Brand Power

We’re a proven brand with successful, loyal franchisees. Learn about the power of Fred Astaire Dance Studios.

Why Fred Astaire?

Name Recognition

The name alone says it all. Fred Astaire Dance Studio has the greatest name in the Industry. The name means Classiness, Strength, Cutting Edge, Technical, Dedication, Services. As a company, we strive to be at the top. Our Marketing strategies will continue to keep this name not only relevant but the most recognized name in the industry.

High Standards

Mr. Fred Astaire’s Legacy was to be the best! To be the best you must work hard and continue to develop your systems to stay ahead of the curve. We at Fred Astaire Dance Studios believe in keeping the highest standards our driving force just as Fred Astaire did his entire career.

Continuous Development of Techniques and Processes

International Dance Council is made up of the best of the best. These are individuals that have dedicated their careers in learning new ways to make our products better in all aspects. The way we move our clients through the levels of dance, how we teach and break down new technique. These are the coaches that will come into your franchise location and train your Instructors on how to be the best in the industry.

Products

A diverse revenue stream system of programs and products to keep your business growing in the right direction.

  • Dance programs (bronze, silver, & gold)
  • American and International Styles
  • Privates, group, coaching programs
  • Dance camps
  • Competition programs (regional, nationals, & international)
  • Performance events (stage shows)
  • Fun trips (cruises, dance excursions, & world travel)
  • Dance store apparel (shoes, practice wear, & costuming)

Systems

Conceptional Method of Teaching

Syllabus and Dance Manuals

University of Dance Training

Trophy System Procedures and Processes

Management Progression

Trophy System

The Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Online Trophy System is available exclusively to enrolled FADS students, and only from Fred Astaire Dance Studios! This exciting new program was created by FADS dance experts, just for our students. It will enhance the private lessons taken with our certified dance instructors (whether they are in-studio or virtual) and help you truly empower your dancing!

Trophy System

The Online Trophy System is a program that gives you online access to the dance patterns for your enrollment level (and below), so you can practice your curriculum at home, any time – as much as you’d like!

  • Learn more, faster, and with more retention
  • Refresh your memory on new dance patterns you’ve just learned
  • Perfect the patterns you’re already practicing
  • Great for quick run-throughs & longer practice sessions
  • Got “dancing feet” at home (or anywhere)? No need to wait for your next lesson!
  • Convenient 24/7 access from your Student Dashboard

Tools

Support & Training

Initial and continuing education training programs in all aspects of our franchise business models and programs. Training is held at corporate head quarters, regionally can be set up locally on site. You do not need to have any training or education in dancing to be a great franchisee. We provide all the necessary tools, programs, and materials for you to succeed.

Multi-Unit Franchises

Diversifying your investments is always a better planning method. In franchising it’s the same. Change the way you run your operation and move your managing up one level and now create the multi-unit system for your Empire!

Regional Territory Franchises

Become not only a Single or Multi-Unit owner. Become a Regional Representative and manage your own territory. Opening franchises and operating events all while giving support to local franchise units. Why? You get a bigger piece of the pie.

Our History

History of Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Today, one almost can’t turn on the TV or radio, or open a newspaper, magazine, or web page without hearing a mention of Mr. Fred Astaire in reference to dancing. He has left a lasting impact on the world and when people think of a dancing legend, Fred Astaire is the first to come to mind. We are proud of our great dance heritage which began in 1947 when the Master of dance himself, Mr. Fred Astaire, co founded our company.

The Beginning

Fred Astaire had helped, along with other influences, to awaken the public to the pleasures and benefits of better social dancing. It was the time of the “Big Bands” and couples on dance floors around the country danced to the romantic and lively music of the 30’s and 40’s as aspiring “Fred’s” or “Ginger’s.”

Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers

Recognizing the dancing need was a dedicated Fred Astaire fan, Charles L. Casanave, who at the time was a well-known motion picture executive. He had a dream of sharing Astaire’s gift with the American public and approached Mr. Astaire with his idea at a meeting in the Plaza Hotel in New York City in 1946. These two dynamic personalities from different sides of the film industry stirred each other’s imagination to such an extent that before the meeting was over, a great new partnership had been formed. Fred Astaire was to bring his immense talent out of glamorous Hollywood onto the dance floors of America and the world. Fred Astaire Dance Studios® had been born.

The First Dance Studio

March, 1947 – New York City

Many still remember the excitement surrounding the opening of the first studio on Park Avenue in New York City in March, 1947. Presumably in early retirement from his film career, here was the famous Fred Astaire actually opening the first of a national chain of ballroom dance schools. A tremendous challenge was ahead. Would the public accept the idea?

