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7 Fiery Reasons Dragons Need Dance Too: Dance Your Way into the Year of the Dragon
Ignite your Year of the Dragon with '7 Fiery Reasons Dragons Need Dance Too'! Join us for an exhilarating dance journey at Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
From Boys to Gentlemen: A Ten-Step Guide to Building Character Through Ballroom Dancing
Transform your boys into remarkable gentlemen through the art of ballroom dancing. Explore 10 dimensions of character growth, from elegance to collaboration. Discover the power of dance today
10 Tips to Improve Your Ballroom Technique
Any ballroom dancer can tell you, there is no easy way to get amazing at any particular ballroom style in a short period of time. However, there are certainly best practices that smart dancers will use to ensure they get the most out of every moment spent practicing, performing, and thinking about ballroom dance! Here...
How to Deal With Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a common trait among ballroom dancers. It can be helpful in driving you to improve your skills and become the best dancer you can be. However, perfectionism can also be harmful if it leads to excessive self-criticism or perfectionistic standards that are impossible to meet. There are some things you can do to...
What to Expect From Your First Dance Lesson
Many of our dancers come to their very first lesson with zero experience. They’ve had little if any exposure to ballroom dancing and they just aren’t sure what will be expected of them… or their body. We are happy to report that you can 100 percent expect to have fun! Our warm and friendly studios...
What to Expect At Your First Dance Lesson!
Whether you’re learning some new moves for the first dance at your wedding or hoping to drop a few pounds before swimsuit season arrives, your first dance lesson can be a lot to handle. Knowing what to expect during your lesson will help you stay focused and be ready to hit the dance floor. At...
Find Your New Year’s Dance Resolution!
The new year is here, and that means it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, promises, and challenges to sweep across the world, and then be promptly forgotten by next month. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we believe in setting realistic, achievable goals that help you better yourself. To this end, we’ve compiled a short list...
Holiday Season Dance Gift Giving Guide!
Ballroom dancers are always looking for new ways to improve their skills and enhance their performances, so there are plenty of opportunities for great gifts out there to help them further their passions. Here are some great gift ideas for the ballroom dancer in your life! Dance Shoes A good pair of dance shoes is...
Tips for staying focused and maximizing your dance learning!
We’ve all been there: you’re halfway through your class after an exhausting day, distractions are all around, and you just can’t seem to hold your focus on anything! Attention fatigue is a universal struggle in any learning environment, and doubly so for one as frequently intense and exhausting as Ballroom Dance can be. That’s why...
Wedding Dance Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask!
So! Your wedding day is coming up, and you are now realizing that you have to DANCE! In front of CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY! AAHHHHHH! Take a deep breath. You’ll get through this. To help assuage the fears and concerns of brides and grooms to-be who don’t have any dance experience or knowledge, we’ve compiled...
Dance Your Way to Warm Weather
Leave the cold weather months of winter behind and dance your way into spring with Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Buds are starting to sprout on trees, and flowers are beginning to bloom as the cold weather of winter recedes, and warmer temperatures prevail. Restaurants are welcoming nice weather by opening up their outdoor patios. Farmers’...
Calm Wedding Dance Jitters With Spotlight-Worthy Moves
Your wedding is a day you hope to remember fondly for the rest of your life, but if something goes wrong, it can easily mar your big day. Take it from the folks who’ve been there for countless couples — your wedding is not something you want to mess up. But many people might not...
Proper Footwear Improves Ballroom Dance Finesse
Students at Fred Astaire Dance Studios are dancing their way to good health by achieving fulfillment and fun on the dance floor. Taking care of your feet by picking proper dance shoes is an important step to take when learning how to salsa, cha-cha and swing. Pay Attention to Your Feet Taking care of your...
Stay Heart Healthy With the Power of Dance
It is no secret that dance helps keep people in shape, but what you may not know is that dancing regularly can have a huge impact on your cardiovascular health! A 2014 study was conducted in the United Kingdom to further examine the ties between dancing and improved heart health. Scientists asked 48,000 people over...
Break From Tradition! Lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios are the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and ballroom dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios are the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift! This is a holiday that is full of traditional expectations: romantic dinners, boxed chocolates… maybe even a dozen red roses. Here at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we’re all for tradition, but we think...
Dance Your Way to a Healthy New Year
Want a healthy new year? Ditch the resolutions to join the gym or start a new diet. Launch the new year off by taking up a hobby that can help you stay fit and have fun. Almost 50 percent of Americans are resolving to eat healthier and to exercise more this year, according to a...
Combat the Stress of the Holidays Through Dance!
There’s shopping to be done. And baking. And cleaning. And decorating. And runs to the airport. The job. The kids. The guests from out of town. Whew. Exhausting, isn’t it? And stressful. You can feel it as you grab the steering wheel of your car in a death grip. As the lines in stores grow...
Give the Gift of Dance This Christmas
Finding the perfect gift for that person on your list who already has everything can be a challenge. Fred Astaire Dance Studios encourages shoppers to consider giving the gift of dance this holiday season. Dancing provides solace to the soul during this unprecedented time. The mental health of many Americans is suffering during the pandemic....
