Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Lake Oswego teaches ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm and Swing styles. The studio was founded in 2010 by Alex and Jessi Aillon, who continue to teach there. The curriculum covers over 20 dances including waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha-cha, salsa, rumba, quickstep, jive, paso doble, mambo, merengue, bolero, samba, hustle, viennese waltz, east coast swing, and west coast swing.

The teaching approach combines private lessons, group classes and practice parties. Private lessons are tailored to your pace and goals; multiple lessons often run simultaneously in the ballroom, which the studio finds helps students prepare for real social dance settings. Group classes cover technique, fitness and ballroom fundamentals at various levels, typically scheduled afternoons and evenings throughout the week. Practice sessions happen in a dimmed, party-like atmosphere where you apply what you've learned without public pressure.

The instructors include Alex Aillon (studio owner and dance director), Jessi Aillon (studio owner), Christopher Gee, and Maile Crowder. All are certified in the Fred Astaire curriculum. Reviews consistently mention their professionalism, patience and ability to make lessons fun. One student noted that Chris has "the patience of a saint"; another said Maile "was really fun to work with" for wedding dance preparation. Instructors are actively competing professional dancers, many with Fine Arts degrees.

The studio serves couples and singles equally. If you arrive without a partner, your instructor becomes your partner for private lessons; group classes and practice sessions provide chances to meet and dance with other students. Wedding dance services include choreography for first dances, parent dances and surprise group dances. The introductory offer is two 40-minute private lessons for $50, valid for one year, with no partner required.

Students praise the "close-knit community" atmosphere and non-judgmental environment. The studio is located at 6520 SW Rosewood Street in Lake Oswego, easily accessible for residents of Lake Oswego, Tigard, Tualatin and West Linn.

You'll start with two 40-minute private lessons for $50 where you experience multiple dance styles to discover your preference. The studio emphasizes a warm, non-judgmental environment; instructors teach you at your own pace and you'll often see other private lessons happening nearby. After your intro, you can combine private lessons with group classes and practice parties.

The studio is owned and taught by Alex and Jessi Aillon, who founded it in 2010. Instructors Christopher Gee and Maile Crowder are also certified. All are actively competing professional dancers with Fine Arts training. Reviews highlight their knowledge, professionalism and patience in making lessons accessible and fun.

The studio welcomes dancers of all ages and abilities; you can start without a partner and without any prior experience.