My girlfriend and I went in after buying a Groupon for an introductory dance lesson. Sasha was an absolute delight to work with, we learned the basic steps for a few dances and heard a very low pressure sales pitch on the various packages they have available. There were several other couples there at various skill levels, so we didn't feel out of place. Pretty much everyone there, from instructors to staff to the other customers were friendly. Some of the reviews mention sales pressure, but we personally did not find the sales pressure to be uncomfortable. They have a facility to maintain and instructors to pay, and everything costs money. Bottom line, if you want professional dance instruction in a great downtown facility, you're going to have to pay a professional cost. Napoleon Dynamite might be able to learn sweet dance moves alone from VHS, but if you need professional help this is the place to go. read more

In January of 2019 I submitted an online form to inquire about dance lessons. I was attending a wedding in a few months and wanted to learn a particular style of dance. Unlike other people who have posted reviews about cost and being sold, I took 5 minutes to research prices online so I wasn't surprised when I was asked to purchase additional lessons after my intro lesson. 10 months later and I have a new hobby. Am I asked to participate in a variety of events? Yes. Do I decline? Sometimes. These are professionals who are providing a service. That service costs money. What I get in return is immeasurable. Jade, Sasha, Alex, and Brandon are an amazing group of instructors with a passion for dance and sharing that joy with other people. With their help I've went from barely being able to put my feet in the right spot to being, dare I say, somewhat graceful. If you're looking to learn how to dance, and share in the joy of that activity, this is the place to go! read more

My boyfriend and I spent our usual date night here last week. We used a Groupon for one private lesson and we had so much fun with Sasha as our instructor. We learned 3-4 basic dances in a short amount of time. Definitely going back! read more

I have been attending Fred Astaire Downtown Milwaukee for almost three years as of this writing. During that time I have seen the quality of instructors continue to improve. The location has moved two blocks to a larger building with a larger dance floor and better amenities (changing rooms, bathrooms, etc.) What I can not compliment enough is the staff. The instructors are not only some of the best ballroom dancers in the world; they are all passionate about teaching. Why only four stars, cost. Though you are dealing with the most accomplished staff, the best instructors in a great facility - the costs reflect that. read more

The (sales) pressure is ON in this place. I've been twice, each time for a one time lesson experience. The typical lesson cost there is about $79 per lesson. I believe this is the industry standard, so I usually (like many) am not able to take a private dance lesson regularly. I love dancing though and a private here and there is a nice break from group dance classes. The first time I went was a few years ago. I had a great time, but the last 15 or so minutes there is *intense* pressure to buy a package, which consists of either 4 or 5 private lessons and a few practice parties with other beginners. We are talking $450+ for a handful if lessons. Then they just stare at you or hang around while you think it over, just sort of waiting for you to relent. They are reluctant to let you leave, just telling you that they will give you a moment to think about it. Fast forward 5 years and I thought I could go again and resist the sales pressure better than I did before (or hoping that they would have lightened up and just let me use my Groupon and go home). Uh uh. Even when I mentioned that I really need to talk about lessons with my boyfriend (who would definitely need to split the cost with me) they suggested that I call him right then and there, and floated around me while I spoke to him. It's really an uncomfortable environment. They are wonderful dancers at this studio, but you really don't need to go unless you are dead set on dance lessons regardless of the cost or you definitely want to buy a package for a wedding or something. It is not the place to go for a one or two time lesson now and again or to "try it out." I probably wouldn't even return at a discount because I can expect there will be time devoted to putting me under intense pressure. While the instructors are very experienced, the sales pressure makes it an overall tense and uncomfortable experience. Fred Astaire management should consider that they aren't just teaching people physical dance moves, they are offering an experience. That type of pressure robs people of a positive experience. Happiness with dance instruction doesn't equate to happiness with overall experience. read more

Staff was lovely. Instructors were very friendly. Our dance instructor needed more experience and to be more assertive. However, the main reason we did not return was because they seemed to care too much about the business, than the actual physical dance part. They were WAAAAYYYY to pushy when it came to the business side of things. Finding joint time off work between my husband and myself is a difficult task in itself, then they would stop us mid lesson, to talk about the future. Too much talking, not enough dancing. Sadly they still keep calling and texting. We will not be returning sadly because the instructors were very sweet, but management is too pushy. read more

I went for about 10 or so lessons. The staff greets you professionally, makes a fun experience and treats you with a lot of respect. I was a beginner and the instructors showed very clear frustration and impatience with my two left feet-which is the main reason I chose not to continue additional lessons. Finally the packages for additional lessons after first 2, then after first 9 go up significantly in price-which they do not tell you until after your purchased the previous tier. The way they didnt communicate this, when I would have otherwise purchased a more comprehensive second tier package is the final reason I do not plan to return. read more

High pressure sales. We were incredibly disappointed in the dance instruction and overall experience at Fred Astaire on Milwaukee Street. Each 40-minute session consisted of a sales pitch and report card of our "happiness" level. We wanted to show up, have fun, learn, practice, and DANCE ... but we did the same "push-pull" every time, and then got pushed and pulled into a room to convince us to purchase more lessons. Sadly, to avoid the constant sales pitch and uncomfortable atmosphere, we left before completing our 7-pack of lessons. Maybe we missed out by never attending a "Friday night dance party," but I highly doubt it. I would not recommend this place to anyone. read more