National Ballroom Dance Week Reminds Us To Never Stop Learning
September always reminds us of learning and the challenges of mastering new worlds. As children in school, we studied the basics. In college we branched out into areas that complemented reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic – philosophy, art, dance. We soaked it all in and it made us who we are today. Learning is a lifelong...
Is Dancing on the Menu This Labor Day?
This Labor Day might not be the same as past ones but that’s no reason we can’t still enjoy the holiday. We just need to find different ways of doing it. Planning a backyard barbecue with the family? Party on. But let’s think about staying active if we can’t march in the parade or go...
Take a Cue From The 1920’s and Learn to Tango
Heat up your summer evenings with your favorite partner by letting the professionals at Fred Astaire Dance Studios teach you the tango; a steamy dance that roared onto the dance scene in the 1920s. Holding a red rose between your teeth is optional. The tango has its roots in brothels and dance halls of the...
Get A Head Start!
“To dance is to live,” wrote Charles M. Schulz, the beloved creator of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts gang. And that’s just what our plan is – to dance and to live. Dance has always enhanced life, made it sweeter. Maybe now more than ever. As the world edges toward a new normal, we’re...
Fred Astaire Dance Studios® NEW Online Lessons Platform
Staying mentally, emotionally and physically sound during trying times is one of the best prescriptions we can offer. Dance is a great way to bust stress and stay in shape. You don’t even need to leave the house – because now, dance will come to you, with Fred Astaire Dance Studios® new Online Lessons platform!...
You’re Never Too Old to Start Dancing!
It is quite common to see older friends, family, and members of the community lose their agency and physical strength to the rigors of aging. It can be quite disempowering but aging doesn’t mean you have to give up your agency. There are a whole host of exceptional exercise methods that you can practice well...
Dancing Brings Out a Better You
Like all forms of physical fitness, dance is an exceptional way to get healthy and stay healthy, whether you are 10 years old or 100. The physical and mental health benefits of dance are so numerous and exciting that we must share a few of them with you! Reduce the Effects of Aging Due to...
Treat Yourself to the Joys of Dance This New Year: Life’s Better When You Dance™!
This year, resolve to live your very best life – with dance! Ballroom Dance lessons are a fun, easy way to exercise, relieve stress, make new friends and get closer to your significant other. Our certified Dance Instructors are specialists in helping you set goals that you will enjoy keeping. And every Fred Astaire Dance...
Try Something Different in the New Year
Wave goodbye to another year as it passes into memory and say hello to all of the excitement and potential that comes with a brand new year. Instead of making resolutions that you will never keep, we would like to suggest something that will truly make a difference in your life for this year and...
Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we at Fred Astaire Dance Studios are proud to support this campaign against a terrible disease that takes more than 50,000 lives each year. Those who have touched by this disease as a survivor, a friend, a loved one, or a caregiver, healthcare provider, etc.– find that...
Why Men Should Take Dance Lessons
Gentlemen, it’s time to get out on that dance floor and move! The benefits are innumerable and the downside is non-existent. For one, dancing is a great way to meet others, especially at your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio. It’s a low-pressure atmosphere and you’ll be among folks with a common goal – learning to...
Why Dancing Is Great for Self Confidence
If you’ve ever seen a dance competition, or even an episode of the wildly popular dance shows such as “Dancing With The Stars”, “So You Think You Can Dance?”, or “Americans Got Talent”, you probably couldn’t help but notice the confidence and ‘swag’ that these dancers carry on and off the dance floor. As viewers,...
3 Reasons Ballroom Dancing Is The Perfect Activity For Singles
Meeting new people can be challenging for someone living the single life. It’s no secret that, in order to meet new people, you have to put yourself out there, but it can be a bit intimidating to try new activities alone. So, when it comes to trying your hand at dance lessons, what’s a single...
4 Social Events Where You’ll Be Glad You Know How To Dance
It’s no secret that dancing is one of the best ways to bring a group of people together. In fact, it’s almost like a universal language! Not only is dancing fun but it an easy way for people of all backgrounds to socialize and celebrate life. Dance plays a role in many social events, whether...
Make Dancing Part of Your Summer Plans!
As summer approaches, life feels less hectic as the pace slows a little bit, and that could mean a little more precious time for you. What will you do with it? Let us remind you that summer is the perfect time to learn something new! Here are three simple reasons why you should be dancing...
How Long Will It Take For Me To Become a Good Dancer?
Being a “good dancer” means different things to different people. To some people, it means being able to dance socially and join the fun at any event where there are people dancing. To other people, it means learning to dance competitively. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we make learning how to dance (socially and competitively)...
Weight Loss Through Dance and Diet
We all know people who work out furiously at the gym without losing much, if any, weight. Some of them rationalize it – if I exercise, I can eat what I want. That’s what they say, even as the weight creeps on a bit at a time and rarely leaves for long. You cannot consume...
