Fred Astaire Dance Studio San Diego

I’m a student from the Las Vegas Fred Astaire. I’m visiting San Diego and while I’m here I’m going to see the Fred Astaires here. I love that they treat me like family even though I’m not from here. It’s a great studio with wonderful instructors.

Incredible! My wife dragged me to the Fred Astaire dance studio because she wanted me to dance with her, and not look like a complete idiot on the dance floor (or have me run away and hide when I hear dance music). Miriana was my dance instructor, and I was blown away with the patience and skill she possesses to teach someone so terrible at dancing (me haha) to dance with more elegance than I thought I’d be capable of. She made me feel comfortable with dancing, and although I’m no pro, I am no longer afraid of the dance floor! Prior to coming into the studio, I was absolutely terrified of dancing, and dreaded going to events knowing dancing would take place. I’ve always been self conscious of any sort of dancing, but Miriana guided me step by step, and worked with me to get me comfortable and eager to learn more. My wife and I are already setup to come back for more lessons, so I can improve my «moves» and learn more dances!
As for the other review specifying that everyone was too friendly and energetic, are you crazy? How dare a business be too happy and excited to try and motivate you to be excited about learning something new! The entire staff makes you feel comfortable, and they making learning to dance fun.
Highly recommended, thank you Miriana and the entire Fred Astaire dance studio staff!!!

My fiancé and I came in for a private class (Amazon deal– $ 10). We had an incredible time. Our instructor Marcus was incredibly friendly, attentive and kept us smiling throughout the lesson. It was great to go over the basics, and exceptionally helpful for preparing for our wedding.
We enjoyed how friendly and welcoming everyone was, but unfortunately won’t be able to continue as the price is too high for us.

Bought a Groupon for $ 40 which included introductory lesson and two group lessons.
Went to my first class yesterday with my husband. FYI there is nothing private about their «private» lessons. By private they mean 1 on 1, on the same dance floor as everyone else. There’s one grand dance floor in the main room, where everyone has their lessons. Music is shared so you don’t always get to exclusively practice to your dance; but it is a very inviting, friendly environment that you can warm up to very fast.
So far I’ve only done the intro class w/​Andre– and we covered 3 dances of our choice. We learned the basics and practiced. We had a good time. However, at the end they try and play salesmen. They try to sell your «private» classes, with the first pkg being priced around $ 500 for 5 classes, and 6 for $ 850. Absolutely crazy! We didn’t buy any because of the high pricing – if we want to pursue dancing, we will do it elsewhere for a reasonable price.

This is a wonderful established studio with an extremely professional and fun staff. There really is no better team of dancers in San Diego that compares. May sound like alot of praise but when you go you shall see why even with just an intro lesson you will know.

The staff is very friendly and welcoming. However, the lesson was extremely disappointing. I called earlier in the week as I wanted to take a dance lesson with my fiancé to practice an easy first dance for our upcoming wedding. The woman that I spoke with on the phone was very friendly, we discussed what we were looking for (a very easy dance that looked natural and organic, super simple). When we showed up for our lesson, our instructor was very nice and launched into teaching us a dance. However, when she started the lesson it was really apparent that we had different ideas of what a simple dance is. I voiced my concerns multiple times, which did not help. We left feeling extremely discouraged and frustrated. I wouldn’t have felt so frustrated if I hadn’t been so specific when I called up and made our dance lesson appointment.

I just can’t bring myself to complain about people being «too friendly» or «too enthusiastic» or OMG actually remembering my name when I return for a dance class. My husband and I began classes a couple of months ago and our instructor Leanna is young and upbeat and notices the little changes we need to make to improve our skills. I think they honestly just have fun there. You can join in on group classes or dance parties, or just come for private lessons. I’ve been wanting to learn to dance for years, and I love feeling welcomed every time I walk through the door. We’ve paid for several lessons in advance, so it doesn’t feel false… as if they’re trying to get us to sign on the line. We already did. It’s a lovely way to stay fit. Sure beats a treadmill. We never felt pressured to pay. When the packages were presented to us, we let them know that we would talk about it and let them know later. They were fine with that and never pressured us to ‘make a decision right now!‘
I just wish they were closer to Solana Beach. Sometimes the traffic getting there can be a pain.

