Learn to dance with Fred Astaire.
Located at 604 Valley Road, the Fred Astaire Dance Studio has been serving the Montclair community and Essex County for the past 50 years. Founded by Vincent Bulger and Kay Connors, the infamous dance studio moved from its original location in Verona, N.J., to Upper Montclair in 1998. In 2005, the studio was handed down to Kostadin Bidjourov and Carrie Babcock as they became the new owners of Fred Astaire.
At Fred Astaire of Upper Montclair, they specialize in teaching students of any age how to become a great dancer. Fred Astaire offers a unique teaching system including a “Three Tiered Method of regularly scheduled private instruction as well as group lessons and practice lessons.” Interested customers can choose between private lessons, group lessons or practice lessons:
- Private Lessons: This gives you the attention necessary to learn how to dance while developing the ability to lead or follow any partner.
- Group Lessons: Group lessons are beneficial because they teach you patterns, technique and style while meeting other students with similar dancing goals.
- Practice Lessons: Practice lessons are beneficial because they complete the lesson information taught in private and group lessons.
Fred Astaire offers an introductory class for $99 which includes two private lessons, one group lesson and one practice party. They also offer a one time discount off a Beginner’s Program which consists of five private lessons. After the first two programs, you design your own so costs vary depending on your schedule, frequency and combination of group/private/coaching lessons.
Other than private, group and practices lessons, Fred Astaire also offers a customized wedding dance program that gives people the opportunity to gain confidence for that magical day.
In addition to teaching dance lessons, the dance studio and staff also run a very successful competitive dance team for those who are well past the beginning stage. The dance team houses more than 20 active competitors who travel around the country to compete in regional and national levels.
“I’ve never taken a lesson from Fred Astaire but I always walk past it when in town and it’s something my wife has been begging me to do,” said Montclair Resident, John Goodall. “I’m sure we’ll get around to doing it some day soon.”
Although Fred Astaire offers a variety of dance lessons, they also have social events throughout the year. They have practice parties almost every week, themed parties and formal parties. In fact, in May they celebrate their anniversary and in December they have their annual Snowball Dance. Outside of the studio, Fred Astaire holds banquets, cruises, showcases and other events to enhance the love of music for their customers.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio is open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. – 10 p.m. If you are interested in signing up or learning more information, visit fredastaire.com/upper-montclair/, call 973-783-8999 or visit their location at 604 Valley Road.
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