Strengthen Your Dance Skills & Become a Better Dancer With These Tips
Dance opens so many pathways to a better, richer life. Dance is beneficial for a person’s health on every level, providing physical activity, an outlet for creativity and the opportunity for more meaningful social interactions. All of these lead to a richer, fuller existence and open the door for personal improvements in each area. Ballroom...
5 Reasons Ballroom Dancing is the Most Romantic Activity for Couples
Valentines Day is right around the corner, which begs the question “what is the most romantic thing couples can do together (besides the obvious)?” Well we have known the answer to that question for a long time; Ballroom Dancing of course! It will bring you closer. Ballroom dancing requires two people to perform, and you’re...
The Benefits of Unleashing Your Competitive Side
We love many things about dance. The beauty. The elegance. The teamwork with a trusted partner. The competition. Wait. What? Yes, the competition. As our dancers progress through the Fred Astaire Trophy System, they often wish to test their skills and dedication against others. Whether it’s a studio Mini-Match or a regional event or the...
It’s No Coincidence That Football Players Have Such Success on DWTS
We all love watching “Dancing With the Stars” to see how the celebrities progress and grow as dancers. Especially the athletes. Ever notice how many of those on the show have been football players? Let us just name the ones who are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Emmitt Smith (Season 3 champion), Jerry Rice,...
The Best Ballroom Dance Styles For Beginners
Learning to dance provides you with social skills that last a lifetime and allows you to feel at ease in any situation where there is music and dancing. Once you decide that now is the time to learn how to dance, you may wonder which style is best to start with and which style will...
The Dancer’s Journal: Demystifying the Language of Dance Competitions
by Katyusha Schaffer Author, FADS Student Extraordinaire, and Amateur Competitor You’ve told your Fred Astaire Dance Studio Instructor that you feel ready to do your first competition – CONGRATULATIONS!! You have a great conversation with him/her and come up with a plan to dance several heats in your current division, participate in championships and scholarships...
Debunking Common Ballroom Dance Myths
Dance is one of the truly great things in our world. It’s expressive, vibrant, passionate. It brings people together. It celebrates music and movement. It’s romantic and healthy on just about every level – physical, emotional, social. And yet, every now and then, we hear from studio members who tell us that someone they like (or...
4 Reasons to Love The Tango
Ah the Tango. Romantic, passionate, intense, sensual. There are so many reasons to love this Latin dance style. The Tango is one of the most highly stylized ballroom dances we teach. It is dramatic, with measured crossing and flexing steps to the front, the side and the back combined with turns. Of all the dances...
3 Ways Dad Will Benefit From Dance Lessons
What do we get dear old Dad on Father’s Day? This is a dilemma for many. A tie? Been there. A polo shirt? Done that. Baseball cap? Yes, about three years ago. Let’s think about giving Pop something he can not only use and enjoy now, but also well into the future (no, we are not...
How To Make Your Ballroom Dancing Look Faster In 3 Easy Steps
Wish your ballroom dancing looked as effortless as the pros? Me too, lol! While it might take a little more effort than reading a short article to become the next Yulia Zagoruychenko, here’s a couple tips to get your dancing up to speed. Traveling: Proper use of your standing leg is the key to...
Dance: Something This Mother and Daughter Have in Common
Sari Gold and her daughter Emily walked into the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Manhasset, NY at different times, and for different reasons. But there’s one aspect of dance they agree on – that it’s enhancing their relationship, by giving them something to share, together. At Bellagio Las Vegas during FAWC 2017, Sari and Emily Gold, joined...
Dance Moves for Everyone in the Wedding!
If you’re planning a wedding, chances are you’re already looking into dance lessons. The first dance is a beautiful few minutes to be remembered for a lifetime. Through video and photography you’ll look back on that beautiful day and remember the love and joy from the biggest day of your life. You will also however,...
Are You Ready to Hit the Dance Floor this Wedding Season?!
It’s that time again. The invitations are arriving in the mail and happy couples are announcing their wedding dates. June is such a popular month for nuptials and you know how much planning and effort went into finding a venue and a great band or DJ for a memorable event. The celebration will, of course,...
Don’t Buy Ballroom Dance Shoes Until You Read This!
Ballroom Dance Shoes What is a dance shoe and do I really need to buy them? is a question I have been asked by many students over the years, some new and some not. Guys never understand why their dance teacher is making them buy shoes. And women are thinking of how many pairs they...
How To Buy Dance Shoes, Purchasing Your First Pair
How to Buy Dance Shoes, everything you need to know to make your first purchase. Buying Dance Shoes, that can be tricky if it’s your first time. From the size and style to the heel height and material. Figuring out what you need can be a lot of information. So we’re going to start at...
Doctor’s Orders: On Dance, Competing and Empathy
In addition to enriching her own life, dancing has helped Dr. Leslie Barnes Remski, Orthopedic Surgeon and FADS Pensacola, FL Student, to better empathize with her patients who have sustained injuries. Dr. Leslie Barnes Remski had always been interested in dance, but never had the chance to train. When she moved to Pensacola, FL she...
