Frequently Asked Questions
Ballroom Dance Lessons FAQs
There are LOTS of reasons!
(1) NO other Dance Studio is better equipped to help you discover the lifelong joy of ballroom dancing!
(2) You’ll notice a warm energy and sense of “FADS Community” that is welcoming, 100% non-judgmental, and truly joyful from the first time you step inside our doors!
(3) Our proven, proprietary dance curriculum helps you master dance steps easily and confidently.
(4) Our unique teaching system includes private instruction, group Lessons and practice parties, to help you learn as much as possible in as short a time as possible – and enables you to try out your new skills in a casual group setting with your fellow dance students.
(5) Our Dance Instructors are friendly, highly-qualified and totally dedicated to making your experience enjoyable, educational and FUN!
(6) Fred Astaire Dance Studios also offers you benefits that many independent dance studios simply cannot – including an online Studio Dance Store (in-studio & online) with dozens of dance-related items to help you look and feel your best, on and off the dance floor; and exciting Regional, Inter-Regional and National Amateur and Pro-Am dance competitions that give Fred Astaire dance Students inspiring opportunities to compete, travel and hone their dancing skills in supportive and exciting environments. Don’t put it off another day… contact Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and you’ll discover that “Life’s Better When you Dance!”
At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, all new dance Students can take advantage of our special money-saving Introductory Offer! Simply complete and submit the Intro Offer form on this website to get yours, and we’ll contact you right away to learn about your dance goals and help you set up your first Lesson. Once you discover how much fun ballroom dancing can be, we know you’ll be back for more!
Every Fred Astaire Dance Studio offers a special Introductory Offer for new Students. Beyond that, our prices vary as dance lesson programs are designed to fit each student’s specific interests & goals – social dancing, wedding, competitive dancing, etc. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we will tailor programs to meet your individual goals and budget.
We offer instruction for <i>all</i> partnership dances– from waltz, tango, cha-cha, and salsa, to country western, swing and club dancing. We can help you with your wedding dance, all of your social dance needs – basically, any dance done with a partner. For those with a competitive edge, we can also help you become a skilled Pro/Am competitor with your Instructor at lots of branded Fred Astaire Regional, Inter-Regional, National and International dance competitions!
Every Fred Astaire Dance Studio Dance Instructor is a gifted dance educator with a passion for dance. Fred Astaire dance instructors hail from all over the world. Many have Fine Arts degrees, and are actively competing and award-winning professional dancers. And all have completed the rigorous work required to become, and remain, certified in the Fred Astaire Dance Curriculum – a proven teaching method that was developed by Fred Astaire himself, and is unique to our organization. Collectively, Fred Astaire Dance Instructors are dedicated to helping you discover the joy of ballroom dancing, and to making your learning experience enjoyable, educational, rewarding – and FUN!
Absolutely not! We welcome singles <i>and</i> couples here at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. If you come in as one of our single Students, your Dance Instructor will be your partner for private lessons, and our group classes and practice sessions will provide plenty of opportunities to meet – and dance with – other dance Students with the same interests and goals!
We highly recommend that you schedule your Lessons close together, especially in the beginning. The less time between Lessons means the less you will forget, the less you will need to review, and the more quickly you will reach a confident level in your dancing. We also recommend private Lessons in conjunction with group classes and practice sessions, as it’s the most effective and efficient way for you to learn and stay motivated.
Yes, our team consists of certified, highly qualified, and passionate dance instructors from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are award-winning professionals and active competitors. All instructors are trained in the proprietary Fred Astaire Dance Curriculum.
Absolutely! We provide personalized wedding dance lessons tailored to your special song, style, and vision, ensuring you look and feel confident on your big day. Couples, wedding parties, and parents are all welcome.
No prior experience or special qualifications are needed. We welcome students of all ages and backgrounds. Our instructors ensure a safe, supportive environment for everyone.
Pricing varies based on your goals and the lesson package chosen. We offer a special introductory offer for new students. After that, lesson programs are customized to fit your interests and budget. Contact us for detailed pricing.
Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our online form or call us to claim your introductory offer. We’ll discuss your dance goals and schedule your first lesson at a convenient time.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move easily. Dance shoes are recommended but not required for your first lesson.
