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 all 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 and 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.
We offer a comprehensive range of dance styles including Argentine Tango, Bolero, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Hustle, Jive, Mambo, Merengue, Paso Doble, Quickstep, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Waltz, and West Coast Swing. Our instructors can teach both International and American Ballroom styles to suit your preferences.
Absolutely not! Our dance programs are designed for people of all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced dancers. Our instructors use a proven teaching method that helps you feel confident by the end of your very first lesson, regardless of your dancing ability.
Ballroom dancing offers the perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation. Dancing improves physical health, boosts confidence, reduces stress, enhances coordination, and provides a fun social outlet. These benefits of dancing combine to enrich your life physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.
Yes! Dancing provides excellent physical benefits including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced flexibility, better balance, and increased stamina. Research shows dance training can also benefit cognitive function and emotional well-being. Our students often report feeling healthier, more energetic, and less stressed.
Our proven dance teaching method combines private lessons, group lessons, and practice parties to help you learn faster, achieve more, and have more fun. This comprehensive approach ensures you learn as much as possible in the shortest amount of time with maximum retention while enjoying the process.
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!
Learning Mambo at our dance studio respects the dance's rich Latin American heritage while allowing for personal expression. You can dance conservatively in a closed position or incorporate exciting spins and turns. Our expert Mambo dance instructors customize the learning experience to match your comfort level and dance goals.
We recommend starting your wedding dance lessons 3-6 months before your wedding date. This timeframe allows plenty of practice to build confidence without feeling rushed. However, we can accommodate shorter timelines with more frequent lessons if needed.
Our dance studio in Katy, located just west of Houston, teaches all major ballroom dance styles including smooth dances Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz) and rhythm dances (Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Mambo). We offer instruction in both American and International styles, allowing students to explore different techniques and expressions.
Absolutely! All our dance instructors are highly qualified professionals with extensive training and certification. Many hold credentials from prestigious institutions and consistently participate in ongoing education as well as competitions to stay current with the latest techniques and teaching methods.
Private dance lessons at our Katy studio typically last 45 minutes to one hour. This time frame allows for personalized instruction, practice time, and feedback without causing fatigue. The exact duration may vary based on your specific dance program and goals.