How to Overcome Your Self-Criticism Ballroom Dancing
We are all guilty of being too hard on ourselves from time to time and dancing is no different. We’ve all heard that we should “be kind to ourselves”, or “give yourself a break”. Intellectually we know this is true but emotionally we just can’t seem to resist the temptation to kick ourselves when we’re...
5 Reasons Couples Should Take Ballroom Dance Lessons
The closer you are, the closer you get. The closer you get, the closer you are. When couples take dance lessons together, they create a tighter bond, a better relationship and enjoy a more intimate physical relationship. The dance lesson – and, for that matter, any time the couple takes to the dance floor together...
Singles: Your Online Dating Profile is Live? Read our Tips for What’s Next!
Greetings, Dance Fans! Our last blog about the online dating scene was focused on “putting your best foot forward”, and creating your best online dating profile. Now that your online dating profile is live and generating potential matches, let’s move on to responding to those inquiries and going on an actual date! Congratulations! You took...
A Tiny, and Talented Competitive Ballroom Dancer!
Sasha, a student at Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Miami Beach, sat down with her parents and inSTEP at the 2017 Fred Astaire World Championships in Las Vegas, to tell us why she loves dancing. Eight year-old Sasha truly enjoys competition. She takes dance lessons at the FADS Miami Beach studio “because I saw the trophies in...
How Dance and Competing Helped this Mother and Daughter ‘Start Feeling Good Again’
In the spring of 2014, Deb Crane lost her husband, sister and niece in the span of less than a month. As she and her daughter, Leslie, struggled with their grief, FADS Menomonee Falls, WI became a surprising source of happiness, purpose and community. Their dance journey started in summer 2014, when a friend invited them...
Why We’re Thankful For Our Dance Instructors
Since it’s the Thanksgiving season, we grow a little introspective. We think of what we have, what we appreciate, the many things for which we are grateful. Often, those are not so much objects and possessions as the people in our lives. Our families, our good friends, the good people in our lives. At Fred...
What Do I Need To Know Before I Come For My First Lesson?
Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward learning new dance steps. You stopped by Fred Astaire Dance Studios, chatted with the manager and an instructor and decided the time is right to learn how to dance, to perk up your social life and to get in better shape (yes, dance does all of those things...
Singles: Involved in Online Dating? Put Your Best Foot Forward!
Add Ballroom Dance to your Repertoire! Internet dating has really changed in recent years. Five to 10 years ago, it was territory only for the bold and the “outliers”, but now it’s completely socially acceptable. And as our societies become increasingly fast-paced and we’re all challenged to carve out leisure time, more and more people worldwide...
Three Ways Dance Lessons Are Better Than A Gym Membership
Here come the holidays. And here come the parties, the snacks, the beverages, the little overindulgences that make clothing a bit too tight for comfort. Hey, we like to look good in our smart outfits. Even a couple of pounds can cause distress. We know how easy it is to add a few and how...
Why The Fred Astaire Dance Curriculum Is Better
You always know where you stand when you join Fred Astaire Dance Studios for ballroom dance instruction (and we don’t just mean on the dance floor). Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) offers a superior and structured curriculum that allows new dancers to follow a program that moves them through various levels as their skills develop,...
Retiring? Here Are 5 Fun Hobbies To Keep You Vibrant
Many people make elaborate plans in preparation for retirement. According to reference.com, four million people retire in the U.S. every year. Their finances are in order and their medical plans are in place. They’ve planned to retire, but haven’t planned what to do with all of the time that comes with freedom from the world...
Learning to Dance in the Rain
“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s about learning how to dance in the rain!” – Vivian Greene At some time or another every ballroom dancer gets stuck in a dance rut. In my experience this happens right before a big break through. The road is the hardest right at the peak....
Reasons Why Love + Dance = The Perfect Match
Life can often seem like a dance. We lead, we follow, we separate, and we come together. At its best, life yields a comforting feeling of togetherness, of partnership and synchronous motion. Life actually becomes a dance, a couple moving seamlessly and in rhythm. In a relationship – especially as it mirrors dance – there’s...
4 Reasons Why We Love to Salsa
It’s summer, and summer brings the heat. The same goes for one of our favorite dances – salsa. It’s hot, hot, hot. Salsa continues to grow in popularity because of its fast pace and the lively music that accompanies this Caribbean-based dance. Latin dances build to a crescendo, creating tension and release. That makes salsa a...
Top 10 Fred Astaire Dance Scenes!
Fred Astaire was a legendary dancer and when he paired with Hollywood’s leading ladies, he made silver screen history. Fred Astaire has danced with and inspired some huge names in show business, Judy Garland, Ginger Rodgers, Cyd Charisse, Rita Hayworth even Michael Jackson was inspired by the late great dancer. On top of that The...
