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7 Fiery Reasons Dragons Need Dance Too: Dance Your Way into the Year of the Dragon
Ignite your Year of the Dragon with '7 Fiery Reasons Dragons Need Dance Too'! Join us for an exhilarating dance journey at Fred Astaire Dance Studios.
From Boys to Gentlemen: A Ten-Step Guide to Building Character Through Ballroom Dancing
Transform your boys into remarkable gentlemen through the art of ballroom dancing. Explore 10 dimensions of character growth, from elegance to collaboration. Discover the power of dance today
10 Tips to Improve Your Ballroom Technique
Any ballroom dancer can tell you, there is no easy way to get amazing at any particular ballroom style in a short period of time. However, there are certainly best practices that smart dancers will use to ensure they get the most out of every moment spent practicing, performing, and thinking about ballroom dance! Here...
How to Deal With Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a common trait among ballroom dancers. It can be helpful in driving you to improve your skills and become the best dancer you can be. However, perfectionism can also be harmful if it leads to excessive self-criticism or perfectionistic standards that are impossible to meet. There are some things you can do to...
What to Expect From Your First Dance Lesson
Many of our dancers come to their very first lesson with zero experience. They’ve had little if any exposure to ballroom dancing and they just aren’t sure what will be expected of them… or their body. We are happy to report that you can 100 percent expect to have fun! Our warm and friendly studios...
What to Expect At Your First Dance Lesson!
Whether you’re learning some new moves for the first dance at your wedding or hoping to drop a few pounds before swimsuit season arrives, your first dance lesson can be a lot to handle. Knowing what to expect during your lesson will help you stay focused and be ready to hit the dance floor. At...
Find Your New Year’s Dance Resolution!
The new year is here, and that means it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, promises, and challenges to sweep across the world, and then be promptly forgotten by next month. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we believe in setting realistic, achievable goals that help you better yourself. To this end, we’ve compiled a short list...
Holiday Season Dance Gift Giving Guide!
Ballroom dancers are always looking for new ways to improve their skills and enhance their performances, so there are plenty of opportunities for great gifts out there to help them further their passions. Here are some great gift ideas for the ballroom dancer in your life! Dance Shoes A good pair of dance shoes is...
Tips for staying focused and maximizing your dance learning!
We’ve all been there: you’re halfway through your class after an exhausting day, distractions are all around, and you just can’t seem to hold your focus on anything! Attention fatigue is a universal struggle in any learning environment, and doubly so for one as frequently intense and exhausting as Ballroom Dance can be. That’s why...
Wedding Dance Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask!
So! Your wedding day is coming up, and you are now realizing that you have to DANCE! In front of CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY! AAHHHHHH! Take a deep breath. You’ll get through this. To help assuage the fears and concerns of brides and grooms to-be who don’t have any dance experience or knowledge, we’ve compiled...
Dance Your Way to Warm Weather
Leave the cold weather months of winter behind and dance your way into spring with Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Buds are starting to sprout on trees, and flowers are beginning to bloom as the cold weather of winter recedes, and warmer temperatures prevail. Restaurants are welcoming nice weather by opening up their outdoor patios. Farmers’...
Calm Wedding Dance Jitters With Spotlight-Worthy Moves
Your wedding is a day you hope to remember fondly for the rest of your life, but if something goes wrong, it can easily mar your big day. Take it from the folks who’ve been there for countless couples — your wedding is not something you want to mess up. But many people might not...
Proper Footwear Improves Ballroom Dance Finesse
Students at Fred Astaire Dance Studios are dancing their way to good health by achieving fulfillment and fun on the dance floor. Taking care of your feet by picking proper dance shoes is an important step to take when learning how to salsa, cha-cha and swing. Pay Attention to Your Feet Taking care of your...
Stay Heart Healthy With the Power of Dance
It is no secret that dance helps keep people in shape, but what you may not know is that dancing regularly can have a huge impact on your cardiovascular health! A 2014 study was conducted in the United Kingdom to further examine the ties between dancing and improved heart health. Scientists asked 48,000 people over...
Break From Tradition! Lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios are the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and ballroom dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios are the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift! This is a holiday that is full of traditional expectations: romantic dinners, boxed chocolates… maybe even a dozen red roses. Here at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we’re all for tradition, but we think...
Dance Your Way to a Healthy New Year
Want a healthy new year? Ditch the resolutions to join the gym or start a new diet. Launch the new year off by taking up a hobby that can help you stay fit and have fun. Almost 50 percent of Americans are resolving to eat healthier and to exercise more this year, according to a...
Combat the Stress of the Holidays Through Dance!
There’s shopping to be done. And baking. And cleaning. And decorating. And runs to the airport. The job. The kids. The guests from out of town. Whew. Exhausting, isn’t it? And stressful. You can feel it as you grab the steering wheel of your car in a death grip. As the lines in stores grow...
Give the Gift of Dance This Christmas
Finding the perfect gift for that person on your list who already has everything can be a challenge. Fred Astaire Dance Studios encourages shoppers to consider giving the gift of dance this holiday season. Dancing provides solace to the soul during this unprecedented time. The mental health of many Americans is suffering during the pandemic....
National Ballroom Dance Week Reminds Us To Never Stop Learning
September always reminds us of learning and the challenges of mastering new worlds. As children in school, we studied the basics. In college we branched out into areas that complemented reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic – philosophy, art, dance. We soaked it all in and it made us who we are today. Learning is a lifelong...
Is Dancing on the Menu This Labor Day?
