Frequently Asked Questions About Fred Astaire Dance Studios Why dance? For starters, it is a lot of fun! Fun aside, dancing has so much more to offer than just a good time. Exercise, stress relief, self-confidence, social poise, and a creative outlet are amongst the many benefits you can receive from dancing. Can I learn to dance? Even if you have "two left feet" and "no rhythm"! Mr. Fred Astaire himself is quoted as saying "some people seem to feel that good dancers are born. All the good dancers I’ve known have been taught or trained." How long will it take me to become a good dancer? At Fred Astaire, you will quickly establish confidence with the basic steps of dancing. However, the longer you dance, the better dancer you will become. As your dance education continues, you will engage in advanced steps and styling that will have you looking and feeling like the dancer you want to be! Will the introductory offer take care of my dancing needs? We won’t have you dancing up one wall, across the ceiling, and down the other side. However, we will show you the basic steps to the most popular social dances, such as the fox trot, swing, and waltz. What happens after the introductory offer? After your group class and private lesson, you will have a better idea of what dances interest you the most. Your instructor will help you choose a starter series that fits your specific goals and dance needs. What if I can’t make my appointment? We request six hours notice on all appointments. What should I wear to my lesson? You can wear anything that you feel comfortable in, however sneakers have rubber soles that tend to grip the floor. A dress shoe usually moves a little more easily. We don't love stiletto heels too much though - they aren't very nice to the floor! Dance shoes are available by mail order, or the studio may have a style you like in stock. Dance shoes are great because  they are extremely flexible, allowing you to feel the floor through them and use your feet in the correct way. They also have suede bottoms that both grip the floor and let you turn and pivot. Be sure to have shoe brush handy to keep the suede bottoms in good condition! As you continue through your dancing, we recomment wearing practice clothes to your lessons, like a latin skirt or long, flowing smooth skirt. They help enhance the feeling and appearance of the dances. When can I take my lessons? The studio is open from Tuesday - Friday, 12:30pm - 9:00pm, and on Saturday from 9:30am - 3:30pm. Your private lessons can be scheduled at your convenience within those hours. Group classes are scheduled weekday evenings, and your instructor will help you find the classes that suit both your level and your schedule. Practice sessions are every Friday evening from 7:30 - 9:00pm. Visit our Blog regularly for dance tips, information about upcoming events, and dance related media buzz!