Smooth and Standard ballroom, Latin, Rhythm, Nightclub, and Country. Explore the full menu of dance styles Solana Beach students learn at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, then pick the one that fits your goals.
Instruction overseen by Jonathan Roberts, former World and US Ballroom champion, 7 seasons on Dancing With the Stars.
Local lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Solana Beach.
Start with simple foundations in a supportive studio.
Choreography, timing, and confidence for the big day.
Every style we teach belongs to a family. Start with the family that matches the music you love, the events you have coming up, or the way you want to feel on the floor.
The classic partner dances, elegant and timeless. Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot.
Flowing, graceful, traveling dances. Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz.
The polished, structured side of ballroom. Waltz, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz.
Upbeat, playful, Latin-influenced ballroom. Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo.
Passionate and energetic. Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive.
Social styles you can use this weekend. Salsa, Bachata, West Coast Swing, Hustle.
Two step, country waltz, and country swing for country nights.
Most students do not arrive knowing the difference between Rumba and Bolero. Start from your goal instead.
Start with Smooth or Standard Ballroom.
One instructor, your pace, any style on this page. Best for fastest progress.
Learn with others, practice timing, and build social confidence.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Solana Beach teaches every style in this guide under one roof, with structured programs and supportive instructors. Use the contact page for current directions, scheduling, and studio details.
Any style can work as a first style, there is no wrong place to start. Most new students begin with Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, or Swing, since the foundations for these are simple and easy to feel in the music. Once the basics feel comfortable, many students branch out to explore other families like Latin or Nightclub styles. Your instructor can help you choose based on what actually interests you.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Solana Beach teaches the full range of partner dance styles, covering Smooth and Standard ballroom, Rhythm, Latin, Nightclub, and Country. Each family includes several individual styles, from Waltz and Tango to Salsa and Country Two Step, all taught by the same instructors under one roof. You do not need to choose just one. Many students learn styles from more than one family over time.
No, you do not need a partner to get started. Solo students are welcome, and instructors partner directly with you during private lessons. Group classes also rotate partners throughout the session, so you get practice dancing with different people regardless of whether you came with someone. Many students who start solo find a regular practice partner through the studio’s classes over time.
Yes, and many students do exactly that. Programs are often built around two or three complementary styles, which keeps lessons feeling fresh and helps skills carry over between them. Learning Waltz alongside Foxtrot, for example, reinforces frame and timing in ways that make both easier. Your instructor can help design a plan that blends styles based on your goals.
Waltz, Rumba, and Foxtrot are the most requested styles for a wedding first dance, since each offers a graceful, elegant feel that photographs and performs well. The right choice depends on your song, your comfort level, and how much movement you want in the routine. The wedding dance program tailors the style specifically to your music rather than assuming one style fits every couple.
Getting started is simple: book an intro lesson through the contact page. During that first visit, you will talk through your goals, try a few basic steps across different styles, and leave with a clear recommendation and a plan tailored to what you want to accomplish. No experience or advance preparation is needed to book that first lesson.
The fastest way to choose a dance style is to feel a few of them in one intro lesson.
No experience needed. No partner required.
