Fred Astaire Dance Studio - London

We've been taking lessons for the past few months at this studio, and have really enjoyed it. The studio is very welcoming, and our instructor Shaun is engaging and very friendly. Do recommend!

This place is amazing at teaching people how to dance. I was nervous about joining at first, as I am normally very discoordinated. However, when my wife and I first joined, they made it incredibly easy for us to learn how to dance and to gradually learn the whole dance process. Our instructor, Ryan, does an absolutely amazing job at teaching dancing while being encouraging and he is an absolute blast to learn from. In general, the entire staff here have been very professional and we have greatly enjoyed our time at the studio thus far. Both me and my wife cannot wait to continue learning how to dance and improving our dance skills at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio London!

I would highly recommend this school if you would like to enjoy yourself or to get ready for a wedding, I went for two classes here for an offer that I got from the school and loved it so much, the instructors are very nice which made it easy for my shy self to enjoy and have courage to go for the second time. I will bounce back once I am ready to pay the full term.

They are so wonderful to work with. We came to them for help learning a dance for our wedding and they delivered! It was very easy to learn from them and we had so much fun in our lessons. Cannot recommend them enough!

As per the invitation to visit your second floor regarding "car stress" in the reply to Ricki-Lynn's review, I visited Fred Astaire to chat with the staff. I was told that the the parking lot where we had our flat tire today was privately owned by Fred Astaire / not shared in any way. I was also told that the employee's name was Heather who works in the corporate office on the first floor. This incident happened today, if you'd like to check your camera around the 10: 45am-11: 15am time stamp we should be seen calling and waiting for CAA to come provide roadside assistance to a car that has a very visible flat tire.

My fiancée and I had been chatting about learning to dance at your studio and that unfortunately will never happen now, due to this incident.

Here's a recap of what happened:

Got a flat on my car driving along Colborne Street today and pulled into this completely empty parking lot in the morning to call for roadside assistance. That's when Heather came out, holding a bright orange paper and proceeded to interrupt me while I was on the phone to tell me that I was parked illegally and trespassing, further she said "I can see you are having problems, pointing in the direction of the flat tire, how long until you can leave? "

My fiancée in the passenger seat replied asking if she would like us to move the car onto the road and impede traffic, to which the woman replied "yes, you need to leave or I will have you ticketed for trespassing".

Once the CAA Tow Truck Driver arrived we conveyed that we needed to get going before we were ticketed for having a flat tire. He thought it was ridiculous because it was an emergency situation but thankfully worked hastily to help us so that this awful situation would not unfold any further.

Please enjoy your well earned, second 1 star review of the day.

One star is far too generous based on the interactions I had with an extremely unfriendly employee today. My car had a flat in their parking lot and a very rude employee threatened to ticket me for being on private property too long (less than 30 minutes?) and for “trespassing” in what was obviously an emergency situation. She actually thought it was better for me to move into the busy road and impede several lanes of traffic instead of staying in their completely empty parking lot for another ten minutes to fix the car. She had the most uncalled for attitude over a situation that should never have been an issue. It’s unfortunate because I have wanted to attend classes at this dance studio for years, but after that interaction I have no desire to ever step foot (sorry, to *trespass*) on that property again. If she is a reflection of how the rest of that business runs then it’s no wonder their parking lot is always empty.

I've just started getting back into ballroom, and the team at Fred Astaire has been incredibly helpful and fun! They're great in tailoring the lessons to the dancers' goals, and it's been a blast getting back into dance again in such a welcoming space!

Took some lessons over a year ago and thoroughly enjoyed the class and instructor. Learned the basics of 7 or 8 dance styles including the waltz and bachata! Would definitely recommend

Fred Astaire is a wonderful dance studio. The front office staff, especially Deb, is very warm, welcoming, and helpful.
My instructor, Ryan, is so passionate about both dance and teaching. He is so focused during class. His extensive knowledge and excellent communication skills enable him to manage the class and teach dance techniques effectively. He is also very patient and has a lovely way of giving corrections. Here, I would like to say thank you to Ryan, for the challenging but fun and enjoyable classes! Coming to your class is the highlight of my week:)
I highly recommend the social dance group package of Fred Astaire dance studio to those looking for truly good but cost-effective dance classes.

