Fred Astaire Dance Studio students work diligently to perfect their steps on the dance floor, to master the dances they learn – and have fun along the way. They come to our partice parties and our outings, they dance, they meet others who share that passion for dancing. But there’s a big world out there, and there’s no reason not to build your vacation around great places to show off the exciting ballroom dances you’ve been working on.
Here a few suggestions for the dance adventure of your life and the chance to strut your FADS knowledge in an exciting, different locale:
Tango: Where would you go but Buenos Aires, Argentina? This is where the tango was born, and Argentinians often add their own particular twists to this sensuous dance. The city holds a dance championship in May, while the Tango and World Cup Festival is in August. For fans of great beef, Argentina is also a “prime” choice. How about dinner and dancing?
Waltz: Like the tango, the waltz was originally a dance of the working class, but in Bavaria and Austria. It was later adopted by the upper classes. The ball season is January through March in Vienna, Austria, so hurry if this is a trip you would like to make this year. Or plan ahead. Vienna is also a great place to take dance lessons in historic buildings where famous composers performed.
Salsa: Government restrictions are tightening on visits to Cuba, but this is the place to go for the dance that combines Afro-Caribbean and Latin American rhythms. Some Havana nightspots practically specialize in salsa nights and your hotel concierge can direct you to the hottest of the hot spots. Santiago de Cali in Colombia is also a terrific place for salsa dancing, with more than 200 salsa schools. The International Salsa Festival is in September.
Merengue and Bachata: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic is at the heart of these two energetic dances. Some tour operators can place visitors with local families while they take lessons not only in the two dances but Spanish.
Travel agents can arrange for dance-themed trips, and many of those also include other sight-seeing opportunities. They can also add trips to the beach and water sports (surfing, scuba) in the package.
Dance is an international language of its own. It lets the body speak in ways that words never will. Why not take your act, honed at Fred Astaire Dance Studios under the tutelage of superb dance instructors, on the road – and have the adventure of a lifetime?