The First Dance Class

In excess of $100,000 was spent in advertising for this first big event. Over many months while a decorator’s dream of a dance studio was being built, Fred Astaire himself made daily treks to a nearby rehearsal hall with many young teachers in tow and laid the foundation of the famed Fred Astaire method of ballroom dance instruction. Celebrities swarmed to see him during and after the opening. Such familiar faces of the time as his partner Vera Ellen, comedian Red Buttons, Shirley Booth, Alan Hale, bandleaders Xavier Cugat and Paul Whiteman were seen coming and going. Astaire’s wife, Phyllis, was a constant companion, and he was even visited by one of his own idols, Irene Castle. It was a grand time and a significant start to a great dream. Throughout the next decade, the beautiful training center at Park Avenue inspired the opening of many Fred Astaire studios across the country. Many of the original professionals instructed by Astaire himself, including then National Dance Director, John Monte, became studio executives and dance personalities in their own right. Studios thrived as thousands of thrilled students flocked to their doors, eager to learn the Fred Astaire method of dancing.

The Early Years

The early years saw other events bring the name of Fred Astaire Dance Studios® to the public’s attention, such as Astaire’s creation of the “Swing Trot,” the publication of the Fred Astaire Dance Book and the release of the Fred Astaire Dance Records through RCA-Camden. This new idea had met its challenge and the groundwork had been laid well, assuring a future for a dance chain inspired by a very famous pair of feet

The Middle Years: Growth & Strength to the Early 1970’s

Following the passing of Charles L. Casanave, Sr. in 1958, his sons Charles L. Casanave, Jr. and Chester F. Casanave assumed the leadership of the Fred Astaire organization with Fred Astaire’s approval and blessing. Mr. Astaire, by this time, had already relinquished his stock in the Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Corporation and remained a consultant until 1967. From that time on he had no personal connection with the organization.

"Master Licensors"

Motivated by their deep respect and love for the dance profession and seasoned by their association with the chain from its inception, Charles and Chester Casanave carefully developed their father’s original concept of utilizing Fred Astaire’s talent and transmitting it to the public through a network of franchised studios within Fred Astaire Dance Studios®. Shortly thereafter, they conceived a new idea that would revolutionize the dance profession – the Regional Franchise System. New “Master Licensors” became responsible for the supervision and development of their franchised territories. Among the most talented and successful businessmen in the dance profession, the Master Licensors played a key role in the expansion of the organization. An important outgrowth of the new system was the creation of Fred Astaire Dance Studios® franchising system. Its members are the Master Licensors, the Affiliate Members are the authorized Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Franchisees and Fred Astaire Dance Studios® personnel are eligible to become Professional Members.

The International Dance Council

The middle years also gave birth to another concept developed by John Monte, our National Dance Director at that time, who was the artistic director of the official Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Curriculum. Mr. Monte hand-picked outstanding dancers and professionals from the organization to form the Fred Astaire International Dance Council. These Dance Council Members were commissioned to work with regional and local Dance Directors, to conduct Dance Training Seminars, Examinations, and to actively coordinate the maintenance of the high dance standards established for the organization as a whole. The subsequent rapid growth of Fred Astaire Dance Studios® and increased demand for professional services then led to the establishment of the Dance Service Department, a small group of superbly qualified dance specialists who were authorized to conduct training and examinations in all phases of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Steps and Styling on a nationwide basis.

The Later Years

The Later Years: Pride in Our Reputation The 1970’s saw a fruition and continuation of the dedicated work of the earlier years. We had arrived at maturity having survived the growing pains of youth and adolescence. Our strength derives from the fact that we hold the name of a fabulous dance personality in our trade name, the most complete ballroom Curriculum in the world and the finest assembly of professionals. Our greatest satisfaction however, comes from knowing that we have helped people, several million, to a more enjoyable life through dancing. We are proud of our distinguished students as we are proud of our accomplishments and reputation. The late Charles L. Casanave’s vision has been realized by the establishment of a world-wide organization of Fred Astaire Dance Studios® located in almost every major city and many smaller communities within the United States, as well as in many other parts of the world. For almost half a century, our schools have produced a wealth of amateur and professional ballroom dancers who are a living embodiment of the Astaire style and approach – superb social dancing performed with ease, style and elegant grace, combined with a sound technical foundation. By the continual development of better methods, patterns, programs, activities and techniques over the years, Fred Astaire Dance Studios® offers the most complete ballroom Curriculum in the world and the finest professionals, a well-organized franchise system, exciting national, regional, interregional, international and virtual activities, thus offering the highest possible standard of social and ballroom dancing, and the best dance schools in the world. It is a tribute to the chain’s founder that his concept of perpetuating the master’s unmatched style has been so successfully realized by the dancers of Fred Astaire Dance Studios® today.