This Labor Day might not be the same as past ones but that’s no reason we can’t still enjoy the holiday. We just need to find different ways of doing it. Planning a backyard barbecue with the family? Party on. But let’s think about staying active if we can’t march in the parade or go...
Take a Cue From The 1920’s and Learn to Tango
Heat up your summer evenings with your favorite partner by letting the professionals at Fred Astaire Dance Studios teach you the tango; a steamy dance that roared onto the dance scene in the 1920s. Holding a red rose between your teeth is optional. The tango has its roots in brothels and dance halls of the...
Get A Head Start!
“To dance is to live,” wrote Charles M. Schulz, the beloved creator of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts gang. And that’s just what our plan is – to dance and to live. Dance has always enhanced life, made it sweeter. Maybe now more than ever. As the world edges toward a new normal, we’re...
Fred Astaire Dance Studios® NEW Online Lessons Platform
Staying mentally, emotionally and physically sound during trying times is one of the best prescriptions we can offer. Dance is a great way to bust stress and stay in shape. You don’t even need to leave the house – because now, dance will come to you, with Fred Astaire Dance Studios® new Online Lessons platform!...
You’re Never Too Old to Start Dancing!
It is quite common to see older friends, family, and members of the community lose their agency and physical strength to the rigors of aging. It can be quite disempowering but aging doesn’t mean you have to give up your agency. There are a whole host of exceptional exercise methods that you can practice well...
Dancing Brings Out a Better You
Like all forms of physical fitness, dance is an exceptional way to get healthy and stay healthy, whether you are 10 years old or 100. The physical and mental health benefits of dance are so numerous and exciting that we must share a few of them with you! Reduce the Effects of Aging Due to...
Practice: When and How to Do It
As a dancer, our biggest help and our biggest hurdle is practice. When do we do it? For how long? What if our space isn’t big enough? There are so many things in our lives that can prevent us from practicing, even when we know that we cannot grow as dancers without it. So how...
Treat Yourself to the Joys of Dance This New Year: Life’s Better When You Dance™!
This year, resolve to live your very best life – with dance! Ballroom Dance lessons are a fun, easy way to exercise, relieve stress, make new friends and get closer to your significant other. Our certified Dance Instructors are specialists in helping you set goals that you will enjoy keeping. And every Fred Astaire Dance...
Try Something Different in the New Year
Wave goodbye to another year as it passes into memory and say hello to all of the excitement and potential that comes with a brand new year. Instead of making resolutions that you will never keep, we would like to suggest something that will truly make a difference in your life for this year and...
Dance to Remember
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and Fred Astaire Dance Studios is proud to honor those who have been impacted by symptoms, and all those who are part of their loved one’s journey. Let us share the healing power of dance: join us for a FREE Introductory Dance Lesson! Simply contact us to schedule a convenient...
Give the Gift of Dance
Are you looking for a unique and fun gift this holiday season? Try the gift of dance. There are so many benefits to dance. Enjoy time together, great exercise, meet new people and so much more. Life’s Better When You Dance
End Your Week With A Bang
Practice Party and Series Group class Friday November 15th. Argentine Tango at 7:00 PM and Practice Party at 7:45 PM. Join us for a fun and exciting end to the week.
Beat the Monday Blues: Sign up for Series Group Class
Another week has begun, so you know what that means… Tomorrow is our Series Group Class and Practice Party. Did you miss last week’s class? That’s alright! We’ll review the basics, and then you’ll be introduced to more patterns that you can add to your dancing wheelhouse. Join us at 7pm, and then stick around...
It’s Not Too Late! – Guest Party November 14th
It’s not too late! (To sign up your friends and family for this month’s Guest Party.) Introduce them to the power of dance this Thursday (November 14th) at 8pm. There will be demonstrations, a mini group class, and plenty of liquid courage. Who will you be bringing?
Help the local food shelf and get a free lesson for new students.
Join with us to help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry during the holidays. This month, we’re partnering with The Open Door Pantry. Simply bring non-perishable food items to Fred Astaire Dance Studios by 11/25/19. We’ll deliver everything to The Open Door Pantry in time for holiday meals, and we’ll thank YOU...
Let’s Have a Spooky Halloween Potluck!
Halloween is two weeks away, and the staff at the South Metro Fred Astaire Dance Studio wants to celebrate with you. On Monday the 28th, our Practice Party will be a Practice Party + Potluck. Sign up is through email. If you would like to sign up but have not received the email, give us...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Free Introductory Dance Lesson
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the entire month of October, Fred Astaire Dance Studio South Metro will be offering a FREE Introductory Dance Lesson to Survivors, Friends, Family, and Caregivers. Discover the Healing Power of Dance. Give us a call today.
Coffee and Dance: The Perfect Combination
Fall is here! The temperatures have dropped and the leaves are changing colors. Dancing With the Stars is back on TV. It’s the perfect season to start a new hobby. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, stop by Fred Astaire Dance Studio South Metro, and give ballroom dance a try.
Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we at Fred Astaire Dance Studios are proud to support this campaign against a terrible disease that takes more than 50,000 lives each year. Those who have touched by this disease as a survivor, a friend, a loved one, or a caregiver, healthcare provider, etc.– find that...
Hello October!
September has come and gone, and it is officially fall in Minnesota. What do you have to look forward to during the month of October at the South Metro Fred Astaire Dance Studio? – Practice Parties and Series Group Class are moving to Monday nights. Series Group Class will start at 7pm with the Practice...