Start Dancing With These 4 Questions
Have you thought of taking dance lessons, but never actually took the plunge? Ballroom dance instruction, whether in private lessons or group classes, provides many benefits physically, mentally and emotionally. Dance is not only a wonderful social and creative outlet, but one that can provide a very satisfying workout. Before you sign up for classes,...
Jump-start a Fitness Routine Through Dance School
Physical fitness encompasses much more than the body. Its impact on the mind, on emotion health and wellness, should never be underestimated. Are you looking to jump-start your fitness routine to keep fit and feel healthy all summer? We can help! At Fred Astaire Dance Studio, we help our current students look and feel great...
Gettin’ Hot and Steamy with the Tango
There is no question that Tango dancing is a pretty sexy ballroom dance to learn. Spinning and dipping and whisking your partner off her feet sounds pretty hot to me! So what does it look like to start learning a dance like the Tango? And can anyone just walk in off the street and start...
Make Dancing The Perfect Summertime Exercise!
Summertime always feels just so free and easy! The longer days, the barbecues, good times spent with friends, a gentle breeze under the moonlight – that’s summer. It’s a time to get out have fun, enjoy friends, family and events. Add something new and fun to your summer while keeping the bounce in your step...
Dance Your Way to a Beach Bod! How Many Calories Are You Burning?
How Many Calories Are You Burning While Dancing? Ballroom Dance vs. Barre, Yoga and Running So let’s see how different fitness routines measure up. We’ve taken a look at some popular fitness fads and compared them to the fun, difficulty and overall calories burned. Take a closer look and you might be hitting the dance...
Mom’s are AWESOME!
The History of Mother’s Day Is Almost As Cool As The Big Day Itself! Mother’s Day is a time of commemoration and celebration for your #1 lady. It is a time of breakfast in bed, family gatherings, and crayon scribbled “I Love You’s.” Moms’ sacrifices for their kids are endless and the love they share...
Behind The Dance With Stephen Knight
Stephen Knight is one of the most well known names in the ballroom dance industry. And for good reason, he’s super talented and creative, his list of accomplishments never seems to end and to top it all off he’s the sparkling personality of the winners circle at the nationals competitions. His many accomplishments include Regional...
What To Expect From Wedding Dance Lessons
That special First Dance between the wedding couple is more than just steps on a dance floor. For one, it’s symbolic of two moving as one, uniting and merging in a display of beauty and grace. It also heralds the joining of two families as those closest to the wedding couple also take to the...
How to Be a Better Leader in 5 Simple Steps
Listen to your partner. That means the good and the bad. So often new dancers go into critique overload and overlook everything they’re doing right. Yes, you should listen if your partner says you’re knocking her off her balance or stepping on her toes. But you should also make a mental note of the things...
Get Out of Hibernation with Us
It’s the same old story. When the weather’s colder, we don bulky sweaters, crave comfort food & don’t get outside to exercise as often. A pound here, a pound there, and pretty soon it adds up. And sticks out. And just doesn’t look or feel real good when we try on the old swimsuit in...
5 Must Know Dances for Every Occasion
We’ve all been caught unprepared at some time in our lives. Not knowing how to dance should not be on that list. If learning to dance in general seems like too big a task, we’ve put together a list of the must haves. Going to a wedding, have a work event or dinner date? We’ve...
History of the Cha Cha
Once upon a time, it was known as the Cha-Cha-Cha. Somewhere along the way, it lost a Cha. Now it’s just the Cha Cha, but it has lost none of its appeal! This dance is characterized by three quick steps (Cha-Cha-Cha!) followed by two slower steps. With American Style Cha Cha averaging 30 beats per minute,...
5 Benefits of Ballroom Dancing You Probably Did Not Know!
We all know physical activity of any kind is good for your body. Obviously we know dancers have pretty amazing physiques (we have seen dancing with the stars after all.) But do you know that dancing is actually more than just a healthy hobby for your body? We’ve been seeing reports being published almost weekly...
Don’t Give Up On Your New Year’s Resolution!
It’s been a month and the party’s over. Actually, all of the parties are over. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s. All done. And they may have left behind a bit of a mess for you to clean up, right around your waist line. A cookie here, some eggnog there, a few holidays treats in between,...
5 Reasons You NEED to Learn to Ballroom Dance
Every adult young or old will inevitably be put in the situation of needing to know how to dance. Don’t be caught unprepared. There are so many benefits to learning to ballroom dance. But today we’re going to talk about the necessary life events that require at least a working knowledge of how to dance....
Valentine’s Day and Ballroom Dancing (Sounds Steamy!)
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many couples are looking for a great date night. How does Ballroom Dancing keep the sparks flying? Compared to other popular date ideas, Ballroom Dance lessons encourage you to hold your partner and look into their eyes for starters. We can even teach you to be sexy! Believe...
Wedding Bells are Ringing!! What about the First Dance?
With so much to prepare, don’t forget that a first wedding dance is often the most memorable part of a wedding. Just the bride and groom on the floor together. Dancing for the first time as husband and wife. It is a beautiful celebration of the promises that you’ve both just made to one another....
