What a fun studio! We got a package for two private lessons and two group lessons. We definitely recommend our instructor Sasha! He is fun, and so patient with us. The studio space is generous with a wall in all glass which brings great light. Can't wait to join one of their evening festivities to practice! read more

We HIGHLY recommend taking classes at Fred Astaire. My husband and I took lessons with Nikita, one of their instructors, for our first dance and they helped us to feel confident and relaxed on our wedding day. For one thing, Nikita's experience really shone through. Nikita had stepped in as a new hire because our original instructor had left, and in our FIRST class, Nikita had choreographed 2/3rds of our dance, despite coming in with no context. He didn't know the lyrics for the song we had chosen (due to a slight language barrier), but Nikita captured the essence of the song and the drama of our love story EXPERTLY. We applaud Fred Astaire for hiring instructors who are skilled enough to step in for situations like ours and who have an instinct for dance. Additionally, Nikita was very professional. He did not waste any time with idle chit-chat or small talk during our lessons. He used all 50 minutes of our lessons to teach us the choreography, drill moves through repetition, and correct our mistakes. He was always honest with us about how we could improve, and so we feel that we really got our money's worth with Nikita. We really enjoyed our experience with Fred Astaire and we are hoping to go back in the future :) read more

These are The Nicest Kids in town! (Think hairspray...WAIT! Don't think hairspray because Amber wasn't nice and Link was a pansy up until the end...ok I'm going down a rabbit hole.) ***crawling out*** Let's scratch that and start all over... These are the nicest people I've met in a long time! I was just telling them actually that I was waiting for someone to burst my bubble and no one has thus far (and I don't think they will). It might just be because none of the staff here are from Miami (This coming from a native Miamian) Ballroom dancing can seem a bit (or a lot) intimidating but the teachers here are great at easing you into it. I've had lessons with both Jason and Vince and they are both great. They have very different styles of teaching but both are very knowledgeable in their craft and are great teachers. Vince talks a lot and is a total cheese ball he will make you laugh constantly and Jason is just the nicest he has this comfortability to him. They are also extremely easy to talk to! And it doesn't end there Elizabeth, Oksana (I hope I spelled her name right), Vera, and Andrea are also very nice. I went for a lesson on my birthday and they all sang happy birthday to me which was such a sweet moment. I probably should be talking about ballroom dancing but I'm just so in awe with the quality of people in this studio that it's what I can truly rave about. It's an oasis from all the crazies in Miami. And I'm very glad I found them. Every time I come to Fred Astaire it's an escape from the very hurried lifestyle Miami has to offer. Thank you all, my heart is full! read more

This was by far the most atrocious sales experience of my life. I have never ben held hostage before, but if I were to be this is probably as close as it gets. They start by giving you some discounted classes so you can experience the style of teaching, which is great. Then the "time share" sales tactics begin. They bring you to a table and corner you into spending some hard cash for lessons. Despite repeatedly telling them we were not ready to make a decision they kept applying pressure. We had one lessons left in our promo which we skipped altogether. We literally felt uncomfortable returning. If you like to go to timeshare presentations, then this is the dance studio for you. If you have any self-respect and do not like to be hustled into buying something there are many private teachers even more talented who would be happy to take on new students. Run for the hills!!!!!!! UPDATE: On August 22, 2013 I received a note from a Roland G. who "coincidentally" posted a review 8 hours prior. The note was short but accusatory of having issues with paying a higher end sticker for quality lessons. Who ever said anything about not being able to afford the lessons? My issue had to do with Snake Oil Sales Tactics that have been corroborated by other customers. It is clear to me the Studio has sent it's henchmen to rescue their Yelp rating. Not unexpected given my experience and that of others. What is not acceptable is for those henchmen to try to delegitimize and personally attack my experiences. The truth is what it is, even when it hurts. read more

Great vibe, great instructors, great dance floor, great FUN! Amazing how all the problems of the day fade away once I get to the studio. I always leave with a smile on my face! read more

I was always so shy and too embarrassed to learn how to dance. This studio is absolutely amazing. Everyone that works here is so incredibly friendly and they make you feel comfortable right away. They are genuinely beautiful people (inside and out!) and extremely thoughtful. I love coming here every week and am so glad that yelp reviews brought me to this place. read more