National Ballroom Dance Week: Dancing and Improving Memory
National Ballroom Dance Week is nearing its end, but that does not mean we’re done talking about all the benefits that come with learning how to ballroom dance. Would you like to improve your memory? Learning to dance can do that. Any type of exercise can increase the part of the brain that declines with...
National Ballroom Dance Week: Dancing and Confidence
Dancing has shown to increase self-confidence and self-esteem by providing an expressive outlet and the opportunity to learn something new and fun! Whether it’s through toning muscles, mastering a new move, or just building up the courage to ask a new person to dance, dancing provides many avenues for boosting self confidence. New students might...
National Ballroom Dance Week: Dancing and Making Friends
Have you been looking for a way to meet new people? While private lessons are just you, your partner, and your instructor, group classes and practice parties give you an opportunity to meet other students. Fred Astaire Dance Studio South Metro also offers other activities for you to meet new people, like Monte Carlo Night...
National Ballroom Dance Week: Dancing and Reducing Stress
Stressed out? Have you tried dancing? Any type of physical activity releases endorphins, which help to relieve stress. And dancing is an enjoyable way to do just that. Lessons can take your mind off your worries and put a smile on your face. There is a reason why many people call their dance studio their...
National Ballroom Dance Week: Dancing and Losing Weight
It’s National Ballroom Dance Week, so we’ll be sharing some of the benefits you can gain from learning ballroom dance. Have you been looking for a way to lose weight? Try dance! Not only can dancing be great for burning calories, but it can increase endurance, tone muscle, and introduce you to like-minded people. Would...
National Ballroom Dance Week Has Arrived!
September is the month to celebrate dance. Yesterday was National Dance Day, and all this week is National Ballroom Dance Week. USA Dance created National Ballroom Dance Week (NBDW) to increase awareness of ballroom dancing, so all week we will be talking about the physical, mental, and social benefits of ballroom dancing because we want...
You Don’t Have to Wait Anymore – Today is National Dance Day!
Today is National Dance Day! How will you be celebrating? Check out American Dance Movement’s website for more information about National Dance Day and this year’s routine (http://americandancemovement.org/national-dance-day/), or give Fred Astaire Dance Studio South Metro a call and ask how you can get started with ballroom lessons today.
Discover Your Favorite Dance: Practice Party Tonight
Do you have a favorite dance? I asked the students are Fred Astaire Dance Studio South Metro. Here are some of their answers: “I enjoy the Waltz for its elegance and movement down the floor.” – Ed “My favorite dance is the Rumba. I like the movement of it and the challenge of Latin motion.”...
Dancing With the Stars Premiers – Which Star Was Our Favorite?
Dancing with the Stars is back with its 28th season. Which stars impressed us the most in the premier? First, Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten with their Cha Cha routine. Even though Bruno warned Hannah about her turns, I thought she did really well with the amount and speed of the turns Alan led her...
And the Winner is… SYTYCD Crowns “America’s Favorite Dancer”
Monday night was full of dance with the premier of Dancing with the Stars and the finale of So You Think You Can Dance. For the past few weeks, we’ve been critiquing the ballroom routines, while guessing who would make it to the next round. Now all the guessing is done and America’s votes have...
It’s Not Too Late: Guest Party Tomorrow
Do you want to earn free lessons? Your perfect opportunity is fast approaching. Tomorrow is the Champagne Guest Party! You and your friends will be treated to professional demos, a small group class, and a little bubbly. At the end, they have to chance to sign up for our special guest introductory special. And that’s...
Dancing With the Stars Premiers Season 28 Tonight
Tonight, Dancing With the Stars begins its 28th season. The returning pros are: Brandon Armstrong, Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Cheryl Burke, Witney Carson, Val Chmerkovskiy, Sasha Farber, Jenna Johnson, Keo Motsepe, Peta Murgatroyd, Gleb Savchenko and Emma Slater. They will be joined by new pros, Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov. Which celebrities will be competing...
And Then There Were Four: Who Will Win SYTYCD Season 16?
This past Monday, the Final Four dancers on So You Think You Can Dance performed for the last time before finding out who would be crowned “America’s Favorite Dancer.” Mariah, Sophie, Gino, and Bailey all danced with each other, were paired with an All-Star, and performed a solo, along with a group routine at the...
September’s Series Group Class: Quickstep!
The Quickstep, with its roots in Ragtime, was developed in the 1920’s in New York from a combination of Foxtrot, Charleston, Peabody and the One-Step. Originally it was danced solo – away from the partner, but later became a partner dance. It was originally given the name “Quick Time Fox Trot” but eventually that name...
Practice Party Tomorrow – Don’t Miss It!
It’s nearly Friday. Not only does that mean that the weekend is right around the corner… but there is a Practice Party tomorrow! Join us at 745pm at Fred Astaire Dance Studio South Metro, and we’ll start your weekend in the perfect way. With lots of dancing, of course.
Learning Multiple Dances: Incorporating Sharpness and Posture
As instructors, we are told, “I only want to learn [insert dance here],” a staggering amount. We could teach you one dance at a time, but we’d be wasting your time and money. Learning one dance and then another once you’re comfortable with the first is one of the slowest ways to learn. Let’s say...
Series Group Class and Practice Party Tonight – Don’t Miss It!
Happy Friday! What would be the perfect way to start your weekend? Come to Fred Astaire Dance Studio South Metro for Series Group Class and Practice Party of course! Series Group Class is where we focus on one dance for the entire month. We give you the basics and then add more figures each week....
