I came to the Fred Astaire Studio in Durham because I wanted to learn how to do the tango. Little did I know what a wonderful adventure I was embarking on or how important a part of my life dancing would become! I thought I would take a few lessons and walk away! That was over three years ago. Turns out that stopping that day in November 2010 to sign up for a few lessons was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I feel like it has revealed a part my personality I didn't think existed. I played football, basketball, baseball and golf! Maybe a little of what I call street dancing, but ballroom, no way! But that attitude changed quickly! I soon realized I really wanted to learn a lot more than just a few tango steps and be a really good dancer! I owe a great deal to my primary instructor Yuliya who is a fantastic dancer, teacher and friend? I had my days when I was discouraged but she always lifted my spirits and kept me going. Fact is the Durham studio has an incredibly talented group of teachers, anyone of whom could be on Dancing with the Stars! They are all warm, personable and very caring people who make you feel very comfortable and at home at the studio. And now I have a second instructor Ksyusha I dance with who is simply awesome! What a lucky guy I am to be dancing with such beautiful dancers. It has been a great ride and a ton of fun and I look forward to many more years of dancing. At 73 I'm in the best shape I've been in since college days! Another bonus I never expected is the friendships I've established with the other students! It is a community of people who love to dance and what a pleasure to be a part of. There are many wonderful student dancers who are a real testament to the ability and commitment to excellence of the instructors and studio. Durham is so fortunate to have such a jewel in its midst! I'm sure it's one of the best if not the best in the Fred Astaire universe! For anyone wishing to learn to dance, meet some interesting people, have a lot of great fun and do something really good for themselves I highly recommend they stop in and sigh up!! There's nothing better you can do and no better place to do it! read more

I've now been dancing at FADS Durham for 2.5 years and it is, without question, the very best thing I've ever done for myself. I'd always dreamed of dancing and just before I turned 40 I decided it was time to make my dreams come true. The quality of instruction is top-notch: though I didn't expect it when I walked in, I went from a complete beginner to placing well in interregional competitions in both rhythm and smooth during my first two years of lessons. But much more importantly, I'm never happier than when I'm in the studio, and dancing here has done wonders for my physical fitness and my confidence. The dedicated teachers are talented and friendly, the community is warm and supportive, and everyone is always welcome on the big, beautiful, dance floor. And I can especially recommend my own two teachers Vladimir and Sasha, who, in addition to being dancers of the highest caliber themselves, also know how to break down and communicate their vast knowledge and help their students shine. Vladimir was the first teacher I had when I walked into the studio, and I couldn't be more grateful for his kind patience, unparalleled attention to detail, and constant emotional support at every step of this amazing journey. He also does an amazing job teaching my teenage daughter, who saw her mom having a such great time and wanted to join the fun. And while Sasha's rigorous approach to our lessons together helps him get the very best out of me, his playfulness and good humor keep our time together fun and full of laughter. If you've ever thought you might like to dance--and even if you haven't--come join the community at FADS Durham. Let's dance together! read more

Best place to learn to dance in the area. Everyone so warm and welcoming. Instructors are world-class so if you want to get serious and jump into competition you can do that. Or if you just want to learn easy casual social dancing, this is the place too. Can't say enough great things about the studio and the teachers -- they have worked really hard to keep everyone connected during these last traumatic months, lots of online individual lessons, virtual parties, online group lessons and lots of just plain fun!! You can still take online lessons, which is very relaxed. And now that we are all easing into life again, the studio has been transformed into total awareness of distancing, very limited students at a time, and hyper-awareness of keeping us all safe. There are multiple rooms so you can have a whole room to yourself for a lesson! You just dance 6 feet apart from your teacher. And yes, it works beautifully, and really helps you learn your steps and your balance. Brings a sense of normal happiness back that we all miss. They are so much fun and so understanding. Can't wait to see everyone's smiles again when all the masks come off. Don't hesitate!!! If you need some fun to lift your spirits and someplace safe to go, this is it! Everyone there has a positive can-do attitude, which is what we all need. Call and talk with them. They even have detailed video of the studio and lots of fun and instructive videos online. Check out their facebook page and enjoy! :-) read more

