Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Fred Astaire Dance Studios has served West Hartford since 1972 and is the longest-running dance studio in the country. The studio is consistently ranked as one of the Top 3 Dance Studios in Connecticut by Hartford Advocates readers' poll. The current owners have managed the studio for over 15 years.

The studio teaches partnership dances across American, Latin and International styles. Classes cover waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, viennese waltz, cha-cha, rumba, samba, jive, paso doble, salsa, merengue, mambo, hustle, east coast swing, argentine tango, bolero and west coast swing. New offerings include barre (ballet-inspired fitness classes) and salsa rueda, a style where participants execute moves within a large circle.

Lessons are available as private instruction, group classes and practice parties. Private lessons can be scheduled during business hours by appointment. Group classes are typically offered in the afternoon and evening throughout the week. Practice sessions take place in the studio with dimmed lights and party-type atmosphere, allowing students to apply what they've learned without public pressure.

The studio serves a wide area including Avon, Berlin, Bloomfield, Bristol, Burlington, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartford, New Britain, Newington, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, Southington, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor and Windsor Locks. Wedding dance programs range from simple first dances to fully choreographed routines for the entire wedding party, including father-daughter and mother-son dances. The studio also offers competitive training for Pro-Am competitors at regional, inter-regional, national and international Fred Astaire competitions.

Students have access to an online dance store with dance-related items and can participate in guest parties, showcases, spotlights, community outreach events, coaching sessions and group outings. The studio's teaching method is based on Fred Astaire's proven curriculum, developed by Fred Astaire himself and unique to the organization.

Your first 30-minute lesson costs $39. Instructors will learn about your dance goals and pair you with a partner (the instructor themselves, if you come alone) or work with your partner if you bring one. You'll discover a warm, welcoming and 100% non-judgmental atmosphere from the moment you step through the door, with an energy described as the "FADS community" by current students.

The studio employs gifted dance educators, many with Fine Arts degrees and active competition experience as award-winning professional dancers. Instructors are certified in the Fred Astaire Dance Curriculum. Staff include Ecaterina Liubenco (Owner, Managing Director), Alex Konovalov (Owner, Managing Director, Instructor), Clemens (Instructor), Norge (New England Fred Astaire Showdance Champion), Sergey (Instructor) and Katerina (Instructor). Many instructors hail from all over the world.

No partner required; instructors work with singles and couples alike. Group classes and practice sessions include all levels of students.