Fred Astaire Studios offer a wide range of dances - from the slow and traditional to the faster and more current. The average student learns four to six of these dances in order to become versatile, well-rounded social dancer. Each dance has its own unique character and style, and once mastered, will give you a lifetime of fun and enjoyment.

The Smooth Dances
Smoth dances are characterized by their fluid movement across the floor. Similar to ice skating, dancers keep a straight body line as they travel around the room.

Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is ultra-smooth and sophisticated, and is one of the most popular slow dances of all time. Classic crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole provide the jazzy standards ideal for this dance.
Waltz
Done to a three count, the Waltz is an elegant and graceful dance that will never go out of style. This traditional dance has continued to rise in popularity at weddings, anniversaries and graduations.
Tango
This dramatic and passionate dance has been popularized in many Hollywood movies. The Tango conjures up images of dancers with roses clenched between their teeth.
Quickstep
Get ready to hop, skip and kick your way around the floor! Part Charleston, part Foxtrot, the very quick and lively Quickstep will leave you breathless after even one dance.
Viennese waltz
Couples whirl around the floor; first one way, then another. Grand and majestic, this fast version of the Waltz originated in Austria.

The Rhythm Dances
Unlike smooth dances, rhythm dances generally stay in a smaller, confined area of the dance floor. As the name suggests, the rhythmical nature of these dances allow you to really get loose on the dance floor. Here are a few examples:

Rumba
The Rumba is Cuban in origin and is often referred to as the "dance of love". Sultry and romantic, the music is a mix of African and Latin rhythms.
Cha Cha
Named after the sound made by the feet when doing this dance, the Cha Cha is an exciting syncopated Latin dance. The Cha Cha rhythm is found in much of today's popular music.
Swing
Swing is a broad category that includes Jive, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop and Shag among others. Swing is fun, fast and energetic and has recently enjoyed a huge revival.
Mambo
This spicy Latin dance from Cuba is also known as Salsa. Sometimes referred to as "the dancer's dance", Mambo requires excellent timing and coordination.
Samba
From Brazil, this pulsating, gyrating, festive dance brings to mind pictures of the carnivals of Rio de Janeiro. Unlike the other Latin dances that are stationary, many Samba steps travel around the floor.

We also offer instruction in salsa, merengue, bolero, paso doble, and western swing.