My husband and I have been dancing here for 2 years. We just love the experience and have recently gotten a new teacher and she is the BOMB!!! We have learned so much since starting back regularly and we are doing 2 routines tomorrow for the Spotlight show. The staff treats you like family, no wait… better. Always so excited and enthusiastic. I love the owners, the manager and all of the teachers I have met. I think they could teach just about anybody! Worth the time, don’t wait till you have to say, «remember when we used to dance?» The group classes are so much fun, and the Dance Parties are perfect to start using those social dancing skills. 5 stars for sure!

My wife and I went for our first lesson on Tuesday with no experience between us and after our private lesson with Miri we came back for the group lesson and ended up staying for the Dance Party. Miri and the whole staff were outstanding and made us feel very comfortable and welcome. They are very supportive and have LOTS of patience. Going back for second private lesson tonight and really looking forward to it. Thanks to everyone there.

I am currently taking dance lessons at the Clairemont Mesa location of Fred Astaire Dance Studios. I am a returning student — but 5 years ago the studio was part of the Arthur Murray Franchises. The difference now versus then is refreshing! The staff is friendly and they try to pleasantly greet each person who comes into the studio — but I disagree with other comments that say they are «too enthusiastic». I appreciate that the staff know who I am, since I am investing my TIME and my MONEY to pursue my LOVE of DANCING. It’s not as though you’re only connected to one instructor — because the other instructors take part in my lessons to help demonstrate or explain a move or new skill that is difficult for me. Also — if you are wise & take part in the group lessons (available 6 days a week) & the Practice Dance Parties (every Tuesday & Friday evenings) you end up dancing with most if not all of the Staff members & owners. It’s kind of like the TV Show Cheers — Don’t you want to go where everyone knows your name?

I came to Fred Astaire because I bought a daily deal for two private lessons and a group lesson for really cheap. Four stars with a voucher, three stars probably if I didn’t have one because of the price. My girlfriend and I did private lessons back-​to-​back days learning the basics for the tango and salsa. No experience is necessary and you can start from the absolute basics. The teachers are all very nice and the atmosphere feels comfortable. I am unsure if I will continue with private lessons though because of the seemingly super high prices. I haven’t compared prices around San Diego but I don’t think dance lessons are in my budget. If you need quick lessons for a wedding or have enough expendable income Fred Astaire is a great place to check out! What others mention about it being a sales push is true so be prepared. It can’t hurt to check out though!

I’ve been looking for latin-​ballroom dance studios in SD, hence went to Fred Astaire few weeks ago.
I have to agree with Bronwen’s review. Yes, they are friendly, but overly friendly. Everyone in the studio were all super high, and kept complimenting you over and over again. Either they have really low standards of what is good, or they are just tried to please you so made it over the top. I understand it’s just a sales skill, but made me felt uncomfortable after 20mins. I guess this style is good for certain type of people, but for me it just didn’t sound sincere.
For the people who is looking for dance studios, I’ll suggest them should still try this place, since they offer a $ 10 package for new client, you can just make a appointment and to get to know their environment and teaching style. But just make sure you prepare yourself before you go, because they WILL try very hard to convince you to buy their package deal.

Took a few lessons from Nicole to learn a little swing for when I got a Blues Jones on. Thanks to Nicole and the friendly staff at Fred Astaire I got my mojo working! They are the best!

I’ve been coming here for almost 3 years now and I have loved it since the first day. This is one place «where everybody knows your name» from practically the first day. The staff could not be friendlier and easy to get along with. You can tell that they really love dancing and want to get everyone as enthusiastic about it as they are.
There are classes held every day of the week, as well as practice parties Tuesday and Friday nights where you get the chance to dance with other students and instructors. They also hold different shows throughout the year where you can show off what you’ve been working on to friends and family.
I know pricing is a big concern for practically everyone now-​a-​days, but they will work with you as much as possible. Private lessons are definitely worth the price because they include all the group classes too. So the more group classes you attend, the more you get for your money. Plus, there are lots of opportunities throughout the year where they offer promos and discounts.
If you really want to learn to dance, the personalized attention you get here can’t be beat.

I aint gonna lie. girls dig a dude who can dance.
My wife and i take Ballroom dance lessons… mostly Latins, ie the Cha Cha, Salsa, Rumba, Samba, Merengue… but have dabbled in the Waltz and the Hustle.
We like the atmosphere and the instructors. Nate and Julie run a tight ship. and the peeps make this studio feel «comfortable»; albiet wild and crazy at times too…
we are huge fans, just those price tags run a little high for most tho.

