Category: Fred Astaire & Fads History

Celebrating National Ballroom Dance Week: 50 Fascinating Facts about Ballroom Dancing, Fred Astaire, and The Fred Astaire Dance Studios

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Embark on a captivating journey through the world of ballroom dancing with Fred Astaire Dance Studios during National Ballroom Dance Week. Discover 50 fascinating facts that celebrate the elegance, rhythm, and joy of dance. Explore the legacy of Fred Astaire and the nurturing environment of The Fred Astaire Dance Studios, where dance transcends barriers and connects hearts. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or taking your first steps, join us in this enchanting celebration of movement and connection

A Brief History of Ballroom Dance

Ballroom dance is a broad term that encompasses a variety of dance styles that are performed in a ballroom setting. These styles include the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz. The history of ballroom dance can be traced back to the 16th century in Europe, where it was primarily a social activity for the...

Fred Astaire Dance Partners: January Birthdays

Ginger Rogers is likely the dance partner we think of first, but Fred Astaire, our co-founder and namesake, was fortunate to have performed and starred with numerous well-known & talented dancers, on both stage and screen during his career. This blog post highlights the stories of two of Astaire’s esteemed dance partners – George Burns...

Top 10 Fred Astaire Dance Scenes!

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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...

Behind The Dance With Stephen Knight

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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...

Facts About Fred

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To watch Fred Astaire dance on film – even today – is to marvel at his grace, skill and athleticism. What many don’t know is the extent to which this virtuoso practiced, worked on… and worried about his craft.  Astaire’s brilliance speaks of a confident character without a care. But Fred Astaire, namesake and co-founder of...

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...

Fred Astaire and Hermes Pan: A Collaboration That Changed 20th Century Dance Choreography

The legendary dance talents of Fred Astaire were surely influenced, even enhanced, by the many dance partners, collaborators and choreographers he worked with during his iconic career. This blog post tips a hat to Hermes Pan… dancer, choreographer, collaborator and good friend of Fred Astaire for over 60 years. Born on December 10, 1909 in...

Fred Astaire Dance Partners: November Birthdays

Fred Astaire’s iconic talents as a professional dancer wouldn’t have been possible if not for his numerous & talented dance partners. Ginger Rogers may have been the most well-known, but our co-founder and namesake was fortunate to have had the opportunity to star with numerous dancers on both stage and screen. This post celebrates two dancing...

Fred Astaire Dance Partners: October Birthdays

Beyond his own talent, Fred Astaire’s success as a professional dancer wouldn’t have been possible if not for his numerous, talented dance partners. Our co-founder and namesake was fortunate to have starred with numerous dancers, on both stage and screen. This post celebrates three of his dancing co-stars with October birthdays: Claire Luce, Rita Hayworth...

Beyond Dancing: the Debonair Fred Astaire

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The name of the beloved Fred Astaire is instantly recognized throughout the world. But were there aspects of Fred Astaire, besides his professional dancing and acting career, that no camera ever revealed? Upon Astaire’s death from pneumonia at age 88, New York Times dance critic, Anna Kisselgoff, said: “The magnitude of his achievement is as great a social phenomenon as it is...

Barrie Chase: She Danced With a Legend

Saturday evening at the FAWC (Fred Astaire World Championships) 2014 Dance Competition in Las Vegas, the suspense rose as our (now, former) President/CEO, Jack Rothweiler, began introducing his surprise guest to the audience. He mentioned the Fred Astaire TV Specials, talked of his first meeting with this guest and their conversation of four-plus hours. Still,...