Dance Fire Studio
Ballroom, Latin, and kids' dance in Niskayuna and Saratoga Springs
Dance Fire Studio was founded in 2017 by Natalia O'Connor Vlad and Florin Vlad, who brought world-class ballroom instruction to the Capital Region.
Photo: Dance Fire Studio via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes beginners of all ages and teaches all levels; instructors design dances and lessons for anyone, whether you think you have 'two left feet' or are already confident.
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily.
Both locations offer ample parking: Niskayuna is on the right side of ShopRite with a large parking area; Saratoga Springs has convenient parking accessible from Henry Street.
About this studio
Dance Fire Studio was founded in 2017 by Natalia O'Connor Vlad and Florin Vlad, who brought world-class ballroom instruction to the Capital Region. A second location opened in downtown Saratoga Springs in 2023. The studio teaches ballroom and Latin dance at all levels through private lessons, group classes, and specialized programmes for kids, wedding couples, and competitive dancers.
The Niskayuna studio spans 4,400 square feet with a floating wooden floor, large mirrors, air conditioning, air purifiers, and a high-quality sound system. The Saratoga Springs location offers 4,100 square feet of space across a main ballroom and studio room, with the same amenities. Both locations feature attractive lounge areas, restrooms, wheelchair access, free WiFi, ample parking, and an on-site Dance Fire Shop selling shoes and apparel.
You can learn Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, and Hustle, plus Modern, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Choreography, and Musical Theatre. Kids can join group DanceSport classes (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), the new Kids Latin Fusion programme, or Baby Ballet for ages 2–4. Wedding couples work with instructors to choreograph their first dance, parent dances, and wedding party routines. The studio organizes signature special events throughout the year, including the Summer Showcase Spectacular.
The teaching team includes co-owners Natalia O'Connor Vlad (US National RS Professional Ballroom Champion, World Semi-finalist, Top 7 at Blackpool Dance Festival, former UVM Ballroom Head Coach) and Florin Vlad (US National RS Professional Ballroom Champion, Top 7 at Blackpool, World Cup Finalist, over 15 years of competitive dancing and teaching experience). Dance Masters Celene Parragh, Ricardo Marques (over 20 years teaching and studio management, UK Alliance associate-level Latin and Ballroom qualification, finalist at the German Open Championship), Donovan Kirrane, Olga Goncharova (Professional 9 Dance competitors representing Team USA at the Professional World Smooth Cup), and Thomas Russell (USA Dance National Champion with 15 years teaching experience) complete the faculty.
Niskayuna hours: Monday–Thursday 12pm–9pm, Friday 12pm–8pm, Saturday 9am–2pm, closed Sunday. Saratoga Springs hours: Tuesdays 1pm–9pm, Thursdays 12pm–9pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays by appointment, closed Sunday.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll walk into a spacious, temperature-controlled studio with a floating wooden floor, mirrors, and a welcoming lounge area. Your first visit typically starts with a consultation where instructors learn your goals, whether that's learning to dance socially, preparing for a wedding, competing, or joining group classes. All instructors are personable, fully experienced, and teach at all levels.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The studio is led by co-owners Natalia O'Connor Vlad and Florin Vlad, both US National RS Professional Ballroom Champions and World Championship representatives. The teaching faculty includes Celene Parragh (Pro/Am competitor, trains with top professionals), Ricardo Marques (20+ years experience, national and international competition finalist), Donovan Kirrane and Olga Goncharova (Professional 9 Dance competitors, Team USA representatives), and Thomas Russell (USA Dance National Champion, 15 years teaching).
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes beginners of all ages and teaches all levels; instructors design dances and lessons for anyone, whether you think you have 'two left feet' or are already confident.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily. For lessons, leather-sole shoes are suggested for gentlemen and a shoe with a back for ladies (avoid athletic shoes, which stick to the ballroom floor). Ballroom dance shoes are recommended for better balance and ability to spin. For Baby Ballet, dancers wear ballet shoes, socks, or bare feet, and tight-fitting clothes.
Studio history
Dance Fire Studio & Fitness was founded in 2017 by Natalia O'Connor Vlad and Florin Vlad, both accomplished competitive ballroom dancers and instructors. After teaching independently for a few years, they opened a state-of-the-art studio in Niskayuna to deliver high-level instruction in a variety of classes suited for everyone. In 2023, a second location opened in downtown Saratoga Springs, New York.
Styles offered
24 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Dance Fire Studiohasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Dance Fire Studio, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Dance Fire Studio
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Dance Fire Studio teach?
Dance Fire Studio teaches Ballroom, Latin, Latin (Cha-Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive), American Smooth, American Rhythm, Swing and 18 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Dance Fire Studio located?
Dance Fire Studio is located in Niskayuna, NY. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Dance Fire Studio offer private lessons?
Contact Dance Fire Studio directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Dance Fire Studio teach kids and adults?
Dance Fire Studio welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Dance Fire Studio?
The fastest path is to visit Dance Fire Studio via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.
Is there parking at Dance Fire Studio?
Both locations offer ample parking: Niskayuna is on the right side of ShopRite with a large parking area; Saratoga Springs has convenient parking accessible from Henry Street.