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 <i>all</i> 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 <i>and</i> 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.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Valparaiso is known for its welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere, highly qualified instructors, and a proven dance curriculum developed by Fred Astaire himself. The studio offers a wide range of dance styles, personalized instruction, and a supportive community, making it a top choice for dance lessons in Porter County, IN.
The studio is located at 107 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN.
Lessons are available for adults and children of all ages and skill levels, whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer. Singles and couples are both welcome.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios offers instruction in all major partnership dances, including:
- Ballroom (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep)
- Latin (Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive, Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Bolero)
- Social and club dances (Swing, Hustle, Country Western, West Coast Swing)
- Specialty dances for weddings and events
Yes, the studio specializes in wedding dance lessons, from simple first dances to choreographed routines for couples and wedding parties. Lessons are tailored to your song choice and vision, ensuring you look and feel confident on your big day.
Absolutely. The studio offers expert instruction in ballroom and Latin dances, including professional salsa dance lessons, taught by certified and experienced instructors.
Yes, you can choose from private lessons, group classes, and practice parties. This combination helps students learn efficiently and gain confidence in a supportive environment.
Instructors are highly qualified, many with fine arts degrees and professional dance experience. All are certified in the proprietary Fred Astaire Dance Curriculum and participate in ongoing training to ensure top-quality instruction.
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!
- Claim the introductory offer by submitting the form on the studio's website or calling the studio directly.
- The team will contact you to discuss your dance goals and schedule your first lesson
No prior experience is necessary. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended; specialized dance shoes are optional and available for purchase at the studio store.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios is committed to making your experience enjoyable and rewarding. If you're not satisfied, the staff will do their best to address your concerns and ensure a positive experience.
Yes, all lessons-including wedding dances and competitive routines-are tailored to your preferences, skill level, and goals. Instructors work with you to create a personalized plan.
Yes, students interested in competition can train for regional, national, and international Pro-Am events, supported by experienced instructors.
The studio maintains a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all students. For current health and safety policies, contact the studio directly.
Benefits include improved fitness, confidence, social connections, mental stimulation, and emotional well-being-all in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
- Phone: (219) 510-0123
- Website: fredastaire.com/valparaiso
- Email: [email protected]