Teaching Methods

Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ Teaching Methods

It is our privilege to carry the trade name Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and we are committed to upholding the admired reputation of our co-founder, Mr. Fred Astaire, in everything we do. The warm, joyful, and 100% nonjudgmental atmosphere you’ll discover at Fred Astaire Dance Studios is because of that commitment – and because our students have truly motivating and FUN experiences as they learn to dance!

The Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ Curriculum

Originally inspired by Fred Astaire’s superb style of dancing, Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ ballroom dance curriculum covers the full range of American, Latin-American, International Style, Exhibition/Theater Arts dances and more. World famous dance champions and registered members of the Fred Astaire International Dance Council continually study and review our curriculum, to ensure that only the finest, most up-to-date programs are offered to our students. Our unique teaching method includes a three-tiered system of regularly scheduled private lessons, group classes and practice parties.

Private Lessons

Private lessons, with one or more dance instructors, give you the specialized and personalized attention to look and feel confident on the dance floor, while developing the ability to lead or follow any partner. We move at your pace, perfecting and polishing your dancing all the while. Our Private Lessons are scheduled anytime between the hours of 1:00pm and 9:30pm Monday through Friday. Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Glastonbury excels at teaching people to dance because of our Private Lesson based programs. Having the information presented in this one on one format allows the instructor to focus on your needs and tailor the information to you. On your private lesson your instructor will introduce new concepts of dancing one on one or as a couple. Every person learns differently and at their own rate. Private dance lessons allow you to move at your own pace without the pressure of a group, and develop a much deeper understanding of movement in a fraction of the time.

Group Classes

Group classes complement your private lessons, because this is where patterns, technique, and style are learned. Group classes also enable you to meet other students with similar dancing goals, develop balance, and learn the mechanics of dancing. Group Lessons are pre-scheduled 45 min classes and are available to view on our calendar . Group Lessons will usually have 8-12 students and 1 instructor. Most Group Classes will be focused on one dance (with the exception of the beginner classes) and are designed to teach the “mechanics” of dancing. Balance, control, rhythm and coordination are especially prevalent in the group classes because you’re dancing on your own. You will also have the opportunity in Group Class to learn both the lead and follow part of the step. This is especially helpful to understand what your partner is doing while you’re dancing together. Series Classes will run on the same day for the month and will build on the last classes material each week. For students wanting to experiment with learning a new dance these series classes are a perfect opportunity. Each series will start out with the basics of the dance and throughout the month will blend a few steps together with the basic technique of the dance. The Beginner Class is designed for brand new students in their first few weeks of dancing. There is a class Tuesday night and Friday night just before the Party. The Friday class is a great way to get a quick refresher before heading out to the Party.

Practice Parties

Regularly scheduled practice parties complete the information taught in your private lessons and group classes. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios practice parties, we turn down the lights, turn up the music, and enjoy time dancing with different people in a relaxed social setting. Practice parties help you “put it all together”, aid with music identification, and help you learn how not to run into other people on the dance floor. Practice parties are a great (& FUN!) way to apply what you’re learning. The atmosphere at the Party is similar to what you would see when you go out to use your dancing. However, whether you’re dancing at a wedding reception, at a salsa club, a black tie gala, or specifically at a ballroom dancing event you will need to know how to navigate a floor. The party gives the perfect opportunity for you to:

  • Practice your moves with different people (leading and following).
  • Practice dancing with other people on the floor (floor craft i.e. navigation).
  • Socialize with other people (builds confidence and community).
  • Practice putting steps together consecutively to a whole song (blending and ad-libbing)…just to name a few.

In conclusion, together these three types of lessons make up our Fred Astaire Dance Studios curriculum. Our system has been proven to teach you how to dance better and in less time than any other system available. Paired with our exclusive Fred Astaire Dance Studios syllabus you will be on the floor and having fun in no time!

Call us today at 1-860-657-9186 to schedule your THREE INTRODUCTORY LESSONS FOR $45 as our way of welcoming you to our studio. We know everyone has different goals and budgets for their dancing. After your Introductory Lessons we will sit down with you and come up with a plan that is personalized just for you.

The Fred Astaire Trophy System

The Fred Astaire Dance Studios Trophy System offers an easy way for you to track your progress while you enjoy dancing! Our Beginner and Social Foundation Programs teach newer students the step patterns and techniques to move comfortably around the dance floor. From there, students can progress to the Bronze Trophy Program (our most popular!), which enables students to dance on any size dance floor, to any music, with any partner, and feel comfortable and confident. From there, students can continue to the Silver Program and then all the way to Gold!

Social dancing is one of the most popular pastimes in the world – enjoyed in every country, by people of all ages. In the art of getting to know and getting along with people, dancing is a genuine social advantage. The good news is that because dancing is a natural form of human self-expression, every person is a potential dancer! At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, you’ll find that learning to dance, (like dancing itself), is filled with exhilaration and a sense of accomplishment. As you begin to master this timeless art, you will come to realize the countless social, physical, emotional and aesthetic benefits of dance. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned ballroom dancer, our staff will do their very best to bring out the dancer in you, and help you achieve your dance goals. And you’ll have so much fun along the way, we know you’ll want to keep coming back! Contact us today, let’s get started!