Fred Astaire Dance Studio

I have never been someplace where everyone seemed so happy to be at work. The instructors are enthusiastic and cheerful, and it is contagious. Even the most hardened cynics will shed their crusty exterior at the door, and before they know it will be foxtrotting along in time to «Don’t Worry Be Happy.»
We got a Groupon for a series of 3 private lessons, plus admission to 2 «practice parties.» In our three lessons, our fabulous instructor, Richard, gave us an introduction to different ballroom dance steps. The instruction we received was very basic — much of it was oriented around doing a step over and over until you get so comfortable with it that you can actually hold a conversation while still dancing. We were familiar with some of the steps already, so this was a bit frustrating for me. However, I think my expectations were too high, thinking that we would actually learn a full-​fledged dance that we could use for the first dance at our wedding, in only three sessions. In addition to getting comfortable dancing with each other, we actually did learn quite a bit, and then we got to practice it at the (aptly named) practice party.
These parties are held on Friday nights and are open to the public. The regular admission charge is something like $ 10 per person (don’t quote me). We attended one practice party so far (one more to go!) and the atmosphere was just as cheery and high-​energy as our private lessons were. The DJ plays a wide variety of music, and at the beginning of each song announces a suggested step for people to practice with the song. All the instructors are on hand to act as dance partners and also give some pointers — we actually had our first tango «lesson» at the party. They also had some fun games to get people away from only dancing with the person they came with. This included a circle dance that forces you to slap a stranger’s thighs (yes, you read that correctly). The parties have themes like «tailgate» or «wig and mustache.» Again, you might be thinking it sounds cheesy, but when half the people around you are dressed up in ridiculous-​looking wigs, you can’t help but have fun. The number one thing I like about this studio is how approachable they make dance. The waltz and the rumba seem less intimidating after you get your silly on.
If we wanted to learn an actual choreographed dance for our first wedding dance, we would have had to do at least the 8-​class series of private lessons. Although we probably won’t do this, the fact that we are still considering it says a lot. We’re both cheapskates, so let it be a testament to just how much fun we had at Fred Astaire that we would even entertain the thought of blowing several hundred dollars on a month or two of dance lessons.
We also recently attended a birthday party here. The dance studio is available for rental, and it is a very cool looking space, always cheerfully decorated for the season. There is a mini kitchen area (and they serve food and drinks at the practice parties by the way), plus some table/​chair and stool/​counter combos, all in a cool, modern European white.
I was torn as to the number of stars to give here (consider it an «almost 5»). I recognize that you get what you pay for, and Fred Astaire offers a very high quality product. (I’m sure part of the reason the instructors are so happy is that they are paid a decent wage.) But from the customer’s perspective, it would be that much more excellent if it were a bit more affordable.