Why Dance With Us?
What Makes Fred Astaire Dance Studios Special?
From wedding dance instruction, a new hobby or way to connect with your partner, improving your social life, physical and emotional health, or taking your dance skills to the next level, dancing with Fred Astaire Dance Studios will result in faster learning, higher levels of achievement – and lots of smiles. So, why should you choose Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Greensboro, NC?
Because an atmosphere of kindness, warmth and inspiration awaits you at every Fred Astaire Dance Studio!
It’s what our clients tell us they notice from the first time they step inside – a friendly energy, and a sense of “FADS community” that is welcoming, 100% non-judgmental, and truly joyful! Our passion is helping to enrich lives – physically, mentally, emotionally and socially – through the positive, transforming power of dance.
Because ballroom dance lessons should always be FUN!
The teaching philosophy at every Fred Astaire Dance studio is simple and straightforward: learning how to ballroom dance is always fun! We work with students of all ages and abilities, and our friendly and inspirational atmosphere will help make your ballroom dance journey a reality. There are thousands of reasons why people start dance lessons – and once we show you how much fun ballroom dancing can be, we know you’ll want to keep coming back! Our studio is just 5 minutes from MACHETE.
Because ballroom dance has so many benefits!
Ballroom dancing is a perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction and mental stimulation – and it can bring so much to your life. It’s a great workout; has documented physical and mental health benefits; can enhance your social life and self-confidence; reduces stress and depression; promotes relaxation; is a wonderful outlet for self-expression and creativity; and it’s FUN!! With all these reasons to start dancing – we challenge you to find a good reason NOT to.
Because our ballroom dance curriculum helps you learn faster, and achieve more!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ proven program of Private Lessons, Group Lessons and Practice Parties ensures that you learn as much as possible, in the shortest amount of time, with the most retention, and the most FUN. In fact, you’ll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your very first lesson! Our repertoire covers the full range of ballroom dances – American, Latin, International Style, Ballroom Style, even Exhibition and Theater Arts dances, for both social and competitive dancers.
Because of our talented, professional Dance Instructors!
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Instructors are gifted dance educators who hail from all over the world, and truly love what they do. Many have Fine Arts degrees and are actively-competing, award-winning professional dancers. Our Dance Instructors all complete the rigorous work required to become certified in the Fred Astaire Curriculum – which presents the building blocks of partner dance in the way that people naturally learn. Our dance curriculum, coupled with our Instructors’ compassion, energy and kindness will help ensure you get the most from your dance lessons.
Because of our exciting ballroom dance events & competitions!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer a variety of fun local events to make your dance experience exciting and rewarding. Guest Parties, Showcases, Spotlights, Community Outreach Events, special Coaching Sessions and off-site Group Outings encourage social interaction and help you apply what you’re learning. And our branded Regional, National and International Pro-Am and Professional Dance Competitions give you inspiring opportunities to compete, travel and hone your dancing skills in supportive and exciting environments.
Because of our money-saving Intro Offer!
Take advantage of our special introductory offer just for new students, and take the first step towards realizing your ballroom dance goals. Simply submit the Info Form on this website, and we’ll be in touch with exciting details about our program options and a special discount just for new students (which is sure to get you dancing!). Stop in & share your dance goals with us, and we’ll help you get there!
We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor soon. We’re located on Mill Street, a few minutes from 1618 Midtown.
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.
Mr. Fred Astaire, considered to be the greatest multitalented dancer of all time, wanted to establish a chain of studios under his name to make sure that his techniques would be preserved and passed onto the public. Mr. Astaire was instrumental in the choice of dance curriculum and instructional techniques. With the opening of the first Fred Astaire Studio on Park Avenue in New York City, Fred Astaire brought his immense talent out of the glamour of Hollywood and onto the dance floors of America and the world.
“Some people seem to think that good dancers are born.” Astaire once observed. “All the good dancers I’ve known have been taught or trained. To me, dancing has always been fun. I enjoy every minute of it. I am glad that I can now put my knowledge to use in bringing personal confidence and a feeling of achievement to so many people.”
Today, numerous Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios located in cities throughout North America and internationally, are required to maintain the highest standards of excellence through our International Dance Council and Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios curriculum certification. Although Mr. Astaire is no longer with us in person, our studios have produced a wealth of amateur and professional dancers who are the living embodiment of his style and grace.