My boyfriend and I decided to try something new for our one year anniversary. We tried the $40 deal for 3 private lessons. My boyfriend had never been exposed to Western style dances (ex. Ballroom) and I had always wanted to try out some dance classes. Sean was a great instructor, very personable and helped us find our rhythm together. Each lesson went by so fast! My boyfriend and I enjoyed the time having a new experience together, while also sneaking in some date nights. It was well worth the time and money spent! Although we couldn’t commit to do more classes at present, we would love to return at a future date.

Fun way to get your exercise while learning different dance styles. When you step into the studio you'll feel the energy, catch the good vibes! Awesome & wonderful caring instructors who genuinely give 100%! Thank you Kate

The team at Fred Astaire are amazing! Our instructor Alison is so much fun to work with. She makes it easy and fun to learn. Started off with the basic package and then came back for more can't wait for the next one!

Fred Astaire is a wonderful place to learn and grow as a dancer. As a new dancer, I was nervous. However, the staff make you comfortable from the start and catered a program to suit my learning goals! Highly recommend!

My fiance and I have had an absolute blast with our dance lessons! Ryan has been so much fun to learn with and he is such a knowledgeable and funny instructor. He makes you really look forward to dancing! Thank you Ryan for making this the best experience for us!

As a newbie to Fred Astaire dance studio, I have found the atmosphere very welcoming! Coming from a dance background but new to ballroom and Latin I was a little nervous for my first class especially since I was going alone. Kate welcomed me in the door with a bright smile and a great conversation as I waited and I immediately felt at ease. Ryan is an incredible Instructor! His energy is infectious and you can't help but get hyped dancing with him! He's very patient especialy when you acidently step on or trip over his feet like I have a few times haha

I look forward to participating in the next party classe and continue my dance journey with my 5 class package!

One thing to keep in mind is the cost. Private lessons are more costly then other forms of group dance/fitness classes. I was surprised by the cost myself as it's not shared until the end of the second introductory lesson. I chose to pursue a 5 class package as I I've been enjoying my Introductory classes allot, loving being back on the dance floor and curious to learn more. My advice is to determine if the cost is worth the investment in your dancing. I'm testing it out and we'll see how it goes one step at a time

My partner Emily and I have really had a great time learning the basics at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in London! Kate and her team are all very nice, kind and welcoming; we specifically have spent a lot of time with Deb who has been the best instructor ever! Deb makes it so easy to feel comfortable which is awesome as we beginners! They teach you some critical basics from various ball room and Latin dance routines, however, they also like to customize your program to accomplish your specific goals. We really enjoy our time dancing with Deb, and others from Kate's team each week!

My experience at Fred Astaire is absolutely outstanding! Kate and her team are amazing and very professional! They are very welcoming to beginners and make you feel like you can achieve any type of dance! They also pay close attention to your basic steps if you are doing them correct or not and eventually help you to get it right! They follow-up on your over-all dance experience and make sure you are happy and fully satisfied with your time there! Highly recommended! ️

Had a fantastic time! Loved our energetic instructor as he always made it fun and not awkward while we were learning the basics. We started with the 5 lessons for 25$ special, but we're definitely going to sign up for more private lessons after the wedding as we want this to be a new couples hobby.
I read other reviews and want to say we didn't feel pressured to purchase more. On our last session this past Monday we were the ones who asked for pricing and options for continuing lessons.

I will echo what Nicole D wrote. The staff are nice until you want to stop taking lessons then their attitude shifts.

Came back 2 years later to read the reviews and nothing's changed. Shift in attitude as soon as clients aren't willing to pay 3k. Drop in quality of lessons too. Clients paid for their lessons even if they aren't going to continue, you have the responsibility to maintain quality of lessons until the end. For new clients I suggest you look elsewhere.

I cannot say enough about Fred Astaire London.
My husband and I have been going for years, both together and individually. The staff is like family (some days like therapists). Our lessons always fly by, we are always laughing and having such a good time, you dont realize how fast the time goes.
The way the staff treats you is something amazing. Even when you make mistakes (and you will) you're never treated as though you should know better or talked down to, they work you through it and help you be the best you can be! They want to see you succeed and reach your goals, you can tell they really want the best for you and you never feel like they are doing it just for money.
I see a lot of reviews about the price and yes it is a lot of money, but so is a nice dinner and a movie. This is active and social, it gives you a closer connection to your partner (if going as a couple) and it helps your self esteem by not only being physical but you see yourself doing things you never thought you would and also by the staff rooting you on and being in your corner.thank you Fred Astaire staff, I hope you realize how much you have helped me and I am sure so many others!