Today & Tomorrow

A new management team, comprised of the organizations most prominent Area Representatives, assumed control to guide the company and its Franchisees to an even more increased level of service, expansion and profitability. The likes of which have never been seen before in the dance business. Their priority is to continue the company’s leadership role as the number one name in the dance industry. Shareholders were elected and a new president. Under her direction, the company introduced many new programs and companies that are now in full force. Currently, Fred Astaire Dance Studios® operates hundreds of studios in the United States and abroad. Backed by a rich history of dance education and experience, the organization has embarked on expanding a campaign to franchise and open new studios all over the world under our national umbrella. Our Area Representatives oversee the expanding operations on a state-by-state and international level. Our National Corporate Office is comprised of a team of experienced team members and executives; from legal, franchising, financial, branding & marketing, administrative to artistic directors for our International Dance Council. New standards of success are now being felt at all levels of the organization.

The Future

Recently, the company has launched a variety of platforms that are sure to propel each Fred Astaire Dance Studios® studio to great, long-term success! Astaire Management Program (AMP) Fred Astaire Access Life’s Better When You Dance (LBWYD) Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Dance Store Kiosk & eCommerce Site The Fred Astaire Dance Studios® Organization The long term plans call for the continuance of its expansion programs and acceleration of promotional and marketing activities, with a greater emphasis and focus on the further development, growth and training of every person who comes in contact with the company. “By its very nature, the name Fred Astaire in dancing means a perpetual striving for that rare quality… perfection in teaching and service to our students. Let us re-dedicate ourselves today, and every day to that goal. As the years go by, we will then continue to build living monuments to our inspiration and ideal.” -Mr. Fred Astaire

Biography Of Mr. Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire, born Frederick Austerlitz II in 1899, began show business at the age of four, performing on Broadway and in Vaudeville with his older sister, Adele. As a young adult, he headed to Hollywood where he began a successful partnership with Ginger Rogers for nine movies. He appeared in films with esteemed co stars such as Joan Crawford, Rita Hayworth, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Judy Garland, and Cyd Charisse. He also co starred with the…

Biography Of Mr. Fred Astaire

Fred Astaire, born Frederick Austerlitz II in 1899, began show business at the age of four, performing on Broadway and in Vaudeville with his older sister, Adele. As a young adult, he headed to Hollywood where he began a successful partnership with Ginger Rogers for nine movies. He appeared in films with esteemed co stars such as Joan Crawford, Rita Hayworth, Ann Miller, Debbie Reynolds, Judy Garland, and Cyd Charisse. He also co starred with the…

Values

Our values are a strong part of what makes us a family.

Always do the right thing, especially when it’s tough to do

You can always recover from the truth

Own the outcome…no matter what

Share your thoughts without hesitation

Give people their dignity and earn others’ respect

Character shows when no one is looking

It’s about the team. Never lose sight of those who helped along the way or those less fortunate in our communities

Testimonials & Franchise Stories

Fred Astaire Dance Studio has been around for 70 years and was started by Mr. Astaire in New York. Over the years dancing has gone through many cycles of popularity. For the last 15 years ballroom and social dancing has been growing. The popularity of several dance television shows and movies (“Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Shall We Dance,” “La La Land”) has contributed to this growth. I believe its appeal is based on dancing being safe, fun, physical and a social activity that can be easily learned if taught correctly.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio has been around for 70 years and was started by Mr. Astaire in New York. Over the years dancing has gone through many cycles of popularity. For the last 15 years ballroom and social dancing has been growing. The popularity of several dance television shows and movies (“Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Shall We Dance,” “La La Land”) has contributed to this growth. I believe its appeal is based on dancing being safe, fun, physical and a social activity that can be easily learned if taught correctly.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio has been around for 70 years and was started by Mr. Astaire in New York. Over the years dancing has gone through many cycles of popularity. For the last 15 years ballroom and social dancing has been growing. The popularity of several dance television shows and movies (“Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Shall We Dance,” “La La Land”) has contributed to this growth. I believe its appeal is based on dancing being safe, fun, physical and a social activity that can be easily learned if taught correctly.

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Disclaimer:

This is not an offer to sell a franchise. A Fred Astaire Dance Studios franchise is offered only by our delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document to you in compliance with FTC Rule 436 and various state franchise sales laws.

This website information is not directed to any person in the states listed above by on or on behalf of the franchisor or anyone acting with the franchisor’s knowledge. No franchises can be offered or sold in the states listed above until the franchise offering has been authorized by the appropriate regulatory authority, and the Franchise Disclosure Document has been delivered to you as required under applicable law.