Mr. Fred Astaire
Biography Of Mr. Fred Astaire
Astaire received an honorary Academy Award in 1950 for his “unique artistry and his contributions to the technique of musical pictures.” He holds choreography credits for ten of his movie musicals released between 1934-1961, including “Top Hat”, “Funny Face”, and “The Pleasure of His Company”. He won five Emmys for his work in television, including three for his variety shows, An Evening with Fred Astaire (1959, which won an unprecedented nine Emmys in all!) and Another Evening with Fred Astaire (1960).
In his later years, he continued to appear in movies, including “Finian’s Rainbow” (1968), and “The Towering Inferno” (1974) which earned him an Oscar nomination. He also starred in television roles on programs such as It Takes a Thief, and Battlestar Galactica (which he said he agreed to, due to the influence of his grandchildren). Astaire also lent his voice to several animated children’s TV specials, most notably, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970), and The Easter Bunny is Comin’ to Town (1977). Astaire received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1981 from the American Film Institute, who in 2011, also named him the “Fifth Greatest Actor” (among their “The 50 Greatest Screen Legends” list).
Fred Astaire died in 1987 from pneumonia, at the age of 88. With his passing, the world lost a true dancing legend. His effortless lightness and grace may never be seen again. As Mikhail Baryshnikov observed at the time of Fred Astaire’s death, “No dancer can watch Fred Astaire and not know that we all should have been in another business.”
Fred Astaire’s Dance Partners
Gracie Allen
1895 – 1964
Lucille Bremer
1917 – 1996
George Burns
1896 – 1996
Joan Caulfield
1922 – 1991
Barrie Chase
1933
Joan Crawford
1904 – 1977
Virginia Dale
1917 – 1994
Vera-Ellen
1921 – 1981
Joan Fontaine
1917 – 2013
Paulette Goddard
1910 – 1990
Audrey Hepburn
1929 – 1993
Betty Hutton
1921 – 2007
Gene Kelly
1912 – 1996
Ann Miller
1923 – 2004
Janis Paige
1922
Eleanor Powell
1912 – 1982
Marjorie Reynolds
1917 – 1997
Kay Thompson
1909 – 1998
Adele Astaire
1896 – 1981
Jack Buchanan
1891 -1957
Leslie Caron
1931
Cyd Charisse
1922 – 2008
Petula Clark
1932
Bing Crosby
1903 – 1977
LeRoy Daniels
1928 – 1993
Nanette Fabray
1920 – 2018
Judy Garland
1922 – 1969
Rita Hayworth
1918 – 1987
Harriet Hoctor
1905 – 1977
Olga San Juan
1927 – 2009
Claire Luce
1903 – 1989
George Murphy
1902 – 1992
Hermes Pan
1909 – 1990
Jane Powell
1929 – 2021
Ginger Rogers
1911 – 1995
“For ballroom dancing, remember that your partners have their own distinctive styles also. Cultivate flexibility. Be able to adapt your style to that of your partner. In doing so, you are not surrendering your individuality, but blending it with that of your partner.
– Fred Astaire, from The Fred Astaire Top Hat Dance Album (1936)
Fred Astaire Films & TV Specials
Flying Down to Rio
1933
The Gay Divorcee
1934
Roberta
1935
Top Hat
1935
Swing Time
1936
Follow the Fleet
1936
A Damsel in Distress
1937
Shall We Dance
1937
Carefree
1938
Second Chorus
1941
Holiday Inn
1942
The Sky's the Limit
1943
Blue Skies
1946
Ziegfeld Follies
1946
Easter Parade
1948
Three Little Words
1950
Let's Dance
1950
Royal Wedding
1951
The Band Wagon
1953
Daddy Long Legs
1955
Silk Stockings
1957
Funny Face
1957
On the Beach
1959
Finian's Rainbow
1968
It Takes a Thief
1998-1970
Midas Run
1969
The Towering Inferno
1975
Battlestar Galactica
1978-1979
Ghost Story
1981
Songs Introduced by Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire introduced many songs by famous American composers that became classics, including:
- Cole Porter’s “Night and Day” from The Gay Divorcee (1932)
- Jerome Kern’s “Nice Work If You Can Get It” from A Damsel In Distress (1937) and “A Fine Romance,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” and “Never Gonna Dance” from Swing Time (1936)
- Irving Berlin’s “Cheek To Cheek” and “Isn’t This A Lovely Day” from Top Hat (1936) and “Let’s Face The Music And Dance” from Follow The Fleet (1936)
- Gershwins’ “A Foggy Day” from A Damsel In Distress (1937) and “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” “They All Laughed,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” and “Shall We Dance” from Shall We Dance (1937)