I have been a student at Fred Astaire for nearly three years now and I couldn’t speak more highly about it if I tried. I came in with previous dance and performance experience, but the knowledge and skills I gained from Freds has redefined me as a dancer and artist. Their ability to nurture my desire to be a good dancer coupled with their genuine care for their students made this my favourite place in the world. The instructors are extremely hardworking people who are so passionate about what they do which makes it a perfect place to learn. Dancing can make people feel very vulnerable, but the instructors make you feel so safe and having you taking risks before you know it. Finally, Kate Whippey, the woman who runs the entire operation is EXTREMELY good at her job. Not only is she a champion for ballroom dancer, she is also incredibly understanding and patient. She wants to make every student feel loved, valued, and confident. There have been many times when Kate took time out of her day in order to help me whether it be regarding the fees, finding a competition dress, or to talk about my dance goals. I recommend taking dance at Fred Astaire 1000%! - Thalia Ranjbar

After seeing the review by Scott MacDonald I was compelled to share my experience. Sadly it is eerily similar. Started with one of the cheap teaser packages. My then fiancé and I really enjoyed it. We were also preparing for our wedding. The instructor we worked with was amazing, but as soon as it was clear that we were not interested in a $3,000+ program we were made to feel bad about the decision and the entire experience changed. There has to be a middle ground on this? Unless I am open to spending more than some college programs I become irrelevant?

Tonight, I had the pleasure of having two lessons with Shai from the Fred Astaire studio in London. I am currently a student at the Hamilton location and had the opportunity to take a lesson. While I was a bit nervous after seeing Shai dance during the Fred Astaire competitions (he is VERY good!) I was quickly put at ease. Shai, and the entire team of Instructors, were welcoming and energetic as soon as I walked through the door. My lesson began by Shai not immediately getting into dancing, but actually wanting to know more about me and explaining more about him…. When asked why he loved being an Instructor and why he loved dancing his response…. ”because it is like breathing” immediately calmed my nerves and allowed us to actually identify some commonalities which cemented his chosen learning style for me. It was amazing and allowed Shai to relate to my learning style and teach me techniques for steps that I was struggling with. It was a fantastic lesson, thank you Shai! Your enthusiasm, knowledge, true passion for dancing and the many laughs we had made for a productive and super fun lesson. Before I left, Kate also came over and asked how my lesson was which was a very nice touch, to see that she also cared. I’ve read the reviews for this studio and most of them are extremely favourable however there are a few that questioned the sales portion of these lessons and possibly some Instructor integrity. I cannot comment to the pressure sales……except to say that this is a business like anything else and through constructive commentary from students, Kate (who responds to each and every comment with respect and passion) is able to continue to improve the studio and its business acumen. However, I will say this……personal happiness, emotional and mental well -being as well as physical health has no price tag. Granted, the lessons are expensive……. So is personal training, yoga, boot camps etc. Of course, there are cheaper options and those may work better for some due to preference and finances. This is understandable…. What I can say is that I budgeted and was fortunate (and very grateful) to be able to partake in something that quite frankly saved me when I was in a point in my life where I was struggling. My Instructors have helped me grow, feel personal happiness and I was also able to lose 40 pounds in the process. I watched the Instructors prior to my lesson tonight walking through a group dance together……. They are not sales people that also dance……they LOVE dancing…. I watched Kate with a student after my dance and the joy of her student was evident. I watched Wes with his student who was glowing and smiling and these two students (as well as others during my lessons) loved dancing. That is why they are there. You don’t have to sign up for lessons…. Find something that you love! And for those who had a poor experience, I have full confidence that Kate has taken that feedback to heart. Thank you, team London, I am hopeful that I can come back again! - Jenni Malcolmson

Fred Astaire in London is my favourite place to be - the instructors are amazing, the atmosphere is welcoming, and no matter what my day has been like I always leave with a smile! The team are some of the most talented, encouraging, dedicated and genuinely nice people you will ever meet - I can't recommend them highly enough!

Echoing many of the comments, great staff but price is an issue.especially the service once staff realize that you aren't going to pay $500 per month for lessons.

My wife and I loved our instructor but felt pressured to pay the high monthly costs. We were told that it wasn't worth it for us to come unless we paid a few hundred per month.

