Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Pensacola teaches ballroom and Latin partnership dances to students of all ages and abilities. The studio offers a curriculum covering American and International Ballroom styles, with instruction in Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Argentine Tango, Bolero, Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Mambo, Merengue, Paso Doble, Salsa, Jive, East Coast Swing, Hustle, and West Coast Swing.

The teaching approach combines private lessons, group classes, and practice parties. Private lessons are tailored to individual needs and scheduled by appointment during business hours. Group classes run throughout the week in afternoon and evening slots, covering various dances and technique levels. Practice sessions take place in a party-type atmosphere with dimmed lighting and music, giving you a chance to apply what you've learned without pressure and to meet other students.

The studio has five certified instructors: Maria Middleton, who has danced since age 5 and is described as a versatile dancer; Andre Eimers, who started dancing with Fred Astaire in 2016 and trained in jazz and ballroom; Marina Kuklina, who began dancing at age 4 and was born and raised in Russia; Georgii Ilinykh, born in Chelyabinsk, Russia, who started dancing at age 5; and Marisol Aldana, originally from Tampico in the Gulf of Mexico. All instructors are certified in the Fred Astaire curriculum and many have Fine Arts degrees and are actively competing, award-winning professional dancers.

Wedding dance programs are a core offering. The studio customizes instruction for couples seeking anything from simple first-dance steps to fully choreographed routines. They can also create wedding party dances and Father/Daughter or Mother/Son dances. The studio recommends starting lessons at least five to six months before the wedding. You're encouraged to bring favorite songs, venue pictures, wedding attire photos, and dance video examples to your free consultation.

The studio welcomes both singles and couples. If you arrive without a partner, your instructor becomes your partner for private lessons, and group classes and practice sessions provide opportunities to meet other students. Flexible scheduling is available, with group class times varying by dance type and level. The studio operates an online dance store stocked with dozens of dance-related items. Competitive dancers can participate in Fred Astaire regional, inter-regional, national, and international Pro-Am and amateur competitions.

You'll discover a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere from the moment you step in. On your first lesson you'll be on your way to confident dancing. The studio teaches through private instruction, group lessons, and practice parties designed to help you learn as much as possible in the shortest time.

Five certified instructors teach at the Pensacola studio: Maria Middleton (dancing since age 5), Andre Eimers (trained in jazz and ballroom), Marina Kuklina (began at age 4, trained in Russia), Georgii Ilinykh (born in Chelyabinsk, started at age 5), and Marisol Aldana (from Tampico, Mexico). All are certified in the Fred Astaire curriculum; many hold Fine Arts degrees and are actively competing professional dancers.

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