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Why Fred Astaire Dance Studios?

Your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio offers an atmosphere bursting with support, fun and a celebration of all that is good in life. Our new clients say they pick up on this feeling from the minute they first enter the studio – a sense of “the FADS community.” The studio family shares a common experience of joy and passion for ballroom dance and it shows!

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we help students enrich their lives – in ways such as physical conditioning, emotional satisfaction, mental growth, an improved social confidence – by utilizing the transformative and creative powers of dance. The reasons for beginning to take dance lessons are many, and when you discover from our classes and parties how much fun ballroom dancing is, we know you’ll see the many positive attributes and will want to be part of our family. Whether you are learning to dance for an upcoming wedding, or have decided on dance as a new pastime, you will find that dance offers you opportunities to better connect with your friends, your partner and even yourself!

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Types of Dance:

Argentine Tango

Although the exact origins of the dance (and the word) are lost to legend, Tango originated in Argentina in the late 1800s.

Bolero

Classic Bolero, introduced in Spain in 1780, is truly the “dance of love”, and is performed to music featuring a constant beat of drums.

Cha Cha

A Cuban dance derived from the Mambo and Rumba; its name comes from the rhythm developed by a syncopation of the fourth beat.

East Coast Swing

East Coast Swing evolved from the Lindy Hop in the 1940s, and is perhaps the most famous American folk dance.

Foxtrot

In 1912, Vaudeville dancer Harry Fox was the first to use the “slow step”, danced to an exhilarating new style of music – ragtime.

Hustle

A more modern entry, this disco style was most popular in the nightclub scene from the late 1960s through the 1970s.

Jive

This style evolved from popular American dances of the 1930s such as Jitterbug, Boogie-Woogie, Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, etc.

Mambo

First introduced in Latin America in the 1930s, Mambo attained instantaneous popularity in American film and pop culture.

Merengue

Lore has this dance originating at a royal fiesta honoring a returning war hero, in either Haiti or the Dominican Republic.

Paso Doble

This dance dates back many centuries, and was originally intended for use at bullfights when the matador was victorious in the arena.

Quickstep

The Quickstep has its roots in 1920s New York City Ragtime, and only later became a partner dance.

Rumba

Characterized by a smooth, subtle hip motion and a heavy walking step, Rumba first invaded the U.S. in the early 1930s.

Salsa

Salsa combines passion, energy, sensuous style and joy, and has its origins in the Afro-Cuban dance, Rumba.

Samba

Of Brazilian origin, this festive serenade features a repetitive melody, continually interrupted by the strumming of a guitar.

Tango

The romantic Tango descended from an early Spanish folk dance, and features intriguing asymmetrical and sophisticated dance patterns.

Viennese Waltz

The Viennese Waltz was first danced by European royalty in the 1800s, and was deemed startling due to the close proximity of the dancers.

Waltz

The Waltz dates back to Bavaria 400 years ago, but it was not introduced into “society” until 1812, when it first appeared in English ballrooms.

West Coast Swing

With its sophisticated style and easy adaptation to contemporary rock music, this 1950s style quickly gained popularity in the U.S.

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Events

Explore our exciting National, (NEW!) Inter-Regionals, & Regional Dance Competitions, plus local Showcases, Spotlights, Dance Parties, Coaching Sessions, Charitable Events and more.

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Create a Dance to Remember!

This is a time when everyone wants to look their best! From a basic First Dance to “YouTube-worthy” performances by the entire bridal party, we can help you make your Wedding Day even more special than you had imagined with lessons for the bride- and groom-to-be and the wedding party as well.

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Benefits of Dance

Ballroom Dance, often called “partnership dancing,” is a form of the art that requires a dance partner. Ballroom Dancing all around the world has been put into these two categories: Standard and Latin. In the United States, these two styles grew and changed between 1910-30, thanks to the impact of American jazz music and a more social, but less formal, approach to dance. This how the American Style of dance came to be, and it is a rich one that includes American Rhythm and American Smooth. Browse the pages below for more information about each type of ballroom dance and to have a look at a demonstration video.

Ballroom dancing is that perfect combination of physical activity, social interaction, and mental stimulation, and it can bring so much to your life.

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Dance Store

Browse our collection of Dance Shoes, Practice Wear, Accessories and Jewelry to perfect your look – and Gift Packages to share the joy of Dance with family & friends!

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Take the first step on your dance journey today, and discover a new world of joy, confidence, health, energy & fun!

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Calendar

Check out the Lessons, Activities & Events happening this month at your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio!

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