Fred Astaire Dance Studios
Ballroom, Latin, swing and wedding dance in Riverside, RI
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 Studios via Google
Before your first class
No partner needed; instructors partner with singles in private lessons, and group classes welcome all abilities with a non-judgmental approach.
Bring your favourite song, pictures of your venue and wedding attire if preparing for a wedding; comfortable dance clothing is expected.
Introductory offer: 1 private lesson, 1 group lesson and 1 practice party for $65; prices vary by program (social, wedding, competitive) and are tailored to individual goals and budget.
About this studio
Fred Astaire Dance Studios Riverside teaches ballroom, Latin, smooth, rhythm and swing dance at 1235 Wampanoag Trail. The studio offers private lessons, group classes, and practice parties for all ages and ability levels, with instruction tailored to singles or couples. Whether you're learning for fun, preparing for a wedding, or aiming to compete, the curriculum covers waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, viennese waltz, cha-cha, rumba, samba, mambo, merengue, salsa, paso doble, jive, Argentine tango, bolero, east coast swing, hustle and west coast swing.
The studio's teaching method is built on three pillars: private instruction, group lessons, and practice parties, designed so you learn as much as possible in the shortest time while having fun. The approach is rooted in Fred Astaire's own proven curriculum, which instructors must complete rigorously to become certified. Instructors are described as gifted educators, many with fine arts degrees and active competitive experience as award-winning professional dancers, hailing from around the world.
Wedding couples are a major focus. The studio customizes first-dance choreography from simple steps to full wedding-party routines, and recommends scheduling lessons at least five to six months before the ceremony. You can choreograph father-daughter and mother-son dances, or even YouTube-worthy wedding-party numbers set to your chosen music. The studio encourages you to bring your favourite songs, venue photos, and wedding attire to consultations.
Beyond lessons, Fred Astaire Riverside hosts practice sessions, guest parties, showcases, spotlights and community outreach events. Competitive students can enter regional, inter-regional, national and international Pro-Am and professional dance competitions. The studio also operates an online dance store with dozens of dance-related items. No partner is required—if you arrive as a single student, your instructor partners with you in private lessons, and group classes and practice sessions let you meet other students.
What to expect
Your first visit
Your first visit includes an introductory offer: 1 private lesson, 1 group lesson and 1 practice party. The studio emphasizes a warm, welcoming, 100% non-judgmental atmosphere with a sense of community from the moment you walk in. You'll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your very first lesson.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The studio names two instructors: Paige Toolan, who grew up in Narragansett, Rhode Island and started dancing at a young age; and Brendan Gill, born and raised in Plymouth, Massachusetts, who grew up playing various instruments. All instructors are certified in the Fred Astaire curriculum and many are award-winning professional dancers with fine arts degrees.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
No partner needed; instructors partner with singles in private lessons, and group classes welcome all abilities with a non-judgmental approach.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Bring your favourite song, pictures of your venue and wedding attire if preparing for a wedding; comfortable dance clothing is expected.
Studio history
Fred Astaire Dance Studios has a history rooted in the founder's legacy—the curriculum itself was developed by Fred Astaire and remains unique to the organisation. The Riverside studio has been in Rhode Island for years.
Styles offered
23 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Fred Astaire Dance Studioshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Fred Astaire Dance Studios, 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 Studios
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Fred Astaire Dance Studios teach?
Fred Astaire Dance Studios 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 Studios located?
Fred Astaire Dance Studios is located in Riverside, RI. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Fred Astaire Dance Studios offer private lessons?
Contact Fred Astaire Dance Studios directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Fred Astaire Dance Studios teach kids and adults?
Fred Astaire Dance Studios 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 Studios?
The fastest path is to visit Fred Astaire Dance Studios via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.