We had just stumbled across a Groupon offer for 2 private sessions and 1 practice party and thought it would be fun to try. When we arrived, the energy in the studio was great, you could tell that all the instructors are very passionate about dance and teaching. Unfortunately, this was soon replaced by an overwhelming sales pitch to get us to buy into a package of lessons. The rapport that our instructor was trying to established seemed very rehearsed. It just felt like we had walked into a dealership instead of a dance studio. We weren't on the dance floor for more than 20 minutes which was very disappointing as I had understood that our class would be 40-45 minutes long. The other 20 or so minutes were spent with our instructor, who although he was very talented, was trying too hard for my taste to get us to purchase 5 private lessons and 2 private parties for $400. I would've appreciated if I could've enjoyed my time to the fullest and then had time to think the purchase over - it just felt like the purchase had to happen now, now, now. As we he was showing us the basics to the rumba and the waltz and the fox trot, we were still hearing a sales pitch about "in the future" and "if you get the sessions". We felt that we couldn't really enjoy our time. As we left, we were informed that unless we bought the package of lessons, our next class would also only be 20 minutes. I don't think we'll be returning for our second class. I do have to say that we went into these classes to see if this could become a hobby for us. If you are looking for a place to learn a dance for a wedding or a special occasion, then this might be worth it to you. There was a lovely couple who started attending classes for their 25th wedding anniversary and they seemed more than satisfied. In all honesty, this is a matter of worth to an individual and as far as we were concerned, we were a bit disappointed, but someone else may think the world of it. read more

What a SCAM! I purchased the 2 lesson Groupon with the intent that it would help prepare my fiance and I for our wedding. What a mistake! They taught us basically how to hold hands and anytime we got to where it would be a real lesson they said that would only be included in the packaged lessons. It was horrible. The entire thing was a huge sales pitch to spend 400 on MORE LESSONS! And even after those, she advised us we would still need a higher level to be ready for our wedding. It was the most uncomfortable, pressing situation I have been in in a long time. I didn't even want to finish the "lesson" let alone come back for the second one (which she told us would be the exact same thing). So stupid. PLEASE DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THE GROUPON!!!! read more

Taking ballroom dance lessons is one of the best, most healthy decisions I have ever made. The lessons are mentally, emotionally and physically rejuvenating. Research has shown and continues to show that ballroom dancing is one of the most restorative, healthy activities one can pursue. I totally concur. The Fred Astaire Studio of Milwaukee has excellent teachers who know their craft well, and they themselves continue to take classes to improve their skills, a true benefit for the students. The parties and other activities provide a great social outlet, and create many new friendships. I highly recommend this studio and trying something new. It is terrific way to stay fit from head to toe, inside and out. read more

I started taking dance lessons in 10/2009 seven months after wife passed so in an emotional state. My dance teacher Alicia a very nice thoughtful person always kind, considerate and helpful. I enjoyed lessons with her. Every year I go to Florida and was signed me up for ndc Orlando and turned into a fun trip one month prior to 10/2010. There was a competition that year and don't understand reason why changed as signed up a year early. I couldn't cancel as cancelation policy as far as refund so took Alicia. I planned to take her to food and wine at Epcot as she told me liked wine and wanted to go. I planned to show her things at Disney as been there a lot of times. That never happened as business went with Alicia had other plans. My son who went with me lost out on two items a cost of over 200.00 and I almost missed on concert at Epcot. But even though I paid I had no say in plans. One month later I was kicked out as manager Hayk decided I complained as wanted to learn dances for social setting. He stated I should hang around with people my age. How can person judge when they don't know you personally? Also to the fact Hayk ( coach) made costumes and I refused to pay him for his side business. So much for integrity but greediness is what everything was about. The fact of dance fantasy they make you buy costumes instead of renting and they try to have you do a showcase which is more money for them. Competitions can cost around 5000.00 They use two teachers so when you compete more money. A person has to look at do competitions help or take money from wallet. There event dinners roughly 150.00 to 250.00 cost more than a tax deductible dinner that benefits individual on yearly taxes. See charitable events on Milwaukee magazine for details. They seek tax break for business and not beneficial to person seeking to dance. I came back two years in 2012 but business ideology didnt change They say I have to make up dance lessons and have coaching with no notification. Sometimes they use other dance instructor upon no notification to gain additional charge. They have tax deductible event for business not deductible for individual and refused to attend. They provide cascading contracts , high pressure sales tactics and rob a person of personal life. Cascading contracts makes impossible to cancel. If you plan other things outside they will drain your money so impossible. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend they drain your money. But there contracts where voided as they didn't have phone number on contract. They are naïve in contract law. Later they fixed as they where caught. . Lastly they keep your personal property and play games in my attaining it. They don't do what you ask them to do. They cause additional hardship Alicia went on to pursue her successful acting career that provided her personal satisfaction. They dispute bank information and instead of doing private accounting service try to gain additional money. To show how deceitful and dishonest they list address as 625 E Saint Paul Ave and pictures are from 323 n Milwaukee . Parking was terrible at 323 n Milwaukee and sometime had to pay and adding to cost of lesson totals over 100.00 I know what they are and know where they are at. My experience wasn't good read more