Fred Astaire Dance Studio

Address:	4702 Garrett Rd, Durham, NC 27707, USA
Phone:	+1 919-489-4313
Site:	dancingfads.com
Rating:	4.8
Working:	12–9:30PM 12–9:30PM 12–9:30PM 12–9:30PM 12–9:30PM 12–2PM Closed

Location

Photos 32

Reviews 7

Jennifer Cooke

The instructors and fellow students are wonderful here. I look forward to every dance lesson and practice party. My instructors are Kirill (the tall one) and Vitali. Both keep lessons fun, even when I am struggling to learn a new technique! The instructors are all great dancers (having watched and danced with all of them at dance parties) and it really does feel like an extended "dance family" with a welcoming environment from day one. I have been taking lessons for a couple months, which has given me time to explore other dancing opportunities and studios in the Triangle area. Other instructors offering lessons before social dances are okay, but none have impressed me as much as the instructors at Fred Astaire with their combination of professionalism, warmth, and dancing/teaching abilities! I have seen my confidence and following ability grow when dancing at other venues and my posture improve in day-to-day life. The only warning/drawback with their business model is that they do try to push you to take more lessons and dance in more events, be aware of your budget and firm with how much you can do. (Trust me, you will want to do more than you can afford--its addicting!) Thank you to everyone at Fred Astaire for making dance the highlight of my week, allowing me to leave outside stress at the door, and helping me become healthier and happier!

Anonymous User

One of the first things you hear a first time dancer say is “I have two left feet.” But in just a few lessons, they are really learning how to dance. The professional teachers know just how to teach the students at the proper level and helping the student achieve their own goals. Quickly the students sense their own progress and learn that dancing is about progress. There is always someone better, and there is always someone just beginning. Fred Astaire Dance Studio is a family. We receive support and encouragement from our professional students as well as our fellow dancers. The system provides major positive feedback with awards and encouragement. Dancing builds self esteem. There are opportunities at many levels – showcases, where we can show our progress with specially choreographed routines, and the applause from the audience is rewarding and builds confidence. Yuriy and Oksana do a lot of extra things that make dancing even more fun – such as booking the Carolina Theater for a Showcase or giving trophies for the Mini-Matches. Dancing is one of the most effective exercises because it involves so many parts of the brain and body – sound, timing, step memory, execution, and gracefulness. It improves posture and increases energy. Most of all. It’s fun!

Anonymous User

I have had a beautiful experience at this studio - the community is friendly, unintimidating, and professional. I have been to many, many dance studios in my career. It is rare to find a space that offers such a smooth customer experience. Simply put, this particular Fred Astaire’s has it all. The space boasts the largest continuous ballroom dance floor I have seen, and removable wall partitions allow for several more private classrooms with TVs and sound systems for learning dance from a variety of media. High ceilings and large windows make for a comfortable and elegant experience. It is even rarer to find such a community of high-level dance instruction that is so friendly and unintimidating. They employ ten full-time dance instructors, most of whom are international competitors from the Ukraine. Adorable accents and qualified knowledge? Tall, gorgeous men dancing in shirt and tie? And at $10 a pop for a group class or dance party, I can have this for less than the price of a yoga class? Sold! Private lessons are more of an investment. But for the rest of the world who, unlike me, are no longer either graduate students or generally underemployed, it’s a very reasonable professional rate.

Cynthia Bulik

I did a lot of research before choosing a dance studio in the Triangle. At first I was just looking for a place to help me with ice dancing, but then I got hooked! Now ballroom has taken on a life of its own. The instructors are highly qualified, patient, creative, and professional. They can "meet students where theyre at" and engage them at any level from beginner to seasoned competitor. They work with you to figure out what the best pace is for you. I bought my husband a beginner package for Christmas two years ago and even though it took him six months to use it, hes hooked now too! Its a new fun thing for us to do together. We each take private lessons, and take couple lessons as well. Great way to prepare for the empty nest! I would say the number one feature of the studio is the wonderful instructor team, but close behind is the atmosphere they create for all students. It is a warm and welcoming studio. You are always greeted by name and with a warm handshake or a hug. The friendliness of the staff permeates the students as well creating a homelike environment. A five star experience for all ages and skill levels.

Tim Cline

The instructors and the dance program at Fred Astaire Dance Studio-Durham are just superb. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Im an average guy who probably last danced in college at some forgettable soiree; last year, I bought my wife and I a gift certificate for three introductory lessons. Since then, we have signed up for two additional courses of instruction. We both got over our insecurities after about ten minutes, when we saw there were many couples there like us, as well as mothers with sons and fathers with daughters. We have been having the time of our lives and the instructors are not only graceful beyond compare, they are very, very patient, which an oaf-footed non-dancer like myself found to be very supportive. Special thanks to Oksana Sidak (Ksyusha), Vitaly, Alyonya (our instructors and helpful staff members) and to the owners Yuri Simakov and Oksana Klyuchnyk. Go and sign up for a few classes. You wont regret it! Regards, Tim C. Durham, NC

ESTHER JONES

I have been dancing since 2000 and it has brought me so much joy and fitness! Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham is one of the most fun and exciting places you can visit after a long and stressful day! You will meet some of the most friendly and highly professional instructors, and I have met so many lovely people and new dance friends. I have learned many different dances, including my favorites - Cha Cha and Swing! These dances always help to relieve my stress, and Ive gone from a size 6 to a 2-4! I have had the opportunity to perform in Showcases and to compete in regional ballroom events - and you can do that too! My new favorite activity is the Latin Cardio Boot Camp! What an amazing stress reliever and weekend exercise! I encourage you to stop by and see what dancing can do for your life!

tom

I first went to Fred Astaire because my daughter was getting married, and I had to do a "father daughter dance. My daughter who had danced jazz, tap, and ballet for 18 years said to me, "dad dont embarrass me, take some lesson", in a rather emphatic kind of voice. I did and liked it so much I have been dancing over 10 years. I have loved every minute. It is great exercise for mind, body, and soul. All the other students are incredibly friendly and non-judgemental about anyones abilities. The teachers know how to tailor each lesson to the personality, goals, and capabilities of the student.....even given good and bad days. I only wish I had started when I was 50 years younger ad kept it up the whole time. Each lesson is fun and worthwhile.