Once staff realized that we weren't going to pay the price, service levels DRASTICALLY changed despite having lessons left to use. Beforehand, our instructor reached out constantly and with enthusiasm to schedule our next lesson. Now, it's been months that we've had outstanding lessons and no one has contacted us to book. We also felt that staff cared less about our progress during our most recent session once they found out that we weren't paying an addition few hundred. It didn't really encourage us to go back even to use up the lessons we had paid for.

For potential clients, be prepared to pay a lot of money once your cheap trial is over. Also, anticipate a change in quality if you don't agree to pay hundreds more each month.

For Fred Astaire, please change your service model and approach. We loved your lessons but not your sales tactics.

I found them through Groupon and I had a good experience with them. I love how warm and supportive the teachers are. But I feel they could be more upfront with the prices. I signed up for a 5-class for $25 package. I didn't realize that this only includes 2 private lessons, 1 group lesson, and a dance party (which counts for 2 classes because it's 2 hours). Overall I would recommend anyone to give these guys a try!

I got the $400 for 5 private lessons package (5 x 40 min). I would say that the instructors are super friendly and helpful 10/10. But I would rate the value as 5 / 10. You could probably get better value for your money elsewhere since Fred Astaire is a franchise and they have to pay franchise fees and so on. This is why I'm giving a 3 / 5.

I will echo what Nicole D wrote. The staff are nice until you want to stop taking lessons then their attitude shifts.

Love love love the studio! Amazing teachers! So friendly and learn so much.always a joy to be here!

The staff are incredible. Everybody is so friendly and we always feel very comfortable when we're here. The lessons are well planned and the instructors are pros!

I wanted to Find a way to make my girlfriend happy, (she loves to dance, Me, not so much). I saw a groupon for Fred astair dance studio here in London Ontario so i thought i'd make the call and surprise her with a group of lessons at an unbelievable price. I spoke with Shi, one of the male dance instructors and after a short Q&A, we set up an appointment. We came into the london location and i kept an open mind and would not be disappointed. Right from the start we were paired with Illiah and she has become our Lead instructor. From the start of our lesson Illiah was very warm and inviting, we love her style of instruction and meshes with both our personalities (gf-outgoing, me-not so much). By the time our first lesson was over I had an understanding of the the basic steps of Rumba, Tango, Fox Trot and Waltz. There are a lot of Ballroom dancing styles but the first lesson is pretty much a half hour with a chat afterwards. Honestly i had always to wanted learn how to ballroom dance but my confidence in dancing wasn't real high. We signed up for dance lessons, the price is on par with every other Lesson based activity like guitar, piano, etc. I'm so happy I took the first step in calling Fred Astair Dance Studio, London. We have made such progress in our dancing, I can't think of any good reason why I never started earlier. The staff at Fred Astair's are so warm and inviting, it feels more like home then a place of business. I totally recommend make that first call and going for your first lesson, wheather it be as a couple or as a Single. You will not be disappointed.

When I first walked in to the Fred Astaire Studio in February 2018 after receiving the Groupon for Christmas and years of driving by the studio hoping that someday I would go for lessons, I had no idea what to expect. Having had no dance experience whatsoever, I was both very excited and nervous. But immediately after I walked in the door, I felt welcome and comfortable, and after my first lesson I was totally hooked. The instructors are all incredible and very knowledgeable. They have helped me achieve more than I ever dreamed possible in dancing and in my self-confidence both inside and outside the studio. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, I know I will leave Fred Astaire feeling inspired, empowered, and with a smile! My experience here has been amazing and I can’t recommend lessons here enough. Thanks so much Kate and the Fred Astaire family!:)

I could write a 50 page report on this dance studio and it will still not be enough. You have read all the above reviews and they speak volumes about how this place functions. Last six months have been nothing but exceptional for me. The instructors in this place are professional and extremely patient. Needless to say on top of their game, learning and staying up to par. If you are still in doubt just give them a call.

The Instructors are very welcoming and professional. My daughter and I had a great time learning new dances and enjoying such a great energy their. Would definitely recommend

An absolutely fabulous team of instructors! It’s been three years since I walked through the doors, hopeful, but convinced I would never actually learn to dance properly. It has been a fantastic journey! Staff are welcoming and supportive, and always working to tailor lessons to your goals and to keep pushing you further than you’d ever imagined you’d be! It’s a very friendly social environment, lots of parties and group lessons, and now I go out social dancing with friends I’ve met at the studio!