Learning Multiple Dances: Incorporating Animation and Control
Would like to learn how to Salsa? Or Swing? But aren’t really interested in other styles. You should know that learning one dance at a time is one of the slowest ways to learn how to dance. At Fred Astaire Dance Studio South Metro, we focus on multiple dances because an element/technique/etc. that you use...
Tango, Waltz, and Bolero: Do I Have to Choose?
As a ballroom instructor, I frequently get asked, “What is your favorite dance?” And there is never an easy answer because it changes as I learn new figures and new techniques. So I posed this question to the students at Fred Astaire Dance Studio South Metro. Some of them were able to narrow it down...
Practice Parties and Series Group Class Are Moving Nights
It is officially September, so we have a new night for Practice Parties at the South Metro Fred Astaire Dance Studio. And we will be switching the night for our Series Group Class. Both the Series Group Class and the Practice Party will be on Friday night for the entire month of September. Series Group...
Champagne Guest Party on September 18
Did you miss August’s Guest Party? Would you still like to earn free lessons? You’re in luck. Our next Guest Party is on Wednesday, September 18 at 8pm at the South Metro Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Bring your friends. Enjoy some champagne, demonstrations, and a mini-group class. At the end of the party, your friends...
Learning Multiple Dances: Incorporating Balance
Wouldn’t it be faster to learn one dance really well before moving onto another? If you read our post about incorporating smoothness into your dancing, you know the answer: absolutely not. You will learn more in less time if you focus on more than one dance. Let’s look at Balance. This is one of the...
How Merengue Became the National Dance of the Dominican Republic
Tonight is the last night of the Merengue Series Class at the Eagan Fred Astaire Dance Studio. What will next month’s Series Class be? You’ll have to wait to find out. Until then, here’s a bit more history about Merengue. The original merengue was most likely very European in style but, because of the African...
Last Tuesday Night Practice Party: Will You Be There?
Tonight is the night. It’s the last Tuesday in August, which means that this is your last chance to attend a Tuesday night Practice Party. We’ll pick the song and pick the dance. You’ll pick your partner and have a blast. Do you feel like you don’t know enough to attend? That’s exactly why you...
Determining Your Partner’s Comfort Zone
As a follower, it can sometimes be terrifying to dance with a new partner. Will I be able to follow their lead? Will they try and lead me through a figure I’ve never done? It can get to the point where you are trying your hardest to keep up. As the leader, part of our...
National Dance Day Moves to September
Back in 2010, Nigel Lythgoe, the producer of So You Think You Can Dance, and the Dizzy Feet Foundation established National Dance Day to celebrate all things dance. Since then, every last Saturday in July has been marked with parties, events, and an official National Dance Day routine. This year, some changes are being made....
Learning Multiple Dances: Incorporating Smoothness
As instructors, we often get asked, “Wouldn’t it be better to learn one dance really well before going on to another?” The simple answer is no. Learning one dance at a time is hardest and slowest way to learn. For example, each dance needs an element of smoothness. The best dance to accomplish smoothness is...
The Stories Surrounding Merengue
Both Haiti and the Dominican Republic claim Merengue as their own. According to Haitian lore, an earlier ruler of their country had a lame son who liked to dance. In order that this beloved prince would not feel self-conscious about his affliction, the entire populace took to dancing as though they all were lame. The...
Only 4 Days Left!
Only 4 days left to get your guests together. It is some much fun to go out dancing with others who know how to dance. Create your own dancing group by inviting friends, co-workers, family and other to join you for a great night of dancing at Fred Astaire Dance Studio – South Metro for...
Cha Cha on So You Think You Can Dance
Last Monday, we were treated to our first live show of So You Think You Can Dance. The top 10 were coupled up and (at least) one person in the pair would be dancing outside their style. How’d they do? I loved Mariah and Bailey’s jazz routine and Sophie and Eddie’s jazz funk routine (although...
Ballroom Lessons: No Partner, No Problem
Do you need to have a partner to learn ballroom dance? Not at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Eagan. We encourage everyone to take lessons, whether or not they have a partner. If you come in as one of our single students, your instructor will be your partner for private lessons. They’ll take you through...
Social Dancing: Blame it on the dance floor
Dancing socially is a wonderful experience, but as a new dancer is can be a little daunting, especially since your experience at the Eagan Fred Astaire Dance Studio can be very different from those outside of it. And sometimes that difference can be blamed on the dance floor. How? Dance floors can be too small,...
Why Men Should Take Dance Lessons
Gentlemen, it’s time to get out on that dance floor and move! The benefits are innumerable and the downside is non-existent. For one, dancing is a great way to meet others, especially at your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio. It’s a low-pressure atmosphere and you’ll be among folks with a common goal – learning to...
Why did you start dancing? Two of our students tell their story.
Do you want to take ballroom dance lessons but haven’t? I asked our students when and why they started taking lessons at Fred Astaire. Here are two of their answers: “I started taking lessons in November 1999. My girlfriend had been taking lessons that she bid on at a fund raiser. She set up group...
Today is the day for a Practice Party
It’s Tuesday. Do you know what that means? Today is Practice Party day! Let us pick the song and tell you what dance it is. That way, you can focus on your partner and the figures you know. We’ll be dancing Rumba, Swing, Foxtrot, and many more. And we’ll be having a blast while doing...
This is your chance to focus on only one dance. Series Group Class on Wednesday Evenings.
