Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Ballroom, Latin and Swing lessons in Rochester. Wedding dances, social dancin…
Fred Astaire Dance Studios is a premier ballroom dance franchise established in 1947 with the personal endorsement of Fred Astaire himself.
Photo: Fred Astaire Dance Studio - Rochester via Google
Before your first class
The studio welcomes students of all ages and abilities; instructors work with you at your own pace regardless of prior dance experience.
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily; either dressy or casual is fine.
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily.
About this studio
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Rochester teaches all partnership dances on a curriculum developed by Fred Astaire himself. You can learn Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Bolero, Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo, Samba, Jive, Paso Doble, Salsa, Argentine Tango, Merengue, East Coast Swing, Hustle, and West Coast Swing. The studio offers private lessons tailored to your pace, group classes designed to build technique and fitness, and practice sessions in a party atmosphere where you can apply what you've learned without the pressure of public dancing.
The teaching method combines private instruction, group lessons, and practice parties to help you learn as much as possible in the shortest time while keeping it fun. You'll discover a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental environment from your first visit. The studio is staffed by certified instructors who have completed rigorous training in the Fred Astaire Curriculum. Many instructors have Fine Arts degrees and are actively competing, award-winning professional dancers who hail from around the world.
Wedding dance instruction is a cornerstone of the studio's offering. You can learn anything from a simple first dance to a fully choreographed routine for your entire wedding party, set to your favourite music. The studio recommends starting lessons at least five to six months before your wedding, though they work with couples on tighter timelines too. Father/daughter and mother/son dances are also available, and the studio can include parents or special family members in lessons to demonstrate love and appreciation.
The studio runs Regional, Inter-Regional, National and International Pro-Am and Professional dance competitions, giving students inspiring opportunities to compete and travel. Group classes typically run afternoon and evening slots throughout the week. Practice sessions happen in a dimly lit, party-type atmosphere and allow you to meet and dance with other students and instructors. Private lessons are by appointment during business hours and can be scheduled a few weeks in advance. An online dance store stocks dozens of dance-related items to help you look and feel your best on and off the dance floor.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll step into a warm, welcoming, 100% non-judgmental environment. Your instructor will assess your goals and teach you dance steps at your own pace, whether you arrive solo or with a partner. Expect to feel confident dancing by the end of your first lesson.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Instructors include Katie Norris, Mark Rausch (8+ years ballroom experience), Vladimir Triaszin (owner, certified NDCA, working with Fred Astaire since the early 90s), and Alicia Gruttadauria (co-owner and creative director). All are certified in the Fred Astaire Curriculum; many hold Fine Arts degrees and are actively competing professional dancers.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio welcomes students of all ages and abilities; instructors work with you at your own pace regardless of prior dance experience.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily; either dressy or casual is fine.
What to bring
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Comfortable shoes are essential; leather-sole shoes are suggested for gentlemen, and ladies should wear a shoe with a back (similar to going-out dancing shoes). If you've purchased wedding shoes, bring them to your first lesson so instructors can assess comfort for dancing.
Studio history
Fred Astaire Dance Studios was founded in 1947, with a mission to enrich lives physically, mentally, emotionally and socially through dance. Vladimir Triaszin has worked within the Fred Astaire franchise since the early 1990s and is now owner.
Styles offered
23 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Fred Astaire Dance Studiohasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Fred Astaire Dance 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 Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Fred Astaire Dance Studio teach?
Fred Astaire Dance Studio teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Swing, Waltz and 17 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Fred Astaire Dance Studio located?
Fred Astaire Dance Studio is located in Rochester, NY. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Fred Astaire Dance Studio offer private lessons?
Contact Fred Astaire Dance Studio directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Fred Astaire Dance Studio teach kids and adults?
Fred Astaire Dance 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 Fred Astaire Dance Studio?
The fastest path is to visit Fred Astaire Dance Studio via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.