I've been a student at Fred Astaire for 7 years, and can't speak highly enough of the team especially kristina, iliah, and kate! From my first teachers to the group there now, my experience has been fantastic! They truly work to make you feel like family. My wife and I took lessons to get ready for our wedding, and now I continue striving towards my own personal goals in dance. Thanks guys!

I convinced my partner to join ballroom dance with me in the fall. We were finding it hard to find a dance studio that would work around his shift work. Many classes are set days of the week and he is on continental shifts. Fred Astaire was completely flexible with our times and have been able to accommodate for us to have one lesson a week in our busy schedules! I would recommend to anyone with a challenging schedule to go to Fred Astaire. They are absolutely incredible and will work with you to match your life.

* despite the fact that the owner seems to feel I have not attended her Studio, I had to private lessons on the 28th and 29th of August, with Ilia because my boyfriend bought me a gift certificate for my birthday. I am not affiliated with Ballroom blitz, they just happen to offer far more reasonable rates with no pressure. Simply point out thise looking for ballroom instructing have other, affordable options *

Fred Astaire seems like a fun place, but it is a high-pressure profit machine.there is a reason that their "dance instructors" (sales people) are so friendly and in-your-face; it's specifically designed to get money out of you, fast, and the prices that they charge for private lessons are absurd. They are nowhere near market value, and they nearly double their local competition in price. If I can get private acrobatic lessons that are an hour long from artists who have toured with Cirque du Soleil, whose expertise keeps me alive during high risk activity, for $30 less than what Fred Astaire wants for 40 minutes of ballroom dancing (from a sales person who they taught to dance) you're doing something wrong. The cost per lesson of their 10 lesson package is more than their 5 lesson package and, that's when you're paying upfront! They must be getting all their business from people who don't understand what private instruction for dance should cost. As a life-long dancer, and aerial artist, Fred Astaire is not fooling me. We'll be going with the vastly superior, appropriately priced Ballroom Blitz.

I am a classically trained musician and soprano and I initially signed up for lessons at the studio merely to round out my performance resume. In my first class I quickly realized that this studio was going to be a special part of my life and artistic development. In addition to learning several dance styles and techniques I have gained immense body awareness and many performance techniques. As well, my postural alignment and muscular imbalances have greatly improved. The experiences and knowledge from my dance sessions have undoubtedly had a positive influence on my musical craft, but more importantly they have shaped me as person, helped me to gain more self-esteem and personal power, and I have met many wonderful friends. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and personable; they never fail to challenge me, inspire me, and make me peel with laughter and joy in each of my sessions. A beautiful place to learn and grow!

I cannot say enough about Kate and the instructors at this studio. My daughter Thalia has been attending this studio for over 1 year and it has transformed her. The instructors are knowledgeable but, more importantly, patient and genuinely nurture a love of dance. I visited the studio and felt welcome at once. I also attended a competition and saw the result of their efforts and the enthusiasm they pass on to their students. I cannot wait to see my daughter compete again, every time I see her dance I am wowed. Kudos to Kate for running a fantastic studio and to Matt and all the instructors for helping my daughter follow her passion! You will not be disappointed if you decide to join this wonderful studio.

This is absolutely my favourite place in the world. If I could take lessons every second of every day I would 100%. The instructors and owner foster an incredible environment where people of all skill levels feel comfortable and confident to step out of their comfort zones and try new things! I was hesitant to come in without but that was not a problem at all. I have two teachers, Matt and Shaii, who have gone above and beyond any expectations I possibly had. They are such kind hearted and wonderful people, as well as incredible teachers. I have been a student there for one year now and I have never been happier.

I started in October 2017 (knowing absolutely no ballroom steps!) and completed the SocialEase program in February 2018.
TRUTH: you will not be a DWTS pro on the $25 intro deal!
DARE: For those who do decide to enrol in the #FredAstaireLdnDanceSchool, there are no regrets!
The teachers are fantastic and intuitive to their students' level of learning. They picked up on when I was ready to learn more and give me more; or when I needed to slow down and we just rewind; or when I am so exhausted from my crazy work day that dancing in that moment just becomes.dancing. And my gas tank is filled up again.
I was terrified when I was asked to do the Tango at the (my first) studio party after lesson #5. I nearly freaked out the first time they switched me out with a different teacher. But. Now when I hear compliments on my dancing outside the studio/school, I am reminded that I am worth every penny I invested in myself. #BeBold #BeBrave #IAmPriceless