Category: Fred Astaire & Fads History

Celebrating National Ballroom Dance Week: 50 Fascinating Facts about Ballroom Dancing, Fred Astaire, and The Fred Astaire Dance Studios

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Embark on a captivating journey through the world of ballroom dancing with Fred Astaire Dance Studios during National Ballroom Dance Week. Discover 50 fascinating facts that celebrate the elegance, rhythm, and joy of dance. Explore the legacy of Fred Astaire and the nurturing environment of The Fred Astaire Dance Studios, where dance transcends barriers and connects hearts. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or taking your first steps, join us in this enchanting celebration of movement and connection

A Brief History of Ballroom Dance

Ballroom dance is a broad term that encompasses a variety of dance styles that are performed in a ballroom setting. These styles include the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz. The history of ballroom dance can be traced back to the 16th century in Europe, where it was primarily a social activity for the...

Fred Astaire Dance Partners: January Birthdays

Ginger Rogers is likely the dance partner we think of first, but Fred Astaire, our co-founder and namesake, was fortunate to have performed and starred with numerous well-known & talented dancers, on both stage and screen during his career. This blog post highlights the stories of two of Astaire’s esteemed dance partners – George Burns...

Facts About Fred

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To watch Fred Astaire dance on film – even today – is to marvel at his grace, skill and athleticism. What many don’t know is the extent to which this virtuoso practiced, worked on… and worried about his craft.  Astaire’s brilliance speaks of a confident character without a care. But Fred Astaire, namesake and co-founder of...

Fred Astaire and Hermes Pan: A Collaboration That Changed 20th Century Dance Choreography

The legendary dance talents of Fred Astaire were surely influenced, even enhanced, by the many dance partners, collaborators and choreographers he worked with during his iconic career. This blog post tips a hat to Hermes Pan… dancer, choreographer, collaborator and good friend of Fred Astaire for over 60 years. Born on December 10, 1909 in...

Fred Astaire Dance Partners: November Birthdays

Fred Astaire’s iconic talents as a professional dancer wouldn’t have been possible if not for his numerous & talented dance partners. Ginger Rogers may have been the most well-known, but our co-founder and namesake was fortunate to have had the opportunity to star with numerous dancers on both stage and screen. This post celebrates two dancing...

Fred Astaire Dance Partners: October Birthdays

Beyond his own talent, Fred Astaire’s success as a professional dancer wouldn’t have been possible if not for his numerous, talented dance partners. Our co-founder and namesake was fortunate to have starred with numerous dancers, on both stage and screen. This post celebrates three of his dancing co-stars with October birthdays: Claire Luce, Rita Hayworth...

Beyond Dancing: the Debonair Fred Astaire

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The name of the beloved Fred Astaire is instantly recognized throughout the world. But were there aspects of Fred Astaire, besides his professional dancing and acting career, that no camera ever revealed? Upon Astaire’s death from pneumonia at age 88, New York Times dance critic, Anna Kisselgoff, said: “The magnitude of his achievement is as great a social phenomenon as it is...

Barrie Chase: She Danced With a Legend

Saturday evening at the FAWC (Fred Astaire World Championships) 2014 Dance Competition in Las Vegas, the suspense rose as our (now, former) President/CEO, Jack Rothweiler, began introducing his surprise guest to the audience. He mentioned the Fred Astaire TV Specials, talked of his first meeting with this guest and their conversation of four-plus hours. Still,...