Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Our practice sessions take place in the studio and prepare you for dancing socially in the real world. At practice sessions, we dim the lights, supply the music, and have a fabulous time in a party-type atmosphere. Practice sessions allow you to apply material learned in your private lessons and group classes without the pressure of the public eye upon you.

Our group classes are designed to be taken in addition to private lessons, and consist of several students learning from one Dance Instructor. Group classes offer a wide variety of dances and topics to better your technique, physical fitness, and understanding of ballroom dance. All levels of students have the opportunity to participate.

Private Lessons consist of one student or a couple working with one or two Dance Instructors. Private instruction is tailored to your personal needs, allowing you to learn at your own pace, which is the optimum method of comprehension. These lessons are by appointment only and may be scheduled during the Dance Studio’s business hours.

We offer instruction for all partnership dances, including club dancing. Our programs are designed to fit each student’s specific interests and goals, helping you with your wedding dance and all of your social dance needs.

We offer instruction for all partnership dances, including swing. Our programs are designed to fit each student’s specific interests and goals, helping you with your wedding dance and all of your social dance needs.

We offer instruction for all partnership dances, including country western. Our programs are designed to fit each student’s specific interests and goals, helping you with your wedding dance and all of your social dance needs.

We offer instruction for all partnership dances, including salsa. Our programs are designed to fit each student’s specific interests and goals, helping you with your wedding dance and all of your social dance needs.

We offer instruction for all partnership dances, including cha-cha. Our programs are designed to fit each student’s specific interests and goals, helping you with your wedding dance and all of your social dance needs.

We offer instruction for all partnership dances, including tango. Our programs are designed to fit each student’s specific interests and goals, helping you with your wedding dance and all of your social dance needs.

We offer instruction for all partnership dances, including waltz. Our programs are designed to fit each student’s specific interests and goals, helping you with your wedding dance and all of your social dance needs.

Ageless joy: Ballroom dance lessons for seniors! Improve health, mind, & connections. Unleash your inner superstar at 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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. 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.

Merengue is a lively and popular dance style that originated in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. It is characterized by its exhilarating brightness and staccato rhythm, often referred to as a "singing dance." The Merengue is danced in place to Latin music and involves a specific footwork pattern where the man favors his left leg and the lady favors her right leg, with a slight bend in the knees and a lean to the same side.

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.

The Foxtrot is a ballroom dance step that was first used around 1912, during the period of ragtime music. This marked a completely new phase of ballroom dancing where partners danced much closer together and ad-libbed to the new and exhilarating music. 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.

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.

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.

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 the Appleton Fred Astaire Dance Studios. We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!

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. But after just a few Wedding Dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, you’ll have the skills and confidence to wow your guests on the dance floor and create special memories you’ll always treasure. 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.

Wedding dance lessons are a great way to have fun and relax before the Big Day. With all the decisions, schedules and deadlines involved in wedding planning, enjoying this time together 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!

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.

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!

Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Appleton, WI offers a full range of competitive dance lessons taught by Certified Dance Instructors who undergo continual rigorous dance training.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Appleton, WI offers a full range of social dance lessons taught by Certified Dance Instructors. Our teachers are skilled at teaching students of all levels; with or without a partner.

We offer instruction for all partnership dances– from waltz, tango, cha-cha, and salsa, to country western, swing and club dancing. We can help you with your wedding dance, all of your social dance needs – basically, any dance done with a partner. For those with a competitive edge, we can also help you become a skilled Pro/Am competitor with your Instructor at lots of branded Fred Astaire Regional, Inter-Regional, National and International dance competitions!

Learn how to ballroom dance should always be fun! You’ll instruct students of all ages and abilities, and help them realize their ballroom dancing goals, in a friendly and inspirational atmosphere.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios has been the premier brand in ballroom dance instruction for over 75 years, offering students more fun and options than ever while maintaining high standards of a proprietary curriculum.

More Fred Astaire Dance Studios' Locations Add Para Dance Sport to their Curriculum. Fred Astaire Dance Studios Bloomfield Hills MI Host Country's First Paralympics.org Sanctioned Para Dance Instructor Training.

Discover the transformative power of dance at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Join FADS ELF to support Para Dance lessons, Dance Mobility, and the Dearborn 2024 Para Dance Sport USA Open, creating inclusive communities through adaptive dance programs.

The Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Wisconsin Regional Office is proud to present this Regional dance competition & event, for the 2nd time, at it’s brand new home, the beautiful Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center ! We invite everyone to join us for a weekend of unforgettable dancing, competition, music, awards, and a Saturday evening Heroes & Villains themed celebration you won’t want to miss!

A premier regional dance competition and celebration of excellence. This exciting event brings together dancers from across the region to showcase their talent, passion, and hard work on the dance floor. From thrilling competitive heats to dazzling showcases, the weekend culminates in our elegant Awards Gala, where we honor outstanding achievements and celebrate the spirit of dance within our Fred Astaire community. Whether you’re a competitor, spectator, or guest, this event promises an unforgettable experience filled with energy, artistry, and inspiration.

Check out this month’s schedule of Group Classes, Practice Parties and Special Events at our studio. Come with a dance partner or by yourself.

Check out this month’s schedule of Group Classes, Practice Parties and Special Events at our studio. Come with a dance partner or by yourself.

Check out this month’s schedule of Group Classes, Practice Parties and Special Events at our studio. Come with a dance partner or by yourself.

Our practice sessions take place in the studio and prepare you for dancing socially in the real world. At practice sessions, we dim the lights, supply the music, and have a fabulous time in a party-type atmosphere.

Our group classes are designed to be taken in addition to private Lessons, and consist of several students learning from one Dance Instructor. Group classes offer a wide variety of dances and topics to better your technique, physical fitness, and understanding of ballroom dance.

Private instruction is tailored to your personal needs. Learning at your own pace is the optimum method of comprehension and that’s what private instruction makes possible. One common misconception about private lessons is that they take place in seclusion.

We offer instruction for all partnership dances– from waltz, tango, cha-cha, and salsa, to country western, swing and club dancing. We can help you with your wedding dance, all of your social dance needs – basically, any dance done with a partner.

The Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Online Trophy System is available exclusively to enrolled FADS students, and only from Fred Astaire Dance Studios! This exciting new program was created by FADS dance experts, just for our students. It will enhance the private lessons taken with our certified dance instructors (whether they are in-studio or virtual) and help you truly empower your dancing!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ballroom dancing is a low-impact aerobic activity that burns fat and can boost your metabolism. In just thirty minutes of dance, you can burn between 200-400 calories – that’s roughly the same amount as running or cycling!

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

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

The Bronze Trophy 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 Appleton 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.

And our branded Regional, National and International Pro-Am and Professional Dance Competitions give you inspiring opportunities to compete, travel and hone your dancing skills in supportive and exciting environments.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer a variety of fun local events to make your dance experience exciting and rewarding. Guest Parties, Showcases, Spotlights, Community Outreach Events, special Coaching Sessions and off-site Group Outings encourage social interaction and help you apply what you’re learning.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer a variety of fun local events to make your dance experience exciting and rewarding. Guest Parties, Showcases, Spotlights, Community Outreach Events, special Coaching Sessions and off-site Group Outings encourage social interaction and help you apply what you’re learning.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer a variety of fun local events to make your dance experience exciting and rewarding. Guest Parties, Showcases, Spotlights, Community Outreach Events, special Coaching Sessions and off-site Group Outings encourage social interaction and help you apply what you’re learning.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer a variety of fun local events to make your dance experience exciting and rewarding. Guest Parties, Showcases, Spotlights, Community Outreach Events, special Coaching Sessions and off-site Group Outings encourage social interaction and help you apply what you’re learning.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer a variety of fun local events to make your dance experience exciting and rewarding. Guest Parties, Showcases, Spotlights, Community Outreach Events, special Coaching Sessions and off-site Group Outings encourage social interaction and help you apply what you’re learning.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer a variety of fun local events to make your dance experience exciting and rewarding. Guest Parties, Showcases, Spotlights, Community Outreach Events, special Coaching Sessions and off-site Group Outings encourage social interaction and help you apply what you’re learning.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ proven program of Private Lessons, Group Lessons and Practice Parties ensures that you learn as much as possible, in the shortest amount of time, with the most retention, and the most FUN.

You will find everything from Private Lessons and Group Classes, to Social Dance Parties and Events at our Appleton WI Fred Astaire Dance Studio location!

You will find everything from Private Lessons and Group Classes, to Social Dance Parties and Events at our Appleton WI Fred Astaire Dance Studio location!