Jenny–
We finally decided to use a Groupon I bought a few months ago, $ 25 for a free group class and two 20-​minute private lessons which they ended up grouping into one 45-​minute lesson. It was a really good deal, as private lessons can be expensive. Jon and I wanted to try out this place and possibly take more lessons to prepare for our First Dance.
The customer service was impeccable from the first phone call I made to make an appointment for the private lesson. The guy I talked to was extremely nice and helpful and advised us to take the private lesson right before a group class of our choice. When I walked in, a gentleman greeted me by name even though I had never been there before. They gave us a tour of the facility and also introduced us to every staff member. Throughout the night, the dance instructors we weren’t even working with would say hi to us and motivate us. Our instructor for our private lesson, Miri, was very friendly and positive. For some background info, Jon has very flat feet that may both be left, and I’ve taken numerous social dance classes for fun in the past. We told her what song we were planning on using for our First Dance, and Miri was very helpful in showing us some optiong. In 40 minutes, we actually learned the basic steps for Foxtrot, Foxy, and Rumba and felt comfortable dancing together to music. Afterwards, we took the Social Foundations Salsa class, which is for beginners. The instructor was very upbeat and friendly, and his teaching method ensured that Jon and I felt comfortable with the steps that we learned.
So we kind of agree with the previous reviewer who thought that all the employees here were on drugs. I mean with all the clapping and high-​fiving each time we practice one step can be a little much. You might have thought we were on a game show or something. But we didn’t mind it too much, and at least the instructors were good. I just got tired of our instructor having us kiss after each time we danced a few steps. It was cute the first couple times, but it was getting a little annoying. (Maybe not for my fiancé. When we got home, he continued to kiss me after each step we did, lol). If we were to rate this studio solely on the teaching, we would give it 5 stars, but then the sales team came out. I’ll let Jon tell you about them!
Jon–
This place is a rip! The lessons are fine and the instructors are very skillful, but when we finished, we were herded into their interrogation room and presented with a «customized» package of lessons that cost $ 630! That’s with the discount that is only available if you buy right now! We certainly were not interested, but the sales lady kept pressuring us until I finally said flat out that we were not going to buy their package. The friendly smiles stopped and they looked hurt and disappointed. Too bad. We left– all the wiser!

Been here for quite a while. The staff is always upbeat and professional. With regards to another review, would you rather be at a place where the staff wasn’t energetic or excited about that they do?
This isn’t a cheap place. There are other studios that are cheaper. But what you get is the family atmosphere that can’t really be found anywhere else. If you want to go to a studio where you can get in and get out and learn a little dance but don’t want to pay a lot, you might want to go elsewhere. If you want to be taught by staff that consistently go to competitions to improve themselves, and they are excited about their craft, this is the place for you.

We’ve taken private lessons and gone to group classes for a few months now, and I really love this place. The positivity, the encouragement, the great instructors (who can teach even the least coordinated people — i.e., me), the other members, everything is great!
I would highly reccommend this studio for beginners.

We went to the Oceanside studio on Coast Highway.
Professional and accommodating staff.
We are in the military and the instructors knew all the right questions to ask to tailor the dance lesson (for our wedding) to very specific details. Everything from the uniform my fiancée would be wearing, the style of my dress, our dance experience, the song, the mood, etc. all played a part into their recommendations.
As the lesson went on the instructors adjusted our style to match what we were capable of and we felt like we were in very good hands and confident to dance at our wedding.
We had a good experience and it prompted us to think about other styles of dance to take lessons for, and to go back to the same studio and instructors for after the wedding just want to learn for fun.

My fiancé and I went here to inquire about learning a dance for our wedding.
We DID NOT enjoy the experience. Everyone was so overly friendly and energetic I thought they might be on drugs. After the 10 minute mini-​lesson so the instructor could see what level we were and how many lessons we needed, we were shuffled off into a small back room, and the top dog sales person was brought in to tell us that we needed their very expensive «customized» package which they clearly offer to all beginners. We were expected to sign up for $ 400 worth of classes without ever being allowed talk privately with each other.
Very pushy. At least the consultation was free.
If you need dance lessons go to
She is phenomenal and cared more about us than our money.