Ballroom Dancing: A Resolution You Can Stick With
So many New Years come and go. So many times we make a resolution to get in shape, eat healthier or enjoy life more. Usually about 2 weeks into January, life starts to get real and our heart felt passionate resolution gets put on the back burner for reality. Is there any superhuman who can...
Tips For Choosing a Ballroom Dance Studio
For many, social partner dancing is a way to enjoy ourselves and get the most out of life. It helps reduce the stresses of everyday life for a few hours and provides entertainment. Dancing is also a healthy activity to do with a loved one or a friend. Whether you’re interested in taking dance lessons...
Tis’ the Season to Celebrate, Let’s Celebrate with DANCE!
When we think of celebration what comes to mind is good company, and fun times. Through all of our reasons to celebrate, dancing elevates the mood of the room and our hearts. Whether it’s at a wedding or a New Years party dancing and music can change an atmosphere from awkward to joyous in a...
Enough With The Stuff!
When you need to find the perfect gift and a toaster oven just won’t do. With the best intentions we’ve all been on the giving or receiving end of a really bad gift. This year, let’s think outside the box. A gift of dance lessons at your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio is a great...
Fred Astaire Dance Studio’s Holiday Gift Buying Guide
Shopping can be fun, but it can also be stressful, how do you know that you’re getting the right gift? Every year we wrack our brains to find the most amazing gift for someone special. So to help you out we’ve compiled a list of the most trendsetting, hip and useful gifts that will be...
Behind The Dance With Bruno Collins
For thirty-one years, Bruno Collins has touched every aspect of the dance business with his vision and innovation. He has been a driving force in the adaptation of dance curriculums, teaching methods, and business plans that have allowed this industry to stay current amidst the demands of a rapidly changing market. The incredible artistry of...
Getting Married? Congrats! Now Let’s Talk About The First Dance
A first dance is often the most memorable part of a wedding. Just the bride and groom on the floor together. Dancing for the first time as husband and wife. It’s a beautiful celebration of the promises that you’ve both just made to one another. For every couple a first dance is different. Some brides...
How Ballroom Dancing Can Help Your Communication
“Communication is, above all, a skill — and very few people know how to communicate effectively, naturally. It takes thoughtfulness and a lot of practice.” – Carl Alasko, PhD Author of Say This Not That: A Foolproof Guide to Effective Intrapersonal Communication. In the age of information, we have become desensitized by our iPhones and...
Why Do You Think You Like To Dance?
We know that ballroom dance is beneficial physically, mentally and socially. But what is it, exactly, that makes us like to dance? Beyond the tangible physical, mental and social benefits, why does the movement and the expression of dance give us such pleasure? Now, here at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we’d probably say we like...
What Does a First Dance Lesson Look Like?
As a professional Ballroom Dance Instructor, I see people of all ages and abilities that come to me for dance lessons. The one thing they all have in common is their first lesson. Everyone comes in for a first dance lesson and everyone has some sort of nerves associated with the first lesson. I get...
The History of the Foxtrot
When we discuss the basics of ballroom dancing, we often fall back on two of its staple styles – the foxtrot and the waltz. Today we are going to take a closer look at the foxtrot – a smooth, progressive dance characterized by its slow step, and long, sinuous movements. Named for its creator, vaudeville...
6 Reasons Everyone (including YOU) Should Compete in Ballroom Dancing
Not many people start out Ballroom Dancing because they want to be competitive dancers. Most people start out seeing someone having a blast on the dance floor and begin to get inspired to learn themselves. Most folks want to learn to look comfortable and confident and simply, not make fools of themselves. So then what...
Customized Wedding Dance Programs For Fall Weddings
Two of the most popular months for weddings – September and October – are just ahead. You know what weddings mean – some very important dances for the wedding couple to think about! There’s the First Dance for the wedding couple. Then there’s the Father / Daughter dance; and the Mother / Son dance. And...
Ballroom Dancing: An Investment in Yourself
The Benefits of Ballroom Dancing are Endless! From improved self-confidence to better balance and flexibility. Recently however, there has been a lot of talk about the benefits of dancing and cognitive process. Alzheimer’s and dementia patients have had astounding breakthroughs using music and exercise. It only makes sense that when they applied ballroom dancing and...
Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter
We at Fred Astaire Dance Studios love to share information about the benefits of dance – socializing, building confidence, learning a new pastime, getting in better shape – and so many more, including… guess what? Dancing makes you smarter! In an article called Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter, Richard Powers, who leads...
Why Your Sons and Daughters Should Be Ballroom Dancing
There are so many amazing benefits to learning a skill like ballroom dancing! There’s no doubt that we all admire the folks who get up on the dance floor first. So why is it that some of us shy away from ever taking the leap and getting into some dance lessons? Even more so why...
Pay Attention Fellas! Here’s The Reason Women Love Men That Can Dance
It’s no secret that chicks dig guys that can dance. So why is it that some men avoid the dance floor like the plague? Also, what is with the obsession with dancing in the first place? Couldn’t they pick something easier like fishing or watching football? That’s masculine enough isn’t it? Well, interestingly enough the...
