Fred Astaire

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Wedding Dancing Lessons

A Moment To Remember Forever...Your First Dance As Husband And Wife

We know how important your wedding day is and we want to help you make it even more special. Our customized wedding dance program gives you the confidence and skill to perform a variety of dances. When that magical moment arrives, your friends and family will be amazed by your elegance, style, and grace.

In a short amount of time, our qualified instructors can help you learn a few basic steps or choreograph the whole dance for you. Whether you want simple instruction or choreographed dances for the entire wedding party, we're here for you!

This is a great way to have fun and relax, enjoying time together while learning how to dance. Your first dance is such an everlasting expression of love and commitment. So come to Fred Astaire's and give everyone a dance to remember.

International Style of Dancing

Analogous to the discipline of figure skating, the International Style of dancing requires a thorough study of specific standardized techniques and movements that are now studied and continually improved upon by competitors of every major country in the world. The movement and style of the Modem Ballroom dances was established over 50 years ago, whereas the Latin American dances were more recently standardized to be included in major World and International dance championships. The dances of the International Style provide one of the most exciting courses of study for the contemporary dancer interested in competitive dancing. Awards include the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Star Trophies in both the Modern Ballroom and Latin American sections.

The Fred Astaire Trophy System
The Fred Astaire Trophy System is a unique method of dance instruction that offers the finest dance instruction in the world. Encompassing many short-cuts, the Fred Astaire Trophy System is an exciting way for you to gauge your progress in receiving the benefit expected from the investment you have made in your dancing. Depending upon the particular program you choose and your progress to various levels of accomplishment, you may earn a coveted Fred Astaire Dance Studio Trophy, awarded to you at a Trophy Ball held semi-annually.

Competitions and Showcases
Competitions and Showcases are a regular part of the Virginia Beach Fred Astaire Dance Studio's yearly calendar. At Regional or National Competitions, students compete at appropriate levels, and teacher-student teams rival each other in spirited contests. At competitions, students meet, mingle, and compete with other student dancers. Lovely Bronze, Silver, or Gold medallions are awarded at the national championships. Miami and Las Vegas are frequent locations for these gala national events. Participating in our competitions gives every student the opportunity to progress more rapidly and become a better dancer sooner.
Showcases are designed for students who find exhibition dancing exciting. Special choreography is incorporated in solo or group routines to suit each student's ability and interest. Participating in a showcase is a long remembered experience, and something that current students derive pleasure in year after year.

The Fred Astaire Method of Perfecting Your Dance Skills

American Style of Dancing
From the time of the Castle Walk and the Charleston, through the jazz era with the Boogie Woogie and Swing, and by the adoption of Latin rhythms, such as the Rumba and Cha Cha, the United States has developed a style of social dancing unique in the world today. The American Style of dancing, as adapted and refined by the Fred Astaire Dance Studios, enables its disciples to dance comfortably at any social function, on every dance floor, to the greatest variety of rhythms, and with any partner. The American Style syllabus of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios offers a variety of social dance programs from beginner to professional levels.

Social Foundation Program
All beginner students start their lessons with the Social Foundation Program. A limited number of step patterns and techniques are introduced, in order to determine a student's rate of learning and retention, interests and future potential.

Bronze Trophy Program
The Bronze Trophy is designed for the person who wishes to become a Good Social Dancer. It is the most popular standard for our students, and the first Trophy Program available to new students. A Bronze dancer is considered fun to dance with in all the popular social dances and they have the complete confidence in the figures taught. Bronze dancers have the necessary styling to create a pleasant appearance on the dance floor and can cope with almost any dance occasion.

Silver Trophy Program
The Silver Program is for the person who wishes to become an Advanced Social Dancer. Versatility and style in all the popular social dances distinguish silver dancers. This is a beautiful and practical standard of dancing for those who wish to be sought after on the dance floor.

Gold Trophy Program
The Gold Program is for the person who wishes to become an Excellent Ballroom Dancer. Gold dancers have the confidence that comes with a complete and thorough knowledge of all the major ballroom dances. Advanced style and poise in all of the ballroom dances sets the Gold dancer apart from all others.

Supreme Gold Trophy Program
The Supreme Gold Program is for the person who wishes to become an Outstanding Ballroom Dancer. As its name implies, the Supreme Gold standard is the ultimate in dance perfection. The Supreme Gold Dancer aims high and makes dancing a hobby. In all the world the Supreme Gold dancer is considered Tops in dance perfection. 

Award Requirements

Qualification Awards: A minimum of four (4) dances with a Free Style demonstration in the selected dances.

Standard Award: A minimum of six (6) dances with a Free Style demonstration in the selected dances, and a partial solo Figure demonstration.

Honors Award: All dances; ten (10) dances in Bronze or Silver programs, and eight (8) dances in Gold or Supreme Gold programs, with a Free Style demonstration in all dances, and a complete solo Figure demonstration.

Double Honors Awards: All dances as in the Honors Awards. Demonstration of the counterparts as Man or Lady are required in Free Style and solo Figure demonstrations.

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