My experience have been ok and pleasant until now. The brief sales intro was that, brief and the class was very helpful. I hope to continue with the good experience, if by any chance the sales pitch gets unbearable I will come back and edit my review, but until now can only praise the patience of the instructors and the good overall impression me and husband have of the studio. They are all very friendly and upbeat, party mood at all times. Can't wait to go back. read more

Really friendly staff. I enjoyed having a free private lesson as well as try a group class. Will come back in the future for group classes they are a great studio/ larger than others. read more

My husband and I and my dad and I saved learning how to dance until the last minute and had 1 week to learn before our wedding! We worked with Elizabeth, and she was great! Since we had such limited time, and our work schedules got in the way, we squeezed all of our lessons into 3 days (so I had multiple lessons per day since I had the husband and wife dance and the father-daughter dance). I thought I would be exhausted, but Elizabeth was patient with us and made the classes fun! She taught my dad and I a basic ballroom dance that he felt comfortable with, and she choreographed a more elaborate dance for my husband and I. She always made sure that we felt comfortable with any additions and with the overall dance. Her husband also works there, and he cut our songs for us so that they were exact and easy for the DJ to play for us. I thought that the experience would be more anxiety-inducing since you are learning to dance in front of other people you don't know, but everyone was really nice, and we never even thought about it once we started. It was a great experience! read more

Really enjoyed the classes. I started about a month ago and my girlfriend and I have learned a lot. The teachers are really knowledgeable about their craft and show so much enthusiasm that it makes you excited to learn more. I would recommend this studio to anybody that is serious about learning about ballroom dancing. read more

Gotta dance? Got. To. Dance! Here is a place where dreams come true, under the guidance of the most professional, hard-working, and beautiful group of pros in the business. I'm 63 years old and I've been dancing here since February. In that time, I've already been on stage and in a competition. But if being on stage is not for you, then just come and dance! Forget about any other form of exercise; this is the best for anyone of any age. There are students as young as six and as old as you want. Ballroom dancing is for everyone! Dance never gets old! The group of pro dancers here, led by owners and world champions Vladimir and Vera Kosarev, are so welcoming, so patient, so encouraging, that they make the dance experience more than just learning some moves across a ballroom, but a blueprint for moving across life with more poise, elegance, and confidence. The studio is in a prime location in Coral Gables, just off 37th avenue and Alhambra. Classes are private and group and are worth every penny. Dance styles include everything from waltz to salsa to swing. You're going to want to learn each and every one. read more

I had been dancing at another studio for 8 plus years when my dance instructor and competitive partner suddenly quit. I suddenly found myself in search for a new studio and dance partner. It felt uncomfortable, but I took a deep breathe and headed over to Fred Astaire. I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome. I've been there 2 1/2 years now and have taken lessons with most of the instructors either privately or in group classes and find they all have something new to teach me. Also since the owners of this studio are professional dancers themselves they can give helpful suggestions that can improve your dancing. This was lost in my other studio when the ownership changed. Another plus, due to their friendships and status in the FA community, fabulous coaches (i. e. Tony Dovolani) come monthly and lead group classes and give private lessons for those interested. Overall, I have seen my dancing improve dramatically and have had tremendous fun at the same time. I highly recommend Fred Astaire Coral Gables whether you want to learn social dancing, a wedding dance or competing dance. Sometimes things happen in life that are out of your control that force a change. In this case, the change has been for the best. read more

Been prepping for our wedding and after a groupon got us a few group and private classes we signed up for a 11 class package. The staff has been great and very patient with us. We choreographed a full wedding entrance! We would definitely recommend this place. read more

My now husband and I decided that we wanted to take dance lessons before our wedding to show off to our friends. Although we might not have been perfect it was absolutely a ball and we cant wait to go back and continue after the fact. The lessons were fun and the instructors were extremely knowledgeable. We used a Groupon for our first lesson and never felt pressured to get a package or continue the lessons. We love the community at this location and how they really want everyone there to know each other. We picked the dance package we felt was right for us and I wish we could have started sooner and taken even more lessons before our big day! This is absolutely going to be our new hobby from now on. read more

I don't know why Yelp says the studio is closed, I was just there, but the address listed here is not where I was. The studio is across the street from the Hyatt Regency on Alhambra Plaza. I have taken ballroom lessons before, and I decided to start again. I walked into the studio and signed up for a couple classes with Vladimir and I love it. He is a very gifted teacher. In a few short lessons, I was improving. Everyone at the studio is very friendly and polite. I also attended a group class and a social function. The social is inexpensive and it gave me a chance to dance with other instructors and students. If you take advantage of everything the price is right. read more

