Fred Astaire Dance Studios - Downtown New York — Local services in New York

The Downtown Studio is the best! I started ballroom dancing during Covid, just looking for something fun and active to do that was also, more importantly, open. Since beginning, I’ve been introduced into both Rhythm and Smooth Ballroom dance styles, from two amazing Instructors, and it’s been a downright awesome experience. The studio and the instructors have been fantastic the whole way.

Dance Coach Olga (Rhythm Instructor): I’ve been taking lessons with Olga for over a year, and she is nothing short of phenomenal. She combines high-class style with sheer power, turning every session into both a world-class dance experience and a serious fitness workout. My fitness, knowledge, and agility on the floor have all improved dramatically under her guidance, and I’ve had the chance to learn multiple professional ballroom styles along the way. Her musicality spans everything from modern beats to timeless classics, and her speed and precision on the floor are unmatched—you quickly learn you need to keep up! Olga is supportive, encouraging, and treats every student with the same focus and respect she would a professional partner. She is powerful and professional, diligent and caring—never once canceling a lesson and always giving more than 150%. It’s impossible not to smile while dancing with her, and these sessions have become some of the highlights of my week.

Dance Coach Katya (Smooth Instructor): Katya is the consummate professional—elegant, precise, exacting and unwaveringly consistent in every lesson. For over a year she has brought a refined sense of detail and grace to our smooth ballroom training, making sure nothing is overlooked while keeping the experience engaging and uplifting. My fitness, knowledge, and agility on the dance floor have grown tremendously under her guidance, and I’ve been able to explore multiple different ballroom styles with confidence. At the same time, she is wonderfully open-minded, blending different musical genres in creative ways that make each dance feel fresh and exciting. Her conscientious, caring approach, combined with her impeccable technique and artistry, ensures every lesson is both a rewarding workout and a memorable dance journey. Katya is extremely dependable, always punctual, regardless of how early Lessons are booked in the morning. These practice sessions have become highlights of my week and something I always...

Cannot recommend this place enough!! My fiance and I met Artur at a wedding expo over the summer and expressed interest in possibly learning some moves for our first dance at our wedding. He couldn’t have been more friendly and inviting and suggested we enter the raffle to win some free classes. To our surprise he called us a few weeks later telling us we’d been picked! We couldn’t have been more thrilled! They also invited us to stay for a group class and a party after. The whole experience was magical. They paired us with Daleina who was AMAZING!!! She made each lesson SO much fun and she is so bubbly and sweet it felt like we were hanging with a friend who was really supportive the whole time. She really took the time to address what we wanted out of each lesson and gave us some fun moves that we will definitely use for our first dance! The entire team immediately made us feel like family and welcomed us and complimented us and cheered us on when we practiced our moves. Not only did we truly learn a lot of different styles (rumba, foxtrot, hustle etc.) and how the different steps and positions work but each time we left the studio we felt like we had the most special, unique and fun date night in NYC. Would recommend to ANYONE looking for a fun/ different date night activity, couples looking to learn some moves for their wedding or anyone wanting to meet new people and spice up their work week! REALLY cannot say enough good things about this place and the people that run it. This is your sign to book that dance class you’ve been...

My hubby & I signed up for beginner lessons at Fred Astaire Downtown and have never looked back! Unless it's for waltzing that is ;-).

Now a lot depends on the instructors & we can highly recommend ALL the wonderful teachers here. Co-owned by professional dancing partners (and real-life couples) Svetlana and Artur, Tanya and Misha, you’re guaranteed a super warm welcome, encouragement and positivity from the get-go.

The school focuses on private dance lessons, whether for individuals or couples, and offers a number of packages, including wedding dances. We bought 5 lessons that works out to around $115 per 45 minute class. But packages also include as many group practice classes as you want, plus regular parties!

At time of writing, group practices are each Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening for an hour, and provide a great way to brush up between lessons on different techniques like foot/arm work for all types of the Smooth & Rhythm classes offered.

The regular social parties - e.g. for Valentine's / St Patrick's Day / Christmas also offer a chance to practice by dancing with your own partner/other students/instructors and always include some fun group routines.

Go check it out, there’s nothing to lose and everything to...