The Emotional Benefits To Dancing
We all have a basic need for acceptance, friendships, a social circle. And one of the best ways of building this type of support system and network is through the activity of dance. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we work very hard to provide exactly this type of atmosphere, and offer many ways for people...
Do You Know Your Learning Style?
Identify your individual learning style and see how easy it can be to learn something new like Ballroom or Latin dancing. Have you ever tried to learn something fairly simple, yet failed to grasp the key ideas? Or tried to teach people and found that some were overwhelmed or confused by something quite basic?...
4 Stretching Tips to Avoid Injury and Help Flexibility
We’re always happy when our students come into our Fred Astaire Dance Studio, ready and eager to take part in their favorite dance class. Today, we have a little tip for all of our students, whether long-time dancers or those just starting out: Try to arrive a few minutes early and maybe plan to stay...
Foot Care Tips to Keep You on Your Toes
“Dancing Feet” is one of the best-loved songs from the famed musical, “42nd Street.” So, how are you taking care of your dancing feet – or are you, at all? Whether you like to waltz or cha-cha or cross the dance floor in a glorious tango, your feet are the principal carriers of the rest of...
Slide Into Summer in Shape!
The official start of beach season is not far off! Memorial Day weekend, which marks the unofficial start of summer, is at the end of May, and that’s when we traditionally first slip into our swimsuits for revelry at the beach and pool parties. The big (so to speak) question is: will you fit in your...
Mothers Day is Just Around the Corner
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’re all looking for an awesome gift, for our awesome mom. All moms deserve a day to be celebrated, but somehow every year Mother’s Day creeps up on us quicker than anticipated. Everyone wants mom to feel special and sending flowers year after year can become a bit...
The Overall Benefits of Dance
We get it. We’ve been there. You’re stressed, a little frazzled, and you want to be in better shape. But you’re not really the type with a hobby to take your mind off daily issues, and you’re not a gym rat or interested in team sports. What to do? Hey, you’ve already found our Dance...
Summer Cocktails
We’ve paired your favorite cocktail with your favorite dance…What better way to welcome summer than with a dance and a cool cocktail in hand. Does your favorite Ballroom Dance bring you the classy and elegant feeling of Frank Sinatra crooning Fly Me To The Moon? Or do you prefer the sassy and sexy bass line...
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Wedding Dance Lessons
Congratulations, you’re getting married! Now that the excitement of the proposal is over, and this incredible event has started to sink in – it’s planning time! The engagement party, the wedding shower, the registry… and all the plans and decisions for your special Wedding Day will soon be taking up lots of your time. One...
Why Spring is the Best Time to Learn Something New
Through the course of any given day, we all have natural peaks and troughs in our energy levels that can affect our alertness and ability to concentrate. The time of year also has an effect on how we learn. As the crocuses start to peak out of the ground and your neighbors start to come...
7 Tips for The Best Wedding Dance Ever!
As a dance professional I see wedding couples and help them to put their first dance together on the reg. More often than not couples don’t have a clear idea of what they are looking for in a first dance or the words to use to communicate it. In my experience, I’ve learned the questions...
A Letter to the President
Dear Mr. Rothweiler, My wife and I recently did our first spotlight dance. Never in thirty years of marriage did we ever think we could dance, let alone be confident and proficient enough to do so for an audience. It was truly a benchmark moment in our lives. My wife and I have always been...
Halloween Practice Party!
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Friday, October 30th when we hold our Halloween Practice Party from 8:30 p.m. at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Dedham. Break out your best Halloween costume and come boogie with us! Did you always want to be a football star or a princess? A cowboy or a fashion...
Would You Compete With Someone You Have Never Met?
It was on a Wednesday in July at the Mirage Hotel Las Vegas that Ted Postolachi first met his dance partners for the 2015 Fred Astaire World Championships (FAWC). Ted, a Dance Instructor at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Bardonia NY, was set to dance with Anna Tabolina and Ashley Michelle Jones, both of the...
Practice Parties Every Friday Night
We’re having a party! Actually, we’re having lots of them. And we hope you will join us at our Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Dedham for dancing, fun and socializing with other like-minded people. Our parties offer a fun, friendly atmosphere on Friday nights from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Our students pop in to...
How Ballroom Dancing Makes You a Better Person
Most people will agree ballroom dancing is good for you – improved stamina, greater flexibility, improved brain power, what’s not to like? Yet, even more important then the obvious benefits are the subtle changes it makes to the kind of person you are, as you go through life seeking ever better ways to make it...
8 Weird Things Your Dance Teacher Says
By Nichelle Suzanne Dance teachers say and do some crazy things (like tell you a few little white lies!), but even their strangest sayings are meant to help you become a better dancer. From using oxymorons to requests that seem impossible (“close your ribs” sound familiar?!), here are eight odd things you may have heard...
Best Destinations for a Dance Weekend Getaway!
