Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee
Ballroom, Latin, swing and wedding dance lessons in Ahwatukee
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 - Ahwatukee via Google
Before your first class
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.
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily; many students arrive straight from the office or dress casually, both of which are fine.
Summer intro special: 1 private dance lesson for one or two people, plus attendance to a group class and dance party, $99.00 (plus taxes and fees, new students only).
About this studio
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.
What to expect
Your first visit
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.
Instructors
Who teaches here
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.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
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.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move easily; many students arrive straight from the office or dress casually, both of which are fine.
Studio history
Fred Astaire Dance Studios have made Arizona their home for over 50 years. The organisation traces its teaching method back to Fred Astaire himself, who developed the curriculum now used across all Fred Astaire studios.
Styles offered
23 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukeehasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee, 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 - Ahwatukee
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee teach?
Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Swing, Argentine Tango 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 - Ahwatukee located?
Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee is located in Phoenix, AZ. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee offer private lessons?
Contact Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee teach kids and adults?
Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee 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 - Ahwatukee?
The fastest path is to visit Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Ahwatukee via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.