My fiancé and I have been taking classes. He is enjoying them as much as I am! I even started taking a few classes on my own so I can compete as a beginner. FUN hobby highly recommend to everyone. read more

I completely agree with the review that was posted by U. B. I experienced the same thing where you get an initial package of short lessons, which is great, but is a small fraction of what the regular price is and then they trap you at a table and are completely innappropriate and obnoxious - I literally had to run to the elevator while telling the owner that I was not ready to make the decision at that time (the 7th or 8th time that I told her that). If you want to avoid being abused then avoid this dance studio!! read more

Excellent environment. Excellent teachers very professional. If you want to learn how to dance, you must sign into Fred Aistare and also be ready to meet very friendly people and teachers read more

OK....I'll admit it...it was my wife's idea since she loves dancing and especially watching Dancing With the Stars. So, after 23 years of marriage, 3 children, 3 dogs and a bird, and lots of extra pounds, we went for the introductory special. The studio is huge and brand new and conveniently located off Bird Road next to the Collection steps from the Village of Merrick Park. The owners, Vladimir and Vera are young professional dancers with a trophy case of recent awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in top competitions. It was so much fun and I think I've lost 4 lbs from just 2 lessons!! And, much more fun than the gym or treadmill. You won't see me competing but soon the old anxiety about getting up to dance will be replaced by an actual desire to GO DANCING!! They have dancing every night, group dancing lessons and parties from time to time. Neither Vladimir nor his wife, Vera, are salesman so there's no pressure to sign up (but you'd be crazy not to!!). I'm having so much fun, I forget about all my aches and pains! See you on the dance floor! read more

I have to agree with U.B. I was first attracted by the name "Fred Astaire." Einstein is to Science what Astaire is to Dance. I was immediately intrigued and went to the studio extremely excited that I was going to be able to take private dancing lessons in Coral Gables (especially with the deal of two private lessons and one group for only $30)!! They showed me around the studio and were all quite nice. We went straight into the basics of ballroom. I must say, I had a lot of fun and felt that I learned a lot in a mere 40 minutes. A day after, I went to the group lesson. I prefer to dance with a partner, but understood the importance of knowing how to dance alone. My excitement went down the drain once they introduced their actual prices for their lessons. As a student, they were going to offer me a 'discount', yet I still had to pay around $500 for about 5 lessons. When they asked whether I was going to be able to come back, I answered simply that that was too much for me. My final private class was quite boring and strained after that. Total shame, since I felt this studio was going to be so much better. read more

I am so happy I found them! I am getting married at the end of the month and my fiancé and I had no idea how to dance. We bought a groupon and decided to give them a try. We met our instructor Jason who is so welcoming, patient, and hilarious he made it such a pleasant experience from the start. With just two dance classes we learned so much! Jason was exactly what we needed he made sure we got down the basics in the little amount of time we had. Thanks to him we have a first dance! I am so happy we decided to go and we plan on going back again. Oh, I forgot to mention group classes with every private lesson you get a group class. The one we did was salsa it was great! You will dance with everyone and it is a great way to learn with different partners. Some are a lot more experienced so they help you out. Others are beginners just like you so you can laugh and learn together. Overall, this has been a wonderful experience. I highly recommend them you won't be disappointed. If you didn't already know from my review I recommend Jason! They just moved locations and I absolutely love the new studio! read more

Fred Astaire Coral Gables has quite simply changed my life. It is the absolute best place to learn how to dance. If competition is the goal, then this studio is your best bet. If fun and social dancing is your preference, this studio provides unparalleled instruction in both circumstances. The instructors operate at an extremely high level of professionalism that is rare to find at any buisness, let alone dance studio. They are encouraging, and are the among the most knowledgeable in the industry. The actual studio is lined with trophies, so as you are taking lessons, you can gaze upon the fruits of accomplishment, and it is very inspiring. It's truly an amazing environment, with top teachers and successful and motivated students. I went from being able to barley count the music to world champion status in a few short months! The owners are deeply involved with the studio, and seriously care for your satisfaction. As a result, they have created a very inclusive family like atmosphere there. If you want to be at a place that values/cultivates hard work, dedication, family, and fun, then this is the best place for you to be. To anyone even considering taking instruction, don't think any longer and go ahead and try the introductory package! It will with out a doubt change your life as it did mine. read more