At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we believe that you can learn multiple dances in the time it takes to learn one. Why is that? Because a technique or figure from one dance can bleed over into another dance. For example, if you know how to do a twinkle in Foxtrot, you can do a twinkle...
What Do Tuesday Evenings at Fred Astaire Dance Studios – South Metro Mean.
Today is the first Tuesday of August. Do you know what that means? It’s Practice Party day! You read that correctly. For the entire month of August, Tuesday is Practice Party day at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Eagan. Have you been looking for a time and place to practice what you’ve been learning in...
Fred Astaire Dance Studios – South Metro at US Bank Stadium
Do you love crafts, performances, and dance lessons? But you’ve never found them all in one place. This November, you are in luck. At this year’s Holiday Boutique (November 8-10), students from Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Eagan will be performing routines from various dance styles. Come cheer them on! And while you’re there, sign...
Do you feel lucky? Try you luck at Fred Astaire Dance Studios – South Metro
Do you feel lucky? Monte Carlo Night is when we transform the studio into a high-stakes casino where everyone leaves happy. Everyone is dressed to impress and the energy is high. Food is catered in. Chips are given to every attendee. And at the end of the night, everyone will get a prize. Mark your...
Are you enjoying taking lessons? Do you want to take more? How about Lessons for Free!
Do you like free lessons? (That’s a silly question. Of course you do.) Would you like to learn how to earn free lessons? The answer… Guest Parties! Guest Parties give students the chance to bring their friends/family/coworkers/etc. to the Eagan Fred Astaire Dance Studio and show them how fun learning to dance can be. There’s...
Why Dancing Is Great for Self Confidence
If you’ve ever seen a dance competition, or even an episode of the wildly popular dance shows such as “Dancing With The Stars”, “So You Think You Can Dance?”, or “Americans Got Talent”, you probably couldn’t help but notice the confidence and ‘swag’ that these dancers carry on and off the dance floor. As viewers,...
Salsa. Mambo. What’s the difference? For some, it’s the same thing.
In New York, where Mambo took off in the US, dancers call their dance Mambo rather than Salsa because Tito Puente often said, “Salsa is a condiment of food. You eat salsa. You don’t listen to it.” To create more differences between their dance and salsa, they called it Mambo “on 2,” referring to the...
Join Fred Astaire Dance Studios – South Metro on Tuesday evening to practice all the dances and moves your know.
Practice parties are moving to Tuesday night in August! Practice parties are the perfect time to dust off figures for dances you don’t focus on and work out the kinks in the dances you do. For beginners, practice parties are essential to your growth as a dancer. You’re exposed to more dances, get to practice...
Twin Cities Instructors Vote on Their Favorite Dances
As a dance instructor, being asked to name your favorite style of dance is like picking a favorite child. But today, the staff at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Eagan is going to do just that. From Chad It changes constantly. This week… Tango. Because of the passion and mysteriousness of the music. From Beth...
Learn to Lead and Follow with Confidence
Gentlemen, while dancing, have you found that your partner struggles to follow you? If yes, are you practicing good leading techniques? Is your frame strong and steady? How is your connection with your partner? Are you being too tentative with your steps? Ladies, are you trying to anticipate his next move? How is your frame?...
Fastest Way to Learn to dance (Practice Parties)
Adding practice parties, on top of group classes and private lessons, can improve your dancing drastically. Practice parties are held weekly at the studio, and – as the name implies – is the perfect time to practice everything you’ve learned in group classes and private lessons. We turn down the lights, turn up the music,...
Want to learn how to dance fast? This is what you should do.
Want to learn how to dance ballroom? You might think that having private lessons with an instructor would be the quickest way, but that’s not entirely true. Yes, private lessons do give you the chance to move at your own pace and have personalized attention, but adding group classes and practice parties will help you...
Free Lessons Did You Say?
Have you been feeling the benefits of dance in your life? Now it is time to share your experience with your friends and family! The Fred Astaire Dance Studios in the Twin Cities is always bustling with parties, events, and activities. Guest Parties are routinely held at our studio where students can invite their friends...
July Guest Party
Bring your guests to our new and improved Guest Party Thursday July 18th at 8:00 PM. We will provide some liquid courage to get your guests out on the dance floor and by the end of the night they will not want to leave the dance floor. Sign up now!!
3 Reasons Ballroom Dancing Is The Perfect Activity For Singles
Meeting new people can be challenging for someone living the single life. It’s no secret that, in order to meet new people, you have to put yourself out there, but it can be a bit intimidating to try new activities alone. So, when it comes to trying your hand at dance lessons, what’s a single...
July Practice Parties
Mark your calendars. Practice Parties for the month of July will be Wednesday evenings at 7:45 PM. Join us for some fun dancing and practical application of what you are learning in your lessons and group classes.
4 Social Events Where You’ll Be Glad You Know How To Dance
It’s no secret that dancing is one of the best ways to bring a group of people together. In fact, it’s almost like a universal language! Not only is dancing fun but it an easy way for people of all backgrounds to socialize and celebrate life. Dance plays a role in many social events, whether...
Make Dancing Part of Your Summer Plans!
As summer approaches, life feels less hectic as the pace slows a little bit, and that could mean a little more precious time for you. What will you do with it? Let us remind you that summer is the perfect time to learn something new! Here are three simple reasons why you should be dancing...
How Long Will It Take For Me To Become a Good Dancer?
Being a “good dancer” means different things to different people. To some people, it means being able to dance socially and join the fun at any event where there are people dancing. To other people, it means learning to dance competitively. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we make learning how to dance (socially and competitively)...
