Fred Astaire

Reviews 5

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Paul Cicotta

Lets get ready for some dirty dancing as we head out to our next event at Fred Astaire Dance. This famous dance studio is located right in Winton Plaza near The Distillery, so it can be easily missed if not looking right. To the side of the studios was a HUGE spread filled with cheeses, cookies, fresh vegetables, and wine for your nerves. I loved the cute Cha-Cha napkins on display for eating, which I took a couple home. The class was lead by world champion ballroom dancers Alicia and Vladimir. These instructors really know there stuff, and they dance flawlessly with heavy gold medals around there necks. Just coming here to see Vladmir is always a treat, since this guy really knows how to fit into a tight pair of pants- Cha Cha. The owners did not do it alone, since Freddy the dog was also in attendance, which they named after the late Fred Astaire. In going over class instruction, there overall motto was Health, Confidence, Self-Expression, Social, Relaxation, and Fun. We had the opportunity to see these elements in practice with other instructors/members performing. It was like watching a dance recital, as Nicole M. and I were getting into watching the various steps involved. With instruction in hand, we were all ready to hit the ballroom floor. The ballroom floor is STUNNING, with beautiful chandeliers hanging from above. Walking on this floor makes you feel like youre going to a 1st Class Party on the Titanic. For our lesson which was led by Stevie Pitoni, we were going to go over the basics of Foxtrot, and Meringue. It was challenging to learn at a rapid pace all the steps involved in a basic meringue, but Stevie did an excellent job of smoothing that process over for all of us. By the end of this lesson, Trisha G. and I were doing the meringue all over the dance floor- watch that Quickstep! The second lesson was a Foxtrot which is extremely difficult if you have not danced in a ballroom before. You have to parallel your partner with you every step of the way, making this a team-building activity on relationships. When the going gets tough- does the tough get going?, not with Andrew G. on this dancefloor. Foxtrotting is a great dance once you finally learn the rhythm. In the end I was like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz foxtrotting it with their dog Freddy across the ballroom floor. During the end of the class, we put our lessons to the test with a freestyle dance using either Meringue or Foxtrot. At this point, Ebbie P. and Em R. really knew how to tear that ballroom floor up with their ample dance moves- You Go Girl! Remember according to Fred Astaire, "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance". Overall: Ballroom World Champions Vladmir and Alicia, Meringue, Foxtrot, Freddy The Dog, Amazing Dancers/Performers, Instructor Stevie, and one heck of a Dance Party...I Will Be Back.

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Jane Parker

I have been taking lessons at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Rochester for 14 years, and this is by far the best studio anywhere. I have learned so much, have had so much fun, and have even competed. But whether you are just wanting to learn a wedding dance, or learn to social dance, or to learn to dance at a competitive level, this is the studio to come to for lessons. For those who take lessons, they also have a monthly fun party to practice what you have learned and meet other students. The instructors are all excellent and will make it a totally enjoyable experience for you. Also, there is no better exercise than dancing at any age. You use all your muscles as well as your brain, and experts say it is the best form of exercise for seniors. It is my home away from home, and the enjoyment and fulfillment I have received from learning to dance at this studio is beyond description! Try it and see! Jane Parker

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Anonymous User

The folks at Fred Astaire Dance Studio are FANTASTIC!!!!! My husband and I went there to prepare for our daughters wedding. I had very limited dance experience and my husband had 2 left feet and could not keep a beat. Within a few lessons we were actually dancing. 2 months later we look like we have been dancing together all our lives. Our teacher is Len, and he always made us feel great about how we were picking up the dance moves. His teaching style made it easy to learn the dance moves, he always helped us to feel confident and comfortable. He is a miracle worker. I cant believe how much we learned in a few short months. In addition they are reasonably priced , they have a great beginners special,and definitely worth every penny we paid. I highly recommend this studio!!!!!!!!

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791jss

I have been taking ballroom dance lessons at Fred Astaire in Rochester NY for two years and I could not be more pleased. The instructors are wonderful! From students just beginning to seasoned professionals the level of teaching never wavers - nor does the amount of fun you have during a lesson. I began in 2013 with no idea how to ballroom dance and this year I was able to compete at the Summer Classic Competition at Turning Stone Resort and take first place my division! This "dance journey" has made me more confident, more outgoing and more likely to stray outside my comfort zone than before. I highly recommend Fred Astaire in Rochester NY!

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Amanda Cayouette

Friendly, welcoming staff; instructors who are supportive and professional. The location is a little bit tucked out of the way, but the studio facility itself is top notch. Prices are pretty much on par with other ballroom schools in the area. Great for wedding choreography or for something longer term (like a new life adventure!).

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