Dance lessons are a great way to get your body moving, an even better break from everyday stress, and you’ll have the chance to learn some new dance skills that you can show off at your next party. Taking lessons at a professional dance studio will teach you to feel comfortable with the movement and is a great way to meet new people and make new friends.

At Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham we offer a beautiful blend of Latin, Swing, and Ballroom dances styles so that around every corner there is something new to learn on your dance journey. Whether you’re looking for a new partner for ballroom dancing or just want a night out to take a hip hop class, there’s sure to be a dance form that speaks to you. And don’t worry if you’ve never danced before – Our certified dance instructors offer a combination of beginner-level classes and private lessons so you can learn at your own pace.

So why not give dance lessons a try? You might just have a blast. Click on a category below to get more details about the social dances that we teach. We teach private dance lessons as well as dance classes, which you can see on our dance class schedule, where you can see what type of dance class and time suits you!

What Are The Benefits of Dancing

Dance lessons can provide a number of benefits, both physically and mentally. For starters, they can help to improve your flexibility and range of motion. Dance is also a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health. Additionally, dance lessons can help to build strength and endurance in adults with any type of lifestyle. So whether you’re looking to improve your physical health or simply want a little extra time to enjoy yourself, dance lessons are a great option for you!

With all of the above reasons to dance – we think the better question to ask is why you don’t dance?

Types of Dance Lessons

It’s officially time to make your dancing debut and explore the exciting life of dance. With so many different dance styles, there is a great option for every skill level! Whether you are looking to nail your next social dancing event or impress your wedding guests during your first dance, our instructors will have you showing off on the dance floor in no time. Learn to dance with one of our popular dance lessons below:

Salsa

Salsas steps are simple and easy to learn.  There are many ways to do salsa turn patterns so they can be mastered with ease. Learning how to lead and follow helps you read your partner for future improvement in styling abilities. 

Waltz

The Waltz is a progressive dance with figures designed for both a larger ballroom floor and the average dance floor. Waltz dates to 400 years from Bavaria, but wasn’t introduced into society until about 1812, when it was originally found at a British ballroom. The use of sway highlights formulate the smooth, lilting style perfect for wedding dances and other ballroom style events.

East Coast Swing

East Coast Swing developed from Lindy Hop in the 1940’s and remains one of the best known American folk dance styles today. East Coast Swing steps involve a spot dance that does not move along the line of dance. Free interpretation is a characteristic of the dance style, often using single, double or triple rhythms. Energetic with bounce

Samba

The Samba is lighthearted and festive. It is a popular dance that is performed today in all parts of the world. features a repeated melody interrupted continually by the guitars strumming.

Tango

It originated from the early Spanish traditional dancing this dance has intriguing, asymmetrical, and sophisticated patterns which added a touch of romance. The Tango is a dance where the staccato movement of the feet and flexed knees highlight the dances dramatic style. The Tango is one of the most highly stylized ballroom dances. It is dramatic with measured crossing steps and poised pauses.

Foxtrot

One of the first freestyle uses of the “slow step” became popular around 1912, during the period of ragtime music. This marked a completely new phase of ballroom dancing where partners danced closer together and ad-libbed to the new and exhilarating music

Hustle

This disco style was most famous on nightclubs from the 1960s to the 1970s. Hustle is often danced to the contemporary pop dance music. It is a fast, smooth dance with the lady spinning almost constantly. Your partner draws you close then sends you away. Free rhythmic interpretation is characteristic of this dance.

Cha Cha

The Cha Cha is a lively dance performed in 4/4 time with steps that are performed precisely to the beat of the music, so it can be slow, staccato, and dramatic, or it can be fast-paced and light. The steps themselves are performed by two slow steps followed by three quick steps in a “one, two, cha-cha-cha” rhythm, and while the feet and hips are definitely active, it’s a very compact dance with the dancers primarily moving in place.

Other dance lesson options we offer include:

How Do I Start Learning to Dance?

Dance is all about rhythm and timing, so the more you practice, the better you’ll become. But we know that the first few moves you learn can come with challenges and frustration, which is why we offer both children and adult dance lessons and dance classes for any dancer.

can help you learn the basics and pick up some new moves. Remember, there’s no wrong way to dance. So go ahead and let loose on the dance floor – you’re sure to have a good time!

What is the Best Dance to Learn First?

If you are a beginner, our advice is to start with easy dance moves so you won’t get discouraged. There are several ballroom dances that are the easiest to learn because they use a small set of steps that are repeated over and over. By counting to the beat of the music, memorizing the steps, and with a bit of practice, you can look like you’ve been doing the dance for years! Learn more about the best dances for beginners here.

Sign Up For Your Dance Lessons at Fred Astaire in Durham Today!

To learn more about any of our dance classes, by giving us a call at (919) 872-0111 or filling out the contact form below! Start dancing today!

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