You will find everything from Private Lessons and Group Classes, to Social Dance Parties and Events at our Appleton WI Fred Astaire Dance Studio location!

You will find everything from Private Lessons and Group Classes, to Social Dance Parties and Events at our Appleton WI Fred Astaire Dance Studio location!

Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Appleton WI is proud to offer a full range of social and competitive dance lessons all taught by our Certified Dance Instructors who undergo continual rigorous dance training.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Appleton WI is proud to offer a full range of social and competitive dance lessons all taught by our Certified Dance Instructors who undergo continual rigorous dance training.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Appleton WI is proud to offer a full range of social and competitive dance lessons all taught by our Certified Dance Instructors who undergo continual rigorous dance training.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Appleton WI is proud to offer a full range of social and competitive dance lessons all taught by our Certified Dance Instructors who undergo continual rigorous dance training.

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!

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!

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

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

Your First Dance is a lasting expression of your love and commitment – both for you and your new spouse, as well as for all of the special guests celebrating with you. From a few simple steps to get by to a fully-choreographed routine, Fred Astaire Dance Studios can help make your First Dance as unique as the rest of your wedding day.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Appleton, we customize our Wedding Dance Instruction Programs, to give you the confidence and skills to show off your elegance, style – and maybe even a little personality on the dance floor. We’ll help you create a special “First Dance” that’s totally “YOU” – be that elegant, contemporary or just plain fun.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Appleton, WI is located on the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Mayflower Drive in the Mayflower Crossing shopping center. We are proud to offer a full range of social and competitive dance lessons.

Classes & private lessons at our Appleton Studio location are also a great way for your children to develop lasting friendships and social etiquette that will serve them on the dance floor and beyond.

Our Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Appleton location is proud to offer dance classes for your juniors and little ones! These classes will provide further education of many social dances, while introducing benefits such as posture, musicality, self-confidence, social skills, hand-eye coordination, memory and brain development, teamwork, healthy competition, help with study and focus, expansion of creativity, healthy expression of emotions, and great exercise.

The gift of dance comes with music, joy, improved health, and new friends! Purchase one, or more, of our Gift Certificates below, or contact the studio for a personalized gift!

The gift of dance comes with music, joy, improved health, and new friends! Purchase one, or more, of our Gift Certificates below, or contact the studio for a personalized gift!

The gift of dance comes with music, joy, improved health, and new friends! Purchase one, or more, of our Gift Certificates below, or contact the studio for a personalized gift!

7 (40 minutes) Private Dance Lessons & 1 Social Dance Party

5 (40 minutes) Private Dance Lessons & 1 Social Dance Party

Fred Astaire Dance Studios beginner lessons are designed for the novice dancer who wishes to be introduced to the primary steps that are the building blocks of most social dances. You will be exposed to the step patterns of a selection of popular dances & experience the fun, challenge, and excitement that dancing provides.

This special offer is for any new adult student or couple that would enjoy the many benefits of dance such as, improved health, confidence, new friends, more time with a loved one or a new, fun activity. This program will introduce the most popular social dances used while dancing out and about, and will give anyone the opportunity to truly enjoy themselves!

We offer instruction for all partnership dances– from waltz, tango, cha-cha, and salsa, to country western, swing and club dancing. We can help you with your wedding dance, all of your social dance needs – basically, any dance done with a partner.

For those with a competitive edge, we can also help you become a skilled Pro/Am competitor with your Instructor at lots of branded Fred Astaire Regional, Inter-Regional, National and International dance competitions!

Our unique teaching system includes private instruction, group Lessons and practice parties, to help you learn as much as possible in as short a time as possible – and enables you to try out your new skills in a casual group setting with your fellow dance students.

From a simple First Dance to YouTube-worthy routines for the entire wedding party, we can help you make your Wedding Day even more special!

We would love to help instruct you in either the International or American Ballroom Styles, or both!

With its sophisticated style and easy adaptation to contemporary rock music, this 1950s style quickly gained popularity in the U.S.

The Waltz dates back to Bavaria 400 years ago, but it was not introduced into “society” until 1812, when it first appeared in English ballrooms.

The Viennese Waltz was first danced by European royalty in the 1800s, and was deemed startling due to the close proximity of the dancers.

The romantic Tango descended from an early Spanish folk dance, and features intriguing asymmetrical and sophisticated dance patterns.

