Waltz Dance Lessons in Durham, NC

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham has taught waltz dance lessons in the Triangle from our Garrett Road studio since 1987. Led by Yuriy Simakov and Oksana Klyuchnyk, a Fred Astaire World Rising Star Smooth Champion serving on the Fred Astaire International Dance Council, our waltz classes welcome all skill levels. When you take waltz dance lessons here, you learn from professionally trained instructors who have surpassed the Fred Astaire standard.

Man and woman taking Waltz dance lessons in Durham.

Many students say they have two left feet and have never danced before. That’s a perfectly fine starting point. You don’t need any dance experience or a partner. If you want to take solo dance lessons, you’ll likely be paired with another dance instructor who will guide you through the footwork and timing. Alternatively, enjoy couples dance lessons with your partner.

Either way, your first two lessons are just $59.

The Waltz: A Graceful Dance

The waltz began as an Austrian folk dance and was considered scandalous when it reached English ballrooms, since partners danced in a closed hold. Today it’s the most requested dance for weddings and formal events. It’s danced in 3/4 time, counted “1, 2, 3,” at a tempo of about 90 beats per minute, with the rise and fall and flowing movements that make it instantly recognizable.

Man and wife take Waltz dance lessons.

The Three Main Types of Waltz

There are three main types of waltz dances, and we teach all three styles at our Durham dance studio. If you’re not sure which style suits you best, ask your instructor for guidance, and they’ll point you in the right direction.

  • American Smooth Waltz: uses both closed-hold and open-hold figures, which makes it a favorite for wedding first dances.
  • International Waltz: danced entirely in closed hold and emphasizes technique.
  • Viennese Waltz: the fastest of the three, with sweeping rotations around the floor.

Beginner-Friendly Waltz Lessons,
Tailored to Your Skill Level

Most of our students walk in with no dance experience. Every lesson, including group classes, is tailored to your skill level, so you’re never thrown into choreography you’re not ready for. Beginners start with posture and the waltz basics, then build toward turns, movement across the floor, and partnering skills.

The Waltz Basic: The Box Step

The waltz’s foundation is the basic box step. The leader starts forward with the left foot, steps to the side with the right foot, then closes the left foot to the right. The pattern reverses on the next three counts, tracing a box on the floor. Once you’ve mastered the box step, everything else in the waltz builds from it. Most students can dance a basic waltz by the end of their first lesson!

Waltz Dance Lessons in Durham

Waltz Lessons for Your Wedding First Dance

waltz first dance lessons in durham

The waltz is a natural choice for a first dance, and our instructors choreograph wedding dance lessons around your specific song, venue, and timeline. Whether you want a few confident basics or a fully choreographed routine, we’ll have you ready. Wedding consultations start at $59, and we recommend starting two to three months before your date.

Waltz Lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Durham

Waltz lessons improve posture, balance, coordination, and confidence on the dance floor. The smooth, low-impact movement suits all ages and skill levels. You’ll join a genuine dance community with students and instructors who are down-to-earth and eager to meet fellow dancers. If you want to take dance classes to meet new people, our weekly practice parties let you dance with other students in a relaxed setting and put your new skills to music.

Personalized Coaching

Your instructor builds each lesson around your goals, whether that's a wedding, a cruise, social dancing, or competition. Private lessons move at your pace for the fastest progress, while group classes add a social, fun atmosphere at a lower cost. Most students mix both.

A Welcoming Durham Studio,
Minutes from Chapel Hill

Our studio at 64702 Garrett Road sits in South Durham, just 20 minutes from downtown Chapel Hill. Students come to us from Durham, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro for professional ballroom dance instruction on spacious dance floors.

Frequently Asked Questions

The waltz is one of the easiest ballroom dances for complete beginners. The basic box step uses six counts and no fast footwork, and most students dance it to music in their first lesson. Refining the rise and fall technique takes longer, which is where instruction makes the difference.
Not at Fred Astaire. Solo students are paired with an instructor for every lesson, and in group classes you’ll rotate partners, which actually helps you learn to lead or follow faster.
Your first two lessons at our Durham studio are $59. After that, pricing depends on your goals, how often you come, and whether you choose private lessons, group classes, or both. We’ll build a plan with you after your intro lessons.
When the waltz arrived in English ballrooms in the early 1800s, the closed hold between partners was considered improper, and critics called it vulgar. The controversy faded, and the waltz became the standard of elegance.
Comfortable clothes you can move in and smooth-soled shoes. Avoid rubber-soled sneakers, since they grip the floor and make turning harder.

Start Your Waltz Lessons in Durham Today

Your first two waltz lessons are just $59. Call us at 919-489-4313 or fill out the form below, and we’ll match you with an instructor and get you on the schedule.

Get Started

Starting at $59 for your first two dance lessons! Just fill out the form and you will be contacted soon.