Weight Loss Through Dance and Diet
We all know people who work out furiously at the gym without losing much, if any, weight. Some of them rationalize it – if I exercise, I can eat what I want. That’s what they say, even as the weight creeps on a bit at a time and rarely leaves for long. You cannot consume...
Strengthen Your Dance Skills & Become a Better Dancer With These Tips
Dance opens so many pathways to a better, richer life. Dance is beneficial for a person’s health on every level, providing physical activity, an outlet for creativity and the opportunity for more meaningful social interactions. All of these lead to a richer, fuller existence and open the door for personal improvements in each area. Ballroom...
5 Reasons Ballroom Dancing is the Most Romantic Activity for Couples
Valentines Day is right around the corner, which begs the question “what is the most romantic thing couples can do together (besides the obvious)?” Well we have known the answer to that question for a long time; Ballroom Dancing of course! It will bring you closer. Ballroom dancing requires two people to perform, and you’re...
The Benefits of Unleashing Your Competitive Side
We love many things about dance. The beauty. The elegance. The teamwork with a trusted partner. The competition. Wait. What? Yes, the competition. As our dancers progress through the Fred Astaire Trophy System, they often wish to test their skills and dedication against others. Whether it’s a studio Mini-Match or a regional event or the...
It’s No Coincidence That Football Players Have Such Success on DWTS
We all love watching “Dancing With the Stars” to see how the celebrities progress and grow as dancers. Especially the athletes. Ever notice how many of those on the show have been football players? Let us just name the ones who are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Emmitt Smith (Season 3 champion), Jerry Rice,...
The Best Ballroom Dance Styles For Beginners
Learning to dance provides you with social skills that last a lifetime and allows you to feel at ease in any situation where there is music and dancing. Once you decide that now is the time to learn how to dance, you may wonder which style is best to start with and which style will...
The Dancer’s Journal: Demystifying the Language of Dance Competitions
by Katyusha Schaffer Author, FADS Student Extraordinaire, and Amateur Competitor You’ve told your Fred Astaire Dance Studio Instructor that you feel ready to do your first competition – CONGRATULATIONS!! You have a great conversation with him/her and come up with a plan to dance several heats in your current division, participate in championships and scholarships...
Debunking Common Ballroom Dance Myths
Dance is one of the truly great things in our world. It’s expressive, vibrant, passionate. It brings people together. It celebrates music and movement. It’s romantic and healthy on just about every level – physical, emotional, social. And yet, every now and then, we hear from studio members who tell us that someone they like (or...
4 Reasons to Love The Tango
Ah the Tango. Romantic, passionate, intense, sensual. There are so many reasons to love this Latin dance style. The Tango is one of the most highly stylized ballroom dances we teach. It is dramatic, with measured crossing and flexing steps to the front, the side and the back combined with turns. Of all the dances...
3 Ways Dad Will Benefit From Dance Lessons
What do we get dear old Dad on Father’s Day? This is a dilemma for many. A tie? Been there. A polo shirt? Done that. Baseball cap? Yes, about three years ago. Let’s think about giving Pop something he can not only use and enjoy now, but also well into the future (no, we are not...
Dance: Something This Mother and Daughter Have in Common
Sari Gold and her daughter Emily walked into the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Manhasset, NY at different times, and for different reasons. But there’s one aspect of dance they agree on – that it’s enhancing their relationship, by giving them something to share, together. At Bellagio Las Vegas during FAWC 2017, Sari and Emily Gold, joined...
Are You Ready to Hit the Dance Floor this Wedding Season?!
It’s that time again. The invitations are arriving in the mail and happy couples are announcing their wedding dates. June is such a popular month for nuptials and you know how much planning and effort went into finding a venue and a great band or DJ for a memorable event. The celebration will, of course,...
Doctor’s Orders: On Dance, Competing and Empathy
In addition to enriching her own life, dancing has helped Dr. Leslie Barnes Remski, Orthopedic Surgeon and FADS Pensacola, FL Student, to better empathize with her patients who have sustained injuries. Dr. Leslie Barnes Remski had always been interested in dance, but never had the chance to train. When she moved to Pensacola, FL she...
5 Reasons Couples Should Take Ballroom Dance Lessons
The closer you are, the closer you get. The closer you get, the closer you are. When couples take dance lessons together, they create a tighter bond, a better relationship and enjoy a more intimate physical relationship. The dance lesson – and, for that matter, any time the couple takes to the dance floor together...
Singles: Your Online Dating Profile is Live? Read our Tips for What’s Next!
Greetings, Dance Fans! Our last blog about the online dating scene was focused on “putting your best foot forward”, and creating your best online dating profile. Now that your online dating profile is live and generating potential matches, let’s move on to responding to those inquiries and going on an actual date! Congratulations! You took...
A Tiny, and Talented Competitive Ballroom Dancer!
Sasha, a student at Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Miami Beach, sat down with her parents and inSTEP at the 2017 Fred Astaire World Championships in Las Vegas, to tell us why she loves dancing. Eight year-old Sasha truly enjoys competition. She takes dance lessons at the FADS Miami Beach studio “because I saw the trophies in...
How Dance and Competing Helped this Mother and Daughter ‘Start Feeling Good Again’
In the spring of 2014, Deb Crane lost her husband, sister and niece in the span of less than a month. As she and her daughter, Leslie, struggled with their grief, FADS Menomonee Falls, WI became a surprising source of happiness, purpose and community. Their dance journey started in summer 2014, when a friend invited them...