The best destinations for a dance weekend getaway! When you’re at work all week long, we know what you’d really rather be doing — dancing of course! And with Labor Day weekend coming up, we’re sure you’re ready for a nice little getaway. Why not take the opportunity to dance to your heart’s content? Take...
FADS Middletown Shares their Pride in One of their Youngest Students!
The staff at Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Middletown, CT share their pride in one of their youngest stars, nine-year-old Aidan Boutin. Aidan and his twin sister, Abigail, began dancing tap and ballet when they were just three years old. When he was six, Aidan told his mother he wanted to spin the girls like they do...
The Transformative Power of Dance Helped this FADS Student Step into the Spotlight!
Meet Terry, a Fred Astaire Dance Studios student we feel so lucky to have! Five months ago, Terry came to a Practice Party at FADS Buffalo, NY studio with her husband, Tim. But they didn’t dance a step — oh, no! Instead, they watched the party from the “safe” lounge area, conversing with our students and...
Summer is Off to a Successful Start!
We had a big day – actually, a couple of them – at the 4th annual New England Dance Extravaganza held June 19-20 at the Marriott Mystic in Groton, CT. This is a FADS regional competition, with solo performances the first day and team performances the next. Can you guess who came home with the...
A TED speaker coach shares 11 tips for right before you go on stage
Gina Barnett advises a speaker during TED2014. Below, her best last-minute public speaking tips. Photo: Ryan Lash/TED The weekend before a TED conference, each speaker rehearses their talk in the TED theater. It’s a chance for the speakers to get to know the space, for our curators to give last-minute suggestions on talk content, and...
Dance, As the Fountain of Youth and a Source of Pure Joy
Mary walks through falling snow, up the sidewalk and through the front door of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ Corporate Office in Longmeadow, MA. She is 88 years old and other than her Dance Instructor’s careful palm on her elbow, she is unassisted. Mary is visiting Corporate today, eager to see Jack Rothweiler (Fred Astaire Dance...
The Many Health Benefits of Dancing
by BERKELEY WELLNESS | NOVEMBER 20, 2014 With shows like Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance in full swing, dancing is becoming one of America’s favorite pastimes. There is even National Dance Day, which was started in 2010 to “encourage Americans to embrace dance as a fun and positive way...
Ballroom Dancing Helps Fight Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Can ballroom dance prevent Alzheimer’s disease? According to research, it does! Studies indicate that ballroom dancing and other stimulating activities may lower the risk of cognitive decline. More importantly, they greatly enhance quality of life, which is something that dementia steals from Alzheimer’s patients and their families. Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) reports that 35.6 million people worldwide...
Dance, Dance, Dance
I just put my feet in the air and move them around. ~Fred Astaire Benefits of Dance – Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios Whether you flaunt your every move on the dance floor or sway to your favorite songs in the car, dance is an activity that everybody enjoys, in one way or another. Luckily,...
Make It Look Easy
“We have to work this hard to make it look that easy,” said Geno Auriemma, UConn’s women’s basketball coach, again calling forth his Fred Astaire quotation following his team’s 37th consecutive win last night when the Huskies beat Notre Dame to seize their 10th NCAA tournament! This win, reporter Paul Doyle notes, ranks Auriemma alongside...
Join Us: Spring Open House Guest Party
We’re having a party! Actually, we have lots of them. And we know you will want to join us at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Dedham for Dedham Square’s Spring Open House Guest Party on Thursday, April 30, beginning at 7:45 p.m. We’ll start with a complimentary Beginner Ballroom Introductory class followed by light...
When We Meet Again, We Will Dance…
Edwin Robbins, a 23-year student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Manhattan East Side, NY, shares in his own words, how his two left feet danced him to a lifelong love story. “My prom date told me after three box steps that I had no rhythm. Then the Navy excused me from marching. During my...
9 Benefits You Can Experience Once You Start Dancing
Whether you flaunt your every move on the dance floor or sway to your favorite songs in the car, dance is an activity that everybody enjoys, in one way or another. Luckily, dancing is something that will not only bring a smile to your face, but can also help improve your physical and mental health....
This FADS Student’s Story Is 1,000 Lessons Long…
(And that just might be the number of times Marilyn Clasen passed the building sign, too…) …the one in her neighborhood, that said “Fred Astaire Dance Studio” — before she went in. Once she did, she no longer felt like ‘just another stranger from Cleveland’. She was soon immersed in a new, healthy, exciting, favorite...
Time Has Made Her Who She Is
If you flipped through the June 2014 issue of Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine , you might have recognized a familiar face. Perhaps you remember Tao Porchon-Lynch from one of Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ National Dance Competitions, or if you’re a member of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Hartsdale NY family, you might even know...
After Surgery, Rediscovering Dance
After two knee surgeries, Bree Kleist searched for a new way to keep moving – and rediscovered her love for dance! “My knees were killing me. I spent 8 years in the Air Force, four of them as a heating specialist, kneeling and squatting in front of furnaces and boilers all day long. I spent...