Fred Astaire Dance Studio Virginia Beach

Fred Astaire Dance Studios Virginia Beach teaches partnership ballroom dancing across American and International styles. The studio is part of the Fred Astaire franchise, which has been operating since 1947 with a focus on enriching lives through dance. The Virginia Beach location sits at 4725 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Suite 170.

The curriculum covers a broad range of dances: Argentine Tango, Bolero, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Hustle, Jive, Mambo, Merengue, Paso Doble, Quickstep, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Waltz, and West Coast Swing. Classes serve dancers of all ages and abilities, whether you're coming as a single, a couple, or preparing for a specific goal.

The teaching method combines private lessons, group lessons and practice parties. The studio's instructors are certified in the Fred Astaire Curriculum, a proprietary method developed by Fred Astaire himself. Many instructors hold Fine Arts degrees and are actively competing, award-winning professional dancers. The staff includes Katt Baumgartner (Certified Instructor/Owner, professional since 2001), Dmitry Stepanenko (Certified Instructor/Owner, award-winning), Mason McKee, Vanessa Pogrebnyak, Ivan Pogrebnyak (30 years ballroom and Latin experience, 15 years teaching), Yana Reut (internationally trained competitor), and Dzmitry Reut.

The studio offers specialised wedding dance programmes, including first dances (from simple steps to fully choreographed routines), father/daughter and mother/son dances, and wedding party choreography. Consultations are available to discuss your music, venue, attire and vision. The studio recommends starting lessons at least a month before the ceremony, or five to six months for more involved routines.

Beyond private and group instruction, the studio runs guest parties, showcases, spotlights, community outreach events and coaching sessions. For those with competitive ambitions, Fred Astaire offers access to branded Regional, Inter-Regional, National and International Pro-Am and Professional dance competitions. The studio also maintains an online dance store with competition and performance apparel.

The studio's philosophy emphasises a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere. New students are encouraged to take advantage of introductory offers and can expect to feel confident by the end of their first lesson.

On your first visit, you'll meet certified instructors in a studio designed for partner dance. The studio uses a proven curriculum that combines private lessons, group classes and practice parties. You'll be invited to an introductory consultation to discuss your dance goals—whether that's wedding preparation, social dancing, fitness, or competitive training.

The studio employs seven instructors, all certified in the Fred Astaire Curriculum. Katt Baumgartner has been a professional ballroom dance instructor since 2001 and is co-owner. Dmitry Stepanenko is also co-owner and award-winning. Ivan Pogrebnyak brings 30 years of ballroom and Latin experience with 15 years teaching. Others include Mason McKee, Vanessa Pogrebnyak, Yana Reut (internationally trained competitor), and Dzmitry Reut. Many hold Fine Arts degrees and are actively competing professionals.

The studio works with students of all ages and abilities; you'll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your first lesson.