Why We’re Thankful For Our Dance Instructors
Since it’s the Thanksgiving season, we grow a little introspective. We think of what we have, what we appreciate, the many things for which we are grateful. Often, those are not so much objects and possessions as the people in our lives. Our families, our good friends, the good people in our lives. At Fred...
What Do I Need To Know Before I Come For My First Lesson?
Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward learning new dance steps. You stopped by Fred Astaire Dance Studios, chatted with the manager and an instructor and decided the time is right to learn how to dance, to perk up your social life and to get in better shape (yes, dance does all of those things...
Singles: Involved in Online Dating? Put Your Best Foot Forward!
Add Ballroom Dance to your Repertoire! Internet dating has really changed in recent years. Five to 10 years ago, it was territory only for the bold and the “outliers”, but now it’s completely socially acceptable. And as our societies become increasingly fast-paced and we’re all challenged to carve out leisure time, more and more people worldwide...
Three Ways Dance Lessons Are Better Than A Gym Membership
Here come the holidays. And here come the parties, the snacks, the beverages, the little overindulgences that make clothing a bit too tight for comfort. Hey, we like to look good in our smart outfits. Even a couple of pounds can cause distress. We know how easy it is to add a few and how...
Why The Fred Astaire Dance Curriculum Is Better
You always know where you stand when you join Fred Astaire Dance Studios for ballroom dance instruction (and we don’t just mean on the dance floor). Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS) offers a superior and structured curriculum that allows new dancers to follow a program that moves them through various levels as their skills develop,...
Retiring? Here Are 5 Fun Hobbies To Keep You Vibrant
Many people make elaborate plans in preparation for retirement. According to reference.com, four million people retire in the U.S. every year. Their finances are in order and their medical plans are in place. They’ve planned to retire, but haven’t planned what to do with all of the time that comes with freedom from the world...
Reasons Why Love + Dance = The Perfect Match
Life can often seem like a dance. We lead, we follow, we separate, and we come together. At its best, life yields a comforting feeling of togetherness, of partnership and synchronous motion. Life actually becomes a dance, a couple moving seamlessly and in rhythm. In a relationship – especially as it mirrors dance – there’s...
4 Reasons Why We Love to Salsa
It’s summer, and summer brings the heat. The same goes for one of our favorite dances – salsa. It’s hot, hot, hot. Salsa continues to grow in popularity because of its fast pace and the lively music that accompanies this Caribbean-based dance. Latin dances build to a crescendo, creating tension and release. That makes salsa a...
Start Dancing With These 4 Questions
Have you thought of taking dance lessons, but never actually took the plunge? Ballroom dance instruction, whether in private lessons or group classes, provides many benefits physically, mentally and emotionally. Dance is not only a wonderful social and creative outlet, but one that can provide a very satisfying workout. Before you sign up for classes,...
Jump-start a Fitness Routine Through Dance School
Physical fitness encompasses much more than the body. Its impact on the mind, on emotion health and wellness, should never be underestimated. Are you looking to jump-start your fitness routine to keep fit and feel healthy all summer? We can help! At Fred Astaire Dance Studio, we help our current students look and feel great...
Make Dancing The Perfect Summertime Exercise!
Summertime always feels just so free and easy! The longer days, the barbecues, good times spent with friends, a gentle breeze under the moonlight – that’s summer. It’s a time to get out have fun, enjoy friends, family and events. Add something new and fun to your summer while keeping the bounce in your step...
What To Expect From Wedding Dance Lessons
That special First Dance between the wedding couple is more than just steps on a dance floor. For one, it’s symbolic of two moving as one, uniting and merging in a display of beauty and grace. It also heralds the joining of two families as those closest to the wedding couple also take to the...
Get Out of Hibernation with Us
It’s the same old story. When the weather’s colder, we don bulky sweaters, crave comfort food & don’t get outside to exercise as often. A pound here, a pound there, and pretty soon it adds up. And sticks out. And just doesn’t look or feel real good when we try on the old swimsuit in...
History of the Cha Cha
Once upon a time, it was known as the Cha-Cha-Cha. Somewhere along the way, it lost a Cha. Now it’s just the Cha Cha, but it has lost none of its appeal! This dance is characterized by three quick steps (Cha-Cha-Cha!) followed by two slower steps. With American Style Cha Cha averaging 30 beats per minute,...
Don’t Give Up On Your New Year’s Resolution!
It’s been a month and the party’s over. Actually, all of the parties are over. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s. All done. And they may have left behind a bit of a mess for you to clean up, right around your waist line. A cookie here, some eggnog there, a few holidays treats in between,...
Tips For Choosing a Ballroom Dance Studio
For many, social partner dancing is a way to enjoy ourselves and get the most out of life. It helps reduce the stresses of everyday life for a few hours and provides entertainment. Dancing is also a healthy activity to do with a loved one or a friend. Whether you’re interested in taking dance lessons...
Why Do You Think You Like To Dance?
We know that ballroom dance is beneficial physically, mentally and socially. But what is it, exactly, that makes us like to dance? Beyond the tangible physical, mental and social benefits, why does the movement and the expression of dance give us such pleasure? Now, here at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we’d probably say we like...
The History of the Foxtrot
When we discuss the basics of ballroom dancing, we often fall back on two of its staple styles – the foxtrot and the waltz. Today we are going to take a closer look at the foxtrot – a smooth, progressive dance characterized by its slow step, and long, sinuous movements. Named for its creator, vaudeville...