The instructors and fellow students are wonderful here. I look forward to every dance lesson and practice party. My instructors are Kirill (the tall one) and Vitali. Both keep lessons fun, even when I am struggling to learn a new technique! The instructors are all great dancers (having watched and danced with all of them at dance parties) and it really does feel like an extended "dance family" with a welcoming environment from day one. I have been taking lessons for a couple months, which has given me time to explore other dancing opportunities and studios in the Triangle area. Other instructors offering lessons before social dances are okay, but none have impressed me as much as the instructors at Fred Astaire with their combination of professionalism, warmth, and dancing/teaching abilities! I have seen my confidence and following ability grow when dancing at other venues and my posture improve in day-to-day life. The only warning/drawback with their business model is that they do try to push you to take more lessons and dance in more events, be aware of your budget and firm with how much you can do. (Trust me, you will want to do more than you can afford--it's addicting!) Thank you to everyone at Fred Astaire for making dance the highlight of my week, allowing me to leave outside stress at the door, and helping me become healthier and happier! read more

We first came to Fred Astaire Durham because we did not want to just sway awkwardly during our wedding first dance. In just 9 months of lessons (~once a week) we learned a waltz routine that included turns, a lift and a couple big dips and the basics of several other dances. The first dance was a blast for us and our guests. We are NOT amazing dancers (neither of us had ever danced and we met playing rugby) but we have come a long way and we have continued our weekly lessons on rumba, foxtrot, waltz, tango, cha cha and salsa after the wedding because we enjoy the whole experience (we use them as date nights) :) Everyone we have met at the studio has been so warm and enthusiastic - both the instructors and the other students. The atmosphere is wonderful and you do not feel self-conscious at all. We love watching the owners & instructors dance with each other at the showcases - they are unreal! We have primarily had Kostyantyn (Konstantin) as our instructor and we love him but all of the other instructors we have worked with (Alyona, Tori, Kirill and Susha) have also been awesome! I would highly recommend this studio to anyone interested in having fun and learning to dance! read more

Hello: I have been taking lessons at Fred Estaire Studio in Durham for 2 years nows and I love going there. Why, for several reasons, 1} these are the happiest people on the planet. In all this time I have been coming I have never seen any instructor without a smile on their face 2) When you walk into the studio you are immediately greeted and made to feel like you are one of the family and you just no you are going to have a great lesson. 3) another nice situation is if you are practicing for an event, if another person or instructor notices you have done well they are very quick to clap for you and let you know you are doing very well, 4} All of the instructors take a lot of pride in the work they do with their students 5) And they are very proud of their students performances at different events throughout the year, 6) In addition to the lessons where you learn there are always different events for students to partake in, pot luck eventings, special practice dance sessions on Friday nights etc. If you have ever wanted to learn ballroom dancing this studio and its instructors are the very best!!! Hope to see you there soon! read more

The instructors and the dance program at Fred Astaire Dance Studio-Durham are just superb. I cannot recommend them highly enough. I'm an average guy who probably last danced in college at some forgettable soiree; last year, I bought my wife and I a gift certificate for three introductory lessons. Since then, we have signed up for two additional courses of instruction. We both got over our insecurities after about ten minutes, when we saw there were many couples there like us, as well as mothers with sons and fathers with daughters. We have been having the time of our lives and the instructors are not only graceful beyond compare, they are very, very patient, which an oaf-footed non-dancer like myself found to be very supportive. Special thanks to Oksana Sidak (Ksyusha), Vitaly, Alyonya (our instructors and helpful staff members) and to the owners Yuri Simakov and Oksana Klyuchnyk. Go and sign up for a few classes. You won't regret it! Regards, Tim C. Durham, NC read more

We had a fantastic experience with this dance studio while preparing for our first dance as a couple for our wedding. As complete beginners, we were a little nervous about learning in such a short timeframe--but thanks to our incredible instructors, Nataliia and Vladimir, everything turned out perfectly! Natalia and Vladimir were patient, encouraging, and truly professional. They tailored the lessons to our skill level, made the entire process fun and enjoyable, and helped us feel confident on the dance floor. Their clear instruction and positive energy made all the difference. We not only learned the steps but also enjoyed the journey--and it all paid off with a wonderful performance on our wedding day that we'll always remember. Highly recommend this studio, especially if you're looking for a supportive and talented team to guide you. Thank you again, Natalia and Vladimir, for making our first dance so special! read more

