Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair
Ballroom dance lessons from waltz to salsa, weddings to competitions
Fred Astaire Dance Studios is a premier ballroom dance franchise established in 1947 with the personal endorsement of Fred Astaire himself.
Photo: Maryam Kazembeyki via Google
Before your first class
The studio works with students of all ages and abilities; you'll be on your way to confident social dancing after your very first lesson.
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily.
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily.
About this studio
Fred Astaire Dance Studios – San Jose Valley Fair teaches ballroom and Latin partner dancing at 319 South Monroe Street in San Jose. The studio has been part of the Fred Astaire network since 1947, and this location is run by owner Nadia Eftedal, a world champion dancer, alongside co-owner Allen Genkin, a professional ballroom dancer and choreographer.
The studio teaches the full range of ballroom styles: Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, Argentine Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Mambo, Merengue, Salsa, Samba, Paso Doble, Bolero, East Coast Swing, Jive, Hustle, and West Coast Swing. The curriculum covers American, Latin, and International style, and serves dancers of all ages and abilities, from those learning for fun to competitive dancers.
Your first step is a free 30-minute introductory lesson. The teaching philosophy is simple: learning ballroom dance is always fun. The studio's approach combines private lessons, group classes, and practice parties to help you learn as much as possible in the shortest time. Instruction covers everything from a few basic steps for social dancing to fully choreographed routines. The staff includes certified instructors Dani Keats (a professional dance teacher and performer born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area), Laura Dunn (originally from Lithuania, bringing lifelong passion for ballroom dance), and Chuck Braswell, who started his dance career 30 plus years ago at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Marietta, Georgia.
The studio is known for a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere. Events include guest parties, showcases, spotlights, community outreach events, coaching sessions, and group outings, plus regional, national, and international Pro-Am and professional competitions. Wedding dance programs are a core offering: the studio customizes instruction for first dances, father-daughter and mother-son dances, and full wedding party routines. They recommend starting lessons at least 5–6 months before a wedding, though shorter timelines are possible. Located near Santana Row (5 minutes from Hotel Valencia Santana Row and 1 mile from Left Bank Brasserie), the studio is about 20 minutes from Silver Creek Valley Country Club and 15 minutes from Testarossa Winery.
What to expect
Your first visit
You'll begin with a free 30-minute introductory lesson in a warm, non-judgmental environment. The instructor will teach you a few basic steps and get you moving on the dance floor. You can come alone or with a partner—the studio teaches lessons either way.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Staff includes studio owner Nadia Eftedal, a world champion dancer; co-owner Allen Genkin, a professional ballroom dancer and choreographer; and certified instructors Dani Keats (a professional teacher and performer from the San Francisco Bay Area), Laura Dunn (from Lithuania, with lifelong passion for ballroom), and Chuck Braswell (30 plus years of dance career experience). All are certified in the Fred Astaire curriculum.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio works with students of all ages and abilities; you'll be on your way to confident social dancing after your very first lesson.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily.
What to bring
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily. For shoes, leather-sole shoes are suggested for gentlemen, and a shoe with a back for ladies. If you've already purchased wedding shoes, bring them along to determine comfort.
Studio history
Fred Astaire Dance Studios was founded in 1947 with a mission to enrich lives physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially through the transforming power of dance. The San Jose Valley Fair location is independently owned and operated by franchisees of FADS USA, Inc.
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 Studios - San Jose Valley Fairhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair, 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 - San Jose Valley Fair
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair teach?
Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair 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 - San Jose Valley Fair located?
Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair is located in San Jose, CA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair offer private lessons?
Contact Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair teach kids and adults?
Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair 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 - San Jose Valley Fair?
The fastest path is to visit Fred Astaire Dance Studios - San Jose Valley Fair via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.