Customized Wedding Dance Programs For Fall Weddings
Two of the most popular months for weddings – September and October – are just ahead. You know what weddings mean – some very important dances for the wedding couple to think about! There’s the First Dance for the wedding couple. Then there’s the Father / Daughter dance; and the Mother / Son dance. And...
Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter
We at Fred Astaire Dance Studios love to share information about the benefits of dance – socializing, building confidence, learning a new pastime, getting in better shape – and so many more, including… guess what? Dancing makes you smarter! In an article called Use It or Lose It: Dancing Makes You Smarter, Richard Powers, who leads...
The Emotional Benefits To Dancing
We all have a basic need for acceptance, friendships, a social circle. And one of the best ways of building this type of support system and network is through the activity of dance. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, we work very hard to provide exactly this type of atmosphere, and offer many ways for people...
4 Stretching Tips to Avoid Injury and Help Flexibility
We’re always happy when our students come into our Fred Astaire Dance Studio, ready and eager to take part in their favorite dance class. Today, we have a little tip for all of our students, whether long-time dancers or those just starting out: Try to arrive a few minutes early and maybe plan to stay...
Foot Care Tips to Keep You on Your Toes
“Dancing Feet” is one of the best-loved songs from the famed musical, “42nd Street.” So, how are you taking care of your dancing feet – or are you, at all? Whether you like to waltz or cha-cha or cross the dance floor in a glorious tango, your feet are the principal carriers of the rest of...
Slide Into Summer in Shape!
The official start of beach season is not far off! Memorial Day weekend, which marks the unofficial start of summer, is at the end of May, and that’s when we traditionally first slip into our swimsuits for revelry at the beach and pool parties. The big (so to speak) question is: will you fit in your...
The Overall Benefits of Dance
We get it. We’ve been there. You’re stressed, a little frazzled, and you want to be in better shape. But you’re not really the type with a hobby to take your mind off daily issues, and you’re not a gym rat or interested in team sports. What to do? Hey, you’ve already found our Dance...
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Wedding Dance Lessons
Congratulations, you’re getting married! Now that the excitement of the proposal is over, and this incredible event has started to sink in – it’s planning time! The engagement party, the wedding shower, the registry… and all the plans and decisions for your special Wedding Day will soon be taking up lots of your time. One...
A Letter to the President
Dear Mr. Rothweiler, My wife and I recently did our first spotlight dance. Never in thirty years of marriage did we ever think we could dance, let alone be confident and proficient enough to do so for an audience. It was truly a benchmark moment in our lives. My wife and I have always been...
Would You Compete With Someone You Have Never Met?
It was on a Wednesday in July at the Mirage Hotel Las Vegas that Ted Postolachi first met his dance partners for the 2015 Fred Astaire World Championships (FAWC). Ted, a Dance Instructor at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Bardonia NY, was set to dance with Anna Tabolina and Ashley Michelle Jones, both of the...
FADS Middletown Shares their Pride in One of their Youngest Students!
The staff at Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Middletown, CT share their pride in one of their youngest stars, nine-year-old Aidan Boutin. Aidan and his twin sister, Abigail, began dancing tap and ballet when they were just three years old. When he was six, Aidan told his mother he wanted to spin the girls like they do...
The Transformative Power of Dance Helped this FADS Student Step into the Spotlight!
Meet Terry, a Fred Astaire Dance Studios student we feel so lucky to have! Five months ago, Terry came to a Practice Party at FADS Buffalo, NY studio with her husband, Tim. But they didn’t dance a step — oh, no! Instead, they watched the party from the “safe” lounge area, conversing with our students and...
Dance, As the Fountain of Youth and a Source of Pure Joy
Mary walks through falling snow, up the sidewalk and through the front door of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ Corporate Office in Longmeadow, MA. She is 88 years old and other than her Dance Instructor’s careful palm on her elbow, she is unassisted. Mary is visiting Corporate today, eager to see Jack Rothweiler (Fred Astaire Dance...
When We Meet Again, We Will Dance…
Edwin Robbins, a 23-year student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Manhattan East Side, NY, shares in his own words, how his two left feet danced him to a lifelong love story. “My prom date told me after three box steps that I had no rhythm. Then the Navy excused me from marching. During my...
9 Benefits You Can Experience Once You Start Dancing
Whether you flaunt your every move on the dance floor or sway to your favorite songs in the car, dance is an activity that everybody enjoys, in one way or another. Luckily, dancing is something that will not only bring a smile to your face, but can also help improve your physical and mental health....
This FADS Student’s Story Is 1,000 Lessons Long…
(And that just might be the number of times Marilyn Clasen passed the building sign, too…) …the one in her neighborhood, that said “Fred Astaire Dance Studio” — before she went in. Once she did, she no longer felt like ‘just another stranger from Cleveland’. She was soon immersed in a new, healthy, exciting, favorite...
Time Has Made Her Who She Is
If you flipped through the June 2014 issue of Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine , you might have recognized a familiar face. Perhaps you remember Tao Porchon-Lynch from one of Fred Astaire Dance Studios’ National Dance Competitions, or if you’re a member of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Hartsdale NY family, you might even know...
After Surgery, Rediscovering Dance
After two knee surgeries, Bree Kleist searched for a new way to keep moving – and rediscovered her love for dance! “My knees were killing me. I spent 8 years in the Air Force, four of them as a heating specialist, kneeling and squatting in front of furnaces and boilers all day long. I spent...