedding party.

Experience the joy of learning to dance with 3 Group Lessons included in this introductory offer.

Includes 2 Private Lessons, 1 Practice Dance Party, and 1 Pair of Shoes to get you started on your dance journey.

Experts in all styles of ballroom dance, including Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Country Western Two-Step, and more, to incorporate into your Wedding Dance choreography.

Let us choreograph the whole dance with you and even include the wedding party to create a unique and memorable experience for your special day.

Certified Dance Instructors can help you learn a few basic steps in a short amount of time, so you’ll feel at ease and confident on your wedding day.

Let us choreograph a ‘YouTube-worthy’ wedding dance for the whole wedding party, set to your favorite music, to extend those special wedding day moments.

A memorable Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dance is a wonderful way to complement your First Dance, including parents or special friends to show love and appreciation.

We can help make your first dance as unique as the rest of your wedding day, from a few simple steps to a fully choreographed routine, to create an everlasting expression of your love.

Customized wedding dance programs designed to give you the confidence and skills you want to show off your elegance, style, and personality on the dance floor for your special First Dance.

This introductory offer allows you to experience dance with 3 Group Lessons at a discounted price, perfect for a first taste.

This package includes 2 Private Lessons, 1 Practice Dance Party, and 1 Pair of Shoes to help you get started with wedding dance.

Does your child enjoy music and movement? Would you like to turn this into a skill that lasts for a lifetime? Would you like them to have an outlet, a fun exercise and a creative, challenging activity for body and mind?

Ballroom dancing is an amazing way for children to develop important social skills and discipline that lead to success both at school and through life. Our youth program focuses on building self confidence and social skills, increasing creativity, basic elements of all the ballroom dances, developing coordination, balance and flexibility, and teamwork.

The competitive program at Fred Astaire Dance Studios is celebrated nationwide for training some of the best dancers. Our instructors have extensive experience in training amateur students to reach the pinnacle of the Pro-Am competition circuit.

Contact us at Fred Astaire Dance Studios today to find out more information about our social dance program as well as our dance lessons for couples, adults, and kids. We can teach you how to dance for a wedding, for fun, or for competitions.

Contact us at Fred Astaire Dance Studios today to find out more information about our social dance program as well as our dance lessons for couples, adults, and kids. We can teach you how to dance for a wedding, for fun, or for competitions.

Contact us at Fred Astaire Dance Studios today to find out more information about our social dance program as well as our dance lessons for couples, adults, and kids. We can teach you how to dance for a wedding, for fun, or for competitions.

Whether you want to learn how to ballroom dance for when you attend charity events or how to salsa dance when you head out to the club, Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Lake Houston can have you feeling the music in no time!

Whether you want to learn how to ballroom dance for when you attend charity events or how to salsa dance when you head out to the club, Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Lake Houston can have you feeling the music in no time!

Learning how to become a social dancer changes all of that. Whether it’s at the studio, on vacation, or out on the town, the Fred Astaire social dance program is your golden ticket that works on any dance floor. Whether you want to learn how to ballroom dance for when you attend charity events or how to salsa dance when you head out to the club, Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Lake Houston can have you feeling the music in no time!

Private dance lessons are a great way to expand your skills or add a new style of dance to your repertoire. Working one on one with an instructor during a private dance lesson will help you learn these skills more quickly.

Private dance lessons are a great way to expand your skills or add a new style of dance to your repertoire. Working one on one with an instructor during a private dance lesson will help you learn these skills more quickly.

Private dance lessons are a great way to expand your skills or add a new style of dance to your repertoire. Working one on one with an instructor during a private dance lesson will help you learn these skills more quickly.

Private dance lessons are a great way to expand your skills or add a new style of dance to your repertoire. Working one on one with an instructor during a private dance lesson will help you learn these skills more quickly.

Enhance your social life and confidence by learning to dance in a fun and welcoming environment.

Develop your skills for competitive dancing with tailored programs designed to meet your specific goals and push your abilities.

Learn the lively steps of country western dance, perfect for social gatherings and a fun new hobby.

Explore the elegant world of ballroom dancing with our expert instructors and revolutionary teaching method.

Prepare for your first dance as a married couple with personalized wedding dance lessons, designed to help you connect with your future spouse and impress your guests.

Experience the joy of dancing with three group lessons as part of our introductory offer for new students.

This package includes two private dance lessons, one practice dance party, and one pair of shoes to help you get started on your dance journey.