Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee

Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Ahwatukee has served the Phoenix area for over 50 years. The studio teaches all forms of partner dancing: ballroom, Latin, swing, country, salsa, and more. You can study International or American ballroom styles, or both. The studio's approach combines private instruction, group lessons, and practice parties—a teaching system designed to help you learn as much as possible in the shortest time while retaining what you've learned.

The studio's staff includes Studio Directors Mariya Ilchenko and Ilya Velednitsky, plus professional dance instructors including Denys Karasov, Mateusz Dorot, Manuel Carmona, Hanna Pierce, Maysen, Nicolas Gastelum, Micah AuBuchon, and Kayla Daigle (Studio Training Director). Many instructors hold Fine Arts degrees and are actively competing, award-winning professional dancers. All have completed Fred Astaire's proprietary curriculum.

Specific dances taught include Argentine Tango, Bolero, Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Foxtrot, Hustle, Jive, Mambo, Merengue, Paso Doble, Quickstep, Rumba, Salsa, Samba, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Waltz, and West Coast Swing. The studio accepts students of all ages and skill levels—no partner or prior experience needed. You can take lessons as a single student with an instructor as your partner, or as a couple.

Wedding dance instruction is a core offering. The studio choreographs first dances from simple steps to full routines, father/daughter and mother/son dances, and wedding party group dances. The studio recommends starting 5–6 months before your wedding. At Fred Astaire, you'll work with instructors to customize a dance that reflects your style and personality, and can include your wedding party for "YouTube-worthy" routines.

The studio also offers competitive opportunities through Fred Astaire's Regional, Inter-Regional, National, and International Pro-Am and professional dance competitions. Students can compete, travel, and develop their skills in supportive environments. The studio operates an online dance store with dozens of dance-related items. Group classes typically run afternoons and evenings throughout the week. Practice sessions happen in the studio in a dimly lit, party-type atmosphere, letting you apply what you've learned without public pressure.

New students receive a warm, welcoming, 100% non-judgmental environment from the moment they step through the door. You'll be on your way to confident dancing by the end of your first lesson. The studio combines private lessons, group classes, and practice parties to help you learn efficiently and apply your skills in a relaxed social setting.

The studio is led by Studio Directors Mariya Ilchenko (originally from Ukraine, joined Fred Astaire in 2013) and Ilya Velednitsky (with Fred Astaire for over 20 years, started at Fred Astaire Wisconsin). Professional instructors include Denys Karasov (ballroom dancer from age 4), Mateusz Dorot (from Poland, dancing since age 8), Manuel Carmona (began ballroom in 2014), Hanna Pierce (trained at the School of Midland Festival Ballet), Maysen (ballet training from age 2), Nicolas Gastelum (from El Paso, trained in multiple styles), Micah AuBuchon (inspired by swing dance), and Kayla Daigle (Studio Training Director, started ballroom in summer 2017). Many hold Fine Arts degrees and are actively competing professional dancers.

No experience or partner needed; the studio welcomes singles and couples of all ages and skill levels, and instructors serve as partners for solo students.