Fred Astaire Dance Studio Bloomfield Hills

2172 Franklin Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, USA

Address:	2172 Franklin Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, USA
Phone:	+1 248-454-1715
Site:	fredastaire.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM 10AM–10PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 13

Reviews 5

Anonymous User

I have always been reluctant and apprehensive to join in any structured dance training. But I have always enjoyed dancing, so I decided to bite the bullet recently and just test the waters. Frankly I admit I have no comparison of any other dance studios or independent dance instructors. I have tried to make various appointments, but that simply did not work out. At Fred Astair, I spent one week taking private lessons with Brianna (my assigned instructor), as well as Lauren. I had a glorious, jolly good time. Take notice: All the instructors at this place are absolute pro’s. It’s a joy to watch them flow or float around the floor. However, what is even more important is that these people are also great teachers. As you might imagine, the 2 skills – ability to dance and ability to convey what you know – do not necessarily go hand-in-hand. Brianna’s passion for dance is infectious – and her Latin dance style is gorgeous. The other shocking characteristic about this place is how friendly everybody is to each other. I said “shocking”, because I am not used to such “outpourings” of affection, but of course it is a good thing. All the instructors seem to know your name and try hard to make sure that newcomers are comfortable. You quickly seem to develop friendly relationship with instructors as well as students. It is the “social ballroom” dance studio after all. The atmosphere feels just great. The main credit of course for all of this goes to Lada and Evan, the owners, who had made this place possible. Private lessons are very focused on your desired dance styles you want to learn and quickly get you up to speed at the rate you feel comfortable with. I have never noticed the so-called “milking the cow” effect, when the instructors try to slow down your learning progress, and charge you more for your extended learning. You can set the pace, but the instructor will advise if you are way over your head trying to rush your progress. Free group lessons can get a little tricky (regardless of your level) – but they are still fun, as long as you are not a perfectionist and beat yourself up for making mistakes -- which is my dilemma, as I have very little patience with myself. But that is my problem, indeed. The studio also throws some really nice and happy parties on a regular basis, where the instructors and all the students simply get together, enjoy each other company and dance away, enjoying themselves, practicing, or just being silly. Very cool! BTW, I do not know what the other reviewer was talking about… the party I went to was hopping crazy, full of people, free snacks, drinks, etc. Admittedly, the place is not inexpensive. But that’s just life – you get what you pay for. If you are serious about learning to dance, you do not want to shop by price alone. This will ultimately only turn you off from the experience! Anyway, the first lesson and introduction to the studio is totally free – and I did not detect any sales pressure whatsoever after the first class (It is not like that “LA Fitness” place ). Which is good, because hard sales pressure would just turn me off. And they never limit the amount of group lessons you want to take – these are free for as long you are signed up! So, do not worry about being nervous or shy when you first enter the studio. You will quickly loosen-up once you start your first lesson. They take it so easy on the beginners! My job has just been permanently relocated from Michigan to California, and I am going to miss them so much. But before I leave, I just wanted to tell whoever needs to know that, in my opinion, this is certainly one of the best places in South East Michigan to learn how to dance. One other thing: I saw it with my own eyes: Anybody there can learn how to dance. Anybody.

Anonymous User

I just moved to the area and am looking for a new studio to dance at. I went to one of FADS Bloomfield Hills parties. In my experience, a ballroom dance party involves open dancing and possibly a cover charge. Well, there was no cover charge, but there was really no dancing, either. After about an hour there were only two couples dance songs played - the rest of the time was spent on announcements, showcases, etc. It was a complete waste of my Friday night getting ready and traveling to this location. I asked the front desk if any of the parties on their calendar involved more open dancing than what I saw that night and was told no. I would never take lessons from a studio that did not host an open dance party (with open dancing for a couple hours) for its students at least once a month. It allows for students to incorporate what theyve learned in their lessons in a social yet familiar environment. Whats more I learned at the party they employ an instructor that had to leave a previous studio I took lessons at (and loved) because he was such a nasty person - more interested in making money than teaching dance - no one else wanted him there after it had become clear. I wonder if the owner is going to dismiss my comment off-handedly as well. It is much easier than trying to actually improve the studio. From what I saw tonight the studio looks like it is doing well, but I have taken lessons with people who own studios with four separate ballrooms, the smallest of which is twice the size of the FADS Bloomfield Hills studio. Bottom line, it could be doing better, and the owner would do well to not dismiss criticism, but see what could be improved.

Kindra Speech

I love the Fred Astaire Dance Studio! My experience with this company was through the competition "Dancing With The Survivors" that they cohost with The Pink Fund annually. I was assigned to Marjaun as my professional dance partner. From beginning to end, the entire process of working with Marjaun was wonderful. I was in a lot of pain from dealing with my treatment, but he inspired me so much that I pushed through. Our dance on the night of the show was FIRE, and I was proud of myself for learning something new. Every person that works here is so warm and friendly. From the owners, to each dancer, they get to know you and take an interest in your success. I loved the free weekly group lessons and seeing people met each other there after work for lessons. It just infuses energy into your day when you put those shoes on and grab your partners hand. I would encourage anyone interested in adding fun to their life to head to Fred Astaire. They are excellent at what they do!

KaraJean Walberg

My first experience at the Free Astaire Dance Studio in Bloomfield Hills was a big surprise that my husband pulled off on our anniversary this year! Being wheelchair bound, I never knew or even heard of Wheelchair Ballroom Dancing. I love the instructors, their patience and their willingness to help you wherever you are having a hard time in the routines. My husband and I will definitely be going again! In fact, Today(8-27-16) we will be there and looking forward to learning whatever the instructors have in store for us! Very clean and comfortable atmosphere and very kind and professional dance instructors.

Anonymous User

As a beginner my impression is that the instructors are very nice, knowledgeable and seem to genuinely care about the students, I especially like Donald, Anastassias and Marks teaching methods. I highly recommend both private and group classes. The salsa series is a great way to learn this popular Latin dance for beginners and more advanced students as Mark does a great job and makes it fun. I recommend the salsa series as a way to learn and to be in the company of positive and up beat people. I say GO FOR IT