Named after the man of dance himself, Fred Astaire Dance Studios is gearing up for 4 national events. Contrary to dance competitions that offer a variety of styles, the instructors teach and score participants solely on American Style ballroom. These studios and the National competitions they host are integral to preserving Fred Astaire’s techniques and wishes. Without them, no one appreciate this mans influence in this particular style.
Like Fred, critics describe the competitions as nothing but perfect; the location is beautiful (always in a resort), there’s minimal errors, and the judges are American Style ballroom experts. Fred Astaire Dance Studio events are a dreamboat for pros and amateurs because there is plenty of competitions for all skill levels. Join Fred Astaire Dance Studios and immerse yourself in a world of dance, created by an unforgettable man with extraordinary skill.
Who Fred Astaire was
Fred Astaire was born in 1899 in Omaha, Nebraska and moved with his family to New York at 6 years old. Shortly after moving 
his mother enrolled him in a performing arts school with his sister Adele, and by 1917 the pair made it to Broadway and toured together in the Vaudeville circuit. The duo made quite a name for themselves on stage, and by the 1920s they were dancing their way to stardom in various musicals and productions.
In 1932, his sister married a British Lord and Fred was left to fend for himself. He started off on a wobbly foot, but by 1933 he was captivating audiences with his new partner Ginger Rogers. Together they starred in over 10 films, which were the biggest money makers during the Great Depression and are still regarded as musical classics. Before he passed at the age of 88, Astaire received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to musical pictures. He will always be known for his light footwork that seemed effortless, but required painstaking hours of work and perfectionism. Today, Astaire is still regarded as one of the best, if not the best ballroom fusion dancer, despite hundreds of thousands attempts to top his skill.
What is the American Style of ballroom dance?
Since the beginning, ballroom dance has always been considered a partnership dance because it requires two people. This style originated in Europe and other parts of the world in two distinct styles; Standard and Latin. When these styles made their way to the U.S. between 1910-1930, they blended with American Jazz music and a more social approach to dancing, thus the American Style was born. The American Style includes American Rhythm (Salsa, West Coast Swing, Rumba) and American Smooth (Tango, Fox Trot, Vietnamese Waltz). While the American Style has similarities to its foreign counterparts, the main difference is International Ballroom Dance Style allows only closed dance positions, like the Foxtrot and Waltz. Yet, the American Style allows dancers to separate in their frame a bit more. During Fred Astaire Dance Studios Nationals, dancers learn and compete in all the sub genres that make up the American Style.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios 4 National events you won’t want to miss
The National competitions are spread out throughout the year, with the first 2 scheduled in the cooler months, but in warm locations like Orlando, FL and San Diego, CA.
The first of the four is the National Dance Championships, which is celebrating their 70th anniversary. The theme for this event is “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” and to truly capture the era, participants should dress in gowns, suits and top hats. Some of the best ballroom dancers in the nation come to compete in this glamorous occasion. There is also a pro show finale choreographed by master teacher and 5 -time World Theatrical Champion, Bruno Collins.
Following the National Dance Championships is the only inter-regional event on the list, the West Coast Dance Championships. This event includes dances and competitions for all skill levels, a professional show, and a Gala celebration dinner.
Next up is Fred Astaire Dance Studios country- themed Cross Country Dance Championships. This event is held in none other than Houston, TX, in a hotel featuring a one-of- kind rooftop lazy river. What better place to step back in time to the Wild West and dawn western garb? After 3 and-a -half days of competitions, the event ends with a cocktail and general dance party, followed by an awards ceremony.
The last event on the list is the infamous Fred Astaire World’s Championship. This 5 day event is the place to see the best ballroom dancers glide across the room and compete for the ultimate prize. Like the other national events, there is a professional finale performance, though this time 6-time Fred Astaire National Champion Ilya Ifraimov choreographs it. Just being in the room with the best ballroom dancers in the world is sure to make any ballroom fan giddy! For additional event details, please see the end of the article.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio master instructors
Educating and critiquing competitors at Nationals is a group of instructors, gathered from around the world. They each have degrees in Fine Arts and actively compete across the globe. Each instructor undergoes rigorous work and training to receive certification in the nationally and internationally recognized Fred Astaire Curriculum. Every year, the curriculum is reviewed by world- famous former dance champions and registered judges on the Fred Astaire National Dance Board. This group ensures the program is the finest and most up-to-date it can possibly be.
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Perfect your skills before the competition at a Fred Astaire Studio nearest you!
Fred Astaire Dance studios are located across the country, from West Chester, PA to Laguna Hills, CA. They are the best place to learn or fine tune your ballroom technique before Nationals. All locations practice the Fred Astaire Trophy System, which is an easy way to track progress and stay motivated. Beginners learn step patterns and basic techniques needed to move around the floor before progressing to the Bronze phase. The Bronze phase enables students to comfortably and confidently dance on any size floor, with any partner. From there, skills can be further developed to move onto Silver, and eventually the Gold level.
Along the way, students are instructed by professionals from all around the world, who are well-versed, title winners from international and national competitions. Fred Astaire Dance Studios repertoire of ballroom dances is wide-ranging (including American, Latin, International Style, Ballroom Style, and even Exhibition and Theater Arts dances) making this the perfect program for anyone looking to master the various styles. Tested by time and continually adjusted over the years, Fred Astaire Dance Studios tiered program of regularly scheduled private lessons and group classes ensures that students learn as much as possible, with the most amount of retention.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios began when the man himself co-founded a chain of studios to preserve his techniques and pass them on to the public. Since then, the company has produced a wealth of amateur and professional dancers, who are the living embodiment of Astaire’s style and grace. Sign yourself up for one of four National events and experience a ballroom dance extravaganza Fred would tip his hat to.
October
Fred Astaire Dance Studios – National Dance Championships – Orlando– Hilton Bonnet Creek – Orlando, FL
January
Fred Astaire Dance Studios – West Coast Dance Championships – Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina – San Diego, CA
April
Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Cross Country Dance Championships – Houston Marriott Marquis – Houston, TX
July
Fred Astaire Dance Studios – Fred Astaire World Championships – Bellagio Resort – Las Vegas, NV
**For updated tournament information, please visit Fred Astaire Dance Studios.