Of Brazilian origin, this festive serenade features a repetitive melody, continually interrupted by the strumming of a guitar.

Salsa combines passion, energy, sensuous style and joy, and has its origins in the Afro-Cuban dance, Rumba.

Characterized by a smooth, subtle hip motion and a heavy walking step, Rumba first invaded the U.S. in the early 1930s.

The Quickstep has its roots in 1920s New York City Ragtime, and only later became a partner dance.

This dance dates back many centuries, and was originally intended for use at bullfights when the matador was victorious in the arena.

Lore has this dance originating at a royal fiesta honoring a returning war hero, in either Haiti or the Dominican Republic.

First introduced in Latin America in the 1930s, Mambo attained instantaneous popularity in American film and pop culture.

This style evolved from popular American dances of the 1930s such as Jitterbug, Boogie-Woogie, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, etc.

A more modern entry, this disco style was most popular in the nightclub scene from the late 1960s through the 1970s.

In 1912, Vaudeville dancer Harry Fox was the first to use the “slow step”, danced to an exhilarating new style of music – ragtime.

East Coast Swing evolved from the Lindy Hop in the 1940s, and is perhaps the most famous American folk dance.

A Cuban dance derived from the Mambo and Rumba; its name comes from the rhythm developed by a syncopation of the fourth beat.

Classic Bolero, introduced in Spain in 1780, is truly the “dance of love”, and is performed to music featuring a constant beat of drums.

Although the exact origins of the dance (and the world) are lost to legend, Tango originated in Argentina in the late 1800s.

Professional dance lessons in a wide variety of Latin styles from certified Fred Astaire professionals, designed to keep you dancing, learning, and progressing.

Professional dance lessons in a wide variety of ballroom styles from certified Fred Astaire professionals, designed to keep you dancing, learning, and progressing.

Showcase your talent in specialty dances, where each event is a chance to shine on a grand stage and earn recognition, build confidence, and have fun.

Showcase your talent in Latin dances, where each event is a chance to shine on a grand stage and earn recognition, build confidence, and have fun.

Showcase your talent in rhythm dances, where each event is a chance to shine on a grand stage and earn recognition, build confidence, and have fun.

Showcase your talent in smooth dances, where each event is a chance to shine on a grand stage and earn recognition, build confidence, and have fun.

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 in Appleton that will inspire you to reach new heights, feel and look confident, and have fun doing it.

Join the Appleton Studio students and professionals for an evening of social dancing! These weekly themed dance parties will have you filling your Friday evenings with movement, your love of dance, and the opportunity to stay connected to your dance family, all while making new friends along the way!

Join us on Friday evening, February 21st, at approximately 6:30pm, and be sure to get in on dancing for a great cause! All are welcome to participate. Purchase your dance entries, for a great discounted rate, at the event registration desk, to dance with anyone – any professional, or team member, from your studio or others! This is a first come, first serve event. 100% of the proceeds from entries purchased will go to the CORBIN CARES FOUNDATION!

Our 2025 professional show, concluding our event on Saturday evening, August 16th, is sure to wow the crowd! You won’t want to miss it! The theme you ask? AROUND THE WORLD! We invite you to get your tickets right here online, before they sell out, to sit back, relax, and enjoy a dance show put on as our professionals travel the world on FADS Air! Show starts at approximately 9:00pm!

Our 45th annual dance showcase invites you to join us for one, or more, of our show dates and times. Performances brought to you by our students & professionals. The professional show follows each amateur performance and is inspired by the timeless allure, glamour, and charisma of “The Blonde” Marilyn Monroe theme.

Join us on Friday evening, August 15th, at approximately 7:00pm, and enjoy the chance to dance for a great cause! Here’s how it works: All are welcome to participate (that includes all of you spectators too!). Purchase your dance entries, for a great discounted rate, at the event registration desk, to dance with anyone – and we mean ANYONE – any professional, or team member, from your studio or others – don’t forget those judges! 100% of the proceeds from entries purchased will go to the Wisconsin chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation!

These Events are top-tier… the lights, music, and ambiance are electric! These Events are also where our National (NDC) & World Champions (FAWC) are crowned. The dance floor action is non-stop, and exciting activities are always part of the mix (such as Night Club Division, Pro Show, Dance Camps, and Dinner Galas).