Dance Lessons for Couples in Durham, NC
Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham has been teaching couples to dance since 1987, part of a national brand founded by Fred Astaire in 1947. We are one of the largest dance studios in the Research Triangle, and we are owned and taught by working professional dancers, not just staffed by them.
Our dance lessons for couples are private and personalized. A certified instructor works with you and your partner at your pace, on your schedule, in ballroom, Latin, swing, and wedding styles. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, preparing for a wedding, or just want a new date night, our dance lessons for couples are built around your goals. Our studio is located at 4702 Garrett Road, less than 5 miles from the Nasher Museum of Art.

Our Durham dance studio offers diverse dance lessons, ranging from the graceful waltz to the lively salsa, so your couples dance lessons match your interests and skill level. Whether you are drawn to the romance of ballroom dances or the energy of Latin rhythms, our dance lessons for couples give you and your partner a real reason to connect off the dance floor too.
Every instructor on our team is certified and has trained and competed at a national or international level. Lessons focus on technique and confidence, with flexible scheduling that works around busy lives.
What to Expect in Your First Lesson

Your couples dance lesson at our Durham studio is a private session, not a group class. A certified instructor walks you through the basics of the style you are most curious about. No experience is necessary and there is no pressure. By the end of the lesson, you and your partner will feel more connected, more confident, and ready to keep moving together.
Dance Styles We Teach
At our Durham studio, you and your partner can explore a wide variety of styles:
- Ballroom Dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango
- Latin Dances: Rumba, Cha-Cha, Salsa, Samba
- Social Dances: Swing, Hustle, Quickstep
- Wedding Dances: tailored routines for your special day
Not sure where to start? We will introduce you to a few different styles so you and your partner can discover what works best together.
Meet the Instructors Teaching Your Couples Dance Lessons
Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham is owned and led by working dance professionals, which is part of what sets our couples dance lessons apart from a typical class.
Oksana started dancing at age 7 and competed for the Ukrainian National Dance Team, winning or reaching the finals in numerous national and international Ballroom and Latin championships.
Yuriy began dancing at age 7 in Ukraine, became a national champion at 12, and went on to build a successful international dance career, winning ballroom titles in Germany, Russia, Poland, Moldova, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria.
Kyrylo is a two-time winner of the studio's Outstanding Teacher Award, earning the honor in 2012 and 2013. Kyrylo represented Ukraine at international dance events in Poland, Moldova, and Russia before bringing that experience to Durham.
Alyona is known throughout Durham for wedding first-dance choreography. Couples repeatedly credit her with helping them feel comfortable, prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy their wedding day.
Both bring years of competitive dance sport experience from Ukraine to Durham, using their backgrounds to help students strengthen technique, build confidence, and feel more comfortable on the dance floor during every lesson.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham is owned and led by working dance professionals, which is part of what sets our couples dance lessons apart from a typical class.
Why Durham Couples Choose Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham
- Family owned and operated in Durham since 1987, with a heritage that traces back to Fred Astaire himself in 1947
- Certified instructors with national and international competition experience
- Private, one-on-one couples dance lessons paced to your goals, not a fixed curriculum
- Strong reputation for wedding first-dance choreography
- Monthly group dance parties and events so you can practice what you learn in a low-pressure setting
- Open Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm, with lesson times built around work schedules

Discount on Couples Dance Lessons for New Students in Durham
Ready to take the first step? Take advantage of our introductory offer for new students. Starting at just $59, you and your partner can enjoy your first two dance lessons. Choose from the elegant Waltz, the lively Salsa, a Swing dance class, or a mix of any two styles you’re interested in.
Dance Lessons Designed Around Your Goals
Named after the legendary Fred Astaire, our studio embodies a legacy of dance excellence that started in 1947 and has taught Durham couples since 1987.
Our certified instructors, several of them former national and international competitors, are excited to share that experience in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. With a wide range of dance styles and a focus on real progress, our dance lessons for couples are tailored to your skill level and dance style preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
No prior dance experience is needed. Our couples dance lessons are tailored to your skill level, whether you are a beginner or have danced before. Our instructors will guide you at your own pace.
You can learn any dance style you want! We offer a wide variety of dance styles, including ballroom, Latin (such as Salsa and Cha-Cha), Waltz, Swing, and more. You can choose the style that suits you and your partner’s interests.
Our dance lessons for couples are personalized to help you and your partner learn at your own pace. Our certified instructors provide step-by-step guidance, focusing on technique, coordination, and having fun while dancing together.
The studio is owned by Yuriy Simakov and Oksana Klyuchnyk, both professional dance instructors who began competing at age 7 and represented Ukraine in national and international championships. They still teach lessons at the studio today.
Our Durham studio has been teaching couples to dance since 1987, and we are part of a national brand with roots going back to Fred Astaire himself in 1947.
We offer an introductory rate of $59 for your first two lessons as a couple, a great way to start learning and experience the benefits of dancing with your partner.
You can schedule your first lesson by calling us at 919-489-4313 or filling out the contact form below. Our staff will help you find a time that works for both of you.
Sign Up for Couples Dance Lessons at Our Intro Rate
New to our studio? Take advantage of our introductory rate starting at just $59 for your first 2 lessons. Schedule your first dance lesson by calling 919-489-4313 or completing the form below. Our friendly staff will assist you in booking your session and answer any questions. Not only will you have access to our team of instructors, but you will also have access to our group dance parties and other fun monthly events.
Get Started
Get started for just $59 for your first two dance lessons. Fill out the form and you will be contacted soon.