I took a year of lessons from the Durham studio and learned a lot. When I started I didn't know any dance moves at all. I had two great instructors that taught me the basic moves, then some intermediate combinations. After 9 months I was good enough to perform at the showcase event, and enter 8 dances in the ballroom convention. I went to many of the Friday dances, which was a good opportunity to practice with people of different skill levels. The studio taught me a skill I can use for the rest of my life. The teachers there are amazingly friendly and enthusiastic, as well as all of them being incredibly talented. I would recommend the Durham studio for anyone looking to get started in learning ballroom dance. read more

I NEVER thought of myself as a dancer. I still don't, but I do see myself as someone who has benefited from dancing. Apart from the physical benefits of dance I am enjoying the social aspects of the Fred Astaire program. I love attending my private lessons with Julia or Alyona! I also love the Practice Parties on Friday nights. I recently went to a 'Showcase' and loved watching the other students dance. If you are looking to become a professional or competitive dancer or just want to get some more exercise and attend some fun social events the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Durham, NC offers great classes from extraordinary teachers and a lot of fun. read more

It took me a while to reacquaint myself with dance...and oh what a journey it has been. If you are looking to fulfill a dream, a goal, or just have fun take some time and explore the wonderful sport of ballroom dancing. The professionals at this studio are amazing and we are fortunate to have them in this community. You may want to compete or dance socially whatever your flavor this studio will make it happen. Not to mention...the interaction with the students, great music, wooden dance floor, and recent renovations. Come join in the fun sometime! read more

My husband and I have been going to Fred Astaire for a few weeks now to prepare for our wedding reception and it has been an amazing experience! We work with Alyona and have nothing but spectacular things to say about her; she is a fantastic dancer, explains dancing technique very well (as we are beginners), and is absolutely hilarious. We look forward to our dance date nights every week and will definitely continue to go to Fred Astaire after our wedding reception is over! read more

Come to any practice party or other event at Fred Astaire Dance Studio and you will have the time of your life. The whole atmosphere is lively with everyone dancing - young and old, trained dancers and beginners. I you don't think you can dance, think again! You'll find that these wonderful professionals will find ways to get you into the rhythm before you know it. You'll find another way to keep healthy by dancing with 'the stars'!! Glenna B read more

Dancing is the best exercise in the world, especially as you age (and who doesn't). Fred Astaire in Durham is one of the top studios in the country. The instructors are top notch and are expert at teaching at any level. There is no such thing as two left feet. They know how to teach one of them to say "Oh, I'm right." I go to the studio tired and come out refreshed and energetic. Become part of the dance family today! Fantastic! read more

My dad and I went signed up for dance lessons for our father daughter dance. We loved it so much that we purchased extra lessons, and once the wedding was over, we bought him classes as a birthday gift. Kristina was an absolutely amazing instructor. She's so talented at dancing and coaching! Thank you for being apart of the most cherished memory of our's. We truly cannot thank the Fred Astaire team enough! read more

I started at FADS around January 20204 to learn a routine for my wedding. I'm still taking lessons two years later and it's one of the best things I have done for myself. All of the instructor are so nice and patient, but will push you to be better than the last lesson. If your like me and have never danced before, please don't be scared!! FADS makes ballroom lessons approachable and fun :) read more

Best studio, best teachers and best students! The talent of all of the instructors is truly amazing, and the results definitely show in their students. Everyone is welcomed, no matter what your level of dance, and it's a great place to gain confidence and make friends - not to mention the fun you'll have in the process. Looking forward as always, to my next lesson:) Theresa S. read more

Thank you for always being professional, encouraging, and challenging in teaching new steps and PATIENTLY repeating steps when necessary. All of the instructors are friendly, greet you by name, and are constantly attentive to your personal needs. The facility is clean and has some elegant new furnishings with a huge dance floor including large mirror to check that posture! read more

Great professional trainers! Many of them had to be their country's (Ukraine or Russia) highest rank (like National Champions) to be accepted here in US with "Extraordinary Talent" visa. AND they did something extraordinary here at FADS as well, opened KId's ballroom dance classes! We already have 2 of our 5 kids coming, it is fantastic experience for them! BRAVO FADS! read more