The Three-Way Method of Instruction
The unique Fred Astaire teaching method includes regularly scheduled private instruction for individual attention as well as group technique lessons and the all-important practice lessons.

Private lessons with one or more key teachers provides each student with specialized and personalized attention necessary to develop the ability to lead or follow a partner.
Group lessons are an important aid to private instruction, in that patterns, technique and style are featured in these lessons. More importantly, group lessons provide every student with the opportunity to meet other students with similar dancing goals and to see that all students share similar challenges in the learning process.
Practice lessons are scheduled to provide an ideal atmosphere in which to practice with teachers and other students. Regular practice lessons are usually held bi-weekly for current students and their guests. Music and refreshments abound, and a good time is had by all!

Each type of lesson develops different skills and all are equally important in the process of becoming a confident social or competitive dancer. New dances, patterns and techniques are introduced or refined in a group lesson. The individual follow-up on a private lesson allows the instructor to clarify any confusing points and blend the new material with what the student has already learned. Using this new-found knowledge in an actual dance situation provides new challenges, however, and requires very distinct skills it is impossible to get anywhere but in a practice lesson. Our students find that taking advantage of all three lesson types is the fastest and most cost effective way to becoming a confident dancer.

The Fred Astaire Trophy System and Conceptual Method of Teaching
The Fred Astaire Trophy System and the Conceptual Method of Teaching combine to create a unique method of dance instruction. Providing structure while allowing for individual goals and interests, the Fred Astaire Trophy System is an exciting way for you to gauge your progress in receiving the benefits you expect 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 every Fred Astaire Dance Studio's yearly calendar. At local, regional and national competitions, students enter at levels appropriate to their experience and teacher-student teams rival each other in spirited contests. At competitions students meet, mingle, and compete with other student dancers. Beautiful Bronze, Silver, or Gold medallions are awarded at the national championships. Orlando, Miami, Chicago, Las Vegas and the Bahamas 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 performance dancing exciting. Special choreography is incorporated in solo or group routines to suit each student's ability and interest. They often take place in a public theater where the lights, curtains, green room, etc. provide an element of the theatrical. Participating in a Showcase is a long remembered experience, and something that many students derive pleasure in year after year.

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