Swing Dance Lessons in Durham, NC
Step onto the dance floor at Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham and feel what swing dance is all about: rhythm, connection, and a little bit of joy you can’t fake. We’ve taught swing dance lessons in Durham since 1987, part of a national brand with roots going back to Fred Astaire himself in 1947. Whichever style first caught your ear, our certified instructors will meet you exactly where you are.
No partner and no experience are required. Just bring your curiosity, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Swing Styles We Teach
Swing dancing covers a whole family of styles, each with its own personality. Our instructors teach all of them, so you can explore, compare, and find the one that feels like home.
Group Classes and Private Lessons
We teach swing dance lessons both ways, and most students end up doing a bit of both. Group classes are a fun, social way to learn alongside other new dancers, with a rotating format so you never need to bring a partner.
Private lessons are built around your schedule and your goals. If group class times don’t work for you, or you want focused, one-on-one coaching on a specific style before a wedding or event, a private lesson lets you work directly with your instructor at your own pace.
What to Expect at Your First Lesson
No dance experience is needed to join, ever. Your first class starts with the basics: footwork, timing, and how to lead or follow comfortably. Our instructors break every step down clearly, so you leave feeling like you actually learned something, not just that you kept up.
Certified, Experienced Instructors
Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham is owned and taught by working dance professionals, which shapes everything about how we teach swing.
Every instructor on our team is certified and has real competition experience, so when you take swing dance lessons here, you’re learning from people who have actually lived the dance, not just studied it.
Why Durham Dancers Choose Fred Astaire
- Family owned and operated in Durham since 1987, with a heritage tracing back to Fred Astaire himself in 1947
- One of the largest dance studios in the Research Triangle
- Certified instructors with national and international competition experience
- A welcoming, no-partner-needed group format alongside private lesson options
- Open Monday through Friday, 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm, with scheduling that works around busy lives
Durham's Swing Dance Community
Durham has a genuinely vibrant swing dance scene, and our studio is proud to be part of it. Swing dance is a social activity at heart, and our students regularly meet people who share their love of swing music, whether they met at a group class or a Friday night social.
Upcoming Events
Social dancing frequently follows our lessons, so you have a low-pressure place to try out new moves the same night you learn them. Check our calendar for upcoming events, including practice parties with live music where you can put your skills to work on the dance floor.
What to Wear
There’s no strict dress code for swing dance lessons. Comfortable clothing and shoes with smooth soles are all you need to move freely and enjoy the floor. We suggest avoiding sneakers or other shoes with grippy tread as you won’t glide along the dance floor as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Swing dance is one of the more approachable partner dance styles around, and east coast swing in particular has a simple, repeatable rhythm that most new dancers pick up within a single lesson.
Most swing dance lessons start with the same five building blocks: the basic step, the triple step, the rock step, the swing-out, and basic turns. Together, they form the foundation for lindy hop, east coast swing, and west coast swing alike.
East coast swing is generally considered the easiest swing dance to learn, thanks to its simple triple-step rhythm and beginner-friendly pace.
Styles built on heavy improvisation and musicality, like advanced lindy hop or west coast swing, tend to be the hardest to master. That said, our instructors meet every student at their own level, so “hardest” never means “out of reach.”
What you were doesn’t matter so much as long as it’s comfortable. Many students wear loose fitting athletic clothing, giving them a nice range of movement to glide, spin, and twirl. Your shoes should be comfortable too, staying clear of shoes with grippy soles that won’t allow you to easily glide.
You don’t. We always welcome solo dancers. You will either work directly with your instructor or be paired with another solo dancer.
After you enjoy the intro rate (your first 2 lessons for $59), the cost of your lessons will depend on a few factors: how many times per week you want to take lessons, whether you choose private or group lessons, and your goals—wedding, competition, or casual learning. Your instructor will work with you to lock in a rate that’s affordable and works for your schedule.
Start Your Swing Dance Lessons Today
Ready to give swing dancing a try? Your first two swing dance lessons are just $59. Mix and match styles or choose your favorite twice. Call 919-489-4313 or fill out the form below, and our friendly staff will help you find a time that works. We’d love to see you on the floor.
Ready to Swing Dance?
Schedule Today!
Take advantage of our new student special! For just $60, you can enjoy your first two lessons!