Yes, we have a full calendar of group classes and practice parties each month, open to all levels. These sessions help you practice skills in a fun, social setting.
We maintain a clean, safe studio environment and follow all local health guidelines. Please contact us for current safety policies.
Most couples see great results in just a few lessons, but we recommend starting early to allow time for practice and confidence-building. We’ll work with your schedule and timeline.
Private Lessons consist of one Student or a couple working with one or two Dance Instructors. Private instruction is tailored to your personal needs. Learning at your own pace is the optimum method of comprehension and that’s what private instruction makes possible. One common misconception about private lessons is that they take place in seclusion. On the contrary, multiple private Lessons are often going on at the same time in our ballroom! We (and our Students) have found that learning in this environment gives everyone an advantage in real social dance settings. Private Lessons are by appointment only, and may be scheduled during the Dance Studio’s business hours by calling them directly.
Our group classes are designed to be taken in addition to private Lessons, and consist of several students learning from one Dance Instructor. Group classes offer a wide variety of dances and topics to better your technique, physical fitness, and understanding of ballroom dance. All levels of Students have the opportunity to participate. Depending on your studio of choice, group classes are typically scheduled during the afternoon and in the evening throughout the week.
Our practice sessions take place in the studio and prepare you for dancing socially in the real world. At practice sessions, we dim the lights, supply the music, and have a fabulous time in a party-type atmosphere. Practice sessions allow you to apply material learned in your private lessons and group classes without the pressure of the public eye upon you. Students attend to have fun, learn… and dance! Students also have the opportunity to meet and dance with other Students, as well as other Instructors.
Not necessarily. In order to accommodate your busy schedule, we attempt to be as flexible as possible but aren’t always able to schedule the exact same time every week. To reserve your preferred times, we suggest scheduling your Lessons a few weeks in advance, in order. Group class scheduling can vary depending on type and level of dance, so that everyone has an opportunity to attend. Practice sessions are typically scheduled for a set time each week.
We realize that some Students arrive for Lessons straight from work and others may be dressed more casually for their Lessons – either is fine. The most important thing is to wear something comfortable, which allows you to move easily. Of course, you’ll also want to select comfortable shoes. We suggest leather-sole shoes for gentlemen, and a shoe with a back for ladies (similar to what you might wear to go out dancing). Athletic shoes do NOT work well on the ballroom floor because they stick, which will make it difficult to move your feet.
No, it’s not! Our Dance Instructors are all highly-qualified and welcoming professionals, who participate in ongoing dance training throughout their careers. In addition, our progressive system of instruction and unique trophy system make it easy for you to learn. It will take a bit of time to master the various dances and a repertoire of steps, but a steady approach with periodic practice will produce visible results in less time than you’d think. We highly encourage you to keep your Lessons scheduled close together. You will progress more quickly, and it will make your experience more valuable to you. We promise: the learning is fun – and you will be on your way to confident social dancing after your very first dance Lesson!
Our Glen Ellyn studio is located at 19 North Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. We welcome students from Glen Ellyn and neighbouring communities in the Illinois region.
Yes, our professional ballroom dance lessons are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced dancers. We cover all major ballroom styles and offer both private and group instruction.
Yes, all our dance programs are tailored to your specific interests, whether you want to learn for social reasons, a wedding, competition, or just for fun. We work with you to create a personalized plan.
No long-term contracts are required. We offer flexible lesson packages and scheduling to fit your needs.
Your first lesson introduces you to basic steps and our teaching method. Progress depends on your goals and frequency of lessons, but most students see improvement quickly. We offer private lessons, group classes, and practice parties for a well-rounded experience.
We are known for our welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere, expert instructors, and proven teaching system. Our supportive community and dedication to student success set us apart.
Yes, we offer ongoing support, additional coaching, and opportunities to participate in regional and national dance competitions. Our instructors are always available to answer questions and help you progress.
Yes! Our lessons are designed for absolute beginners as well as experienced dancers. We’ll guide you step by step in a supportive, fun environment.
While our primary focus is adult dance instruction, please contact us for information about youth or teen programs, as offerings may vary by studio.