Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Mequon

I started dancing/​training at the studio with my instructor/​partner, Mr. James (he’s the best!), for an upcoming dancing fundraiser in Ozaukee County and am having a blast! I’m having a fantastic experience and a great workout too. The owner, Ms. Elke, and the entire staff are terrific and really patient with beginners like me! I’d definite recommend this studio for anyone who wants to try something new or refresh some rusty skills.

If you have any interest in the world of ballroom dance, Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Mequon is THE place to be.
My story-​my husband dragged me into the studio a few years ago to brush up on our dancing before a cruise. I didn’t want to go. I loved music and dancing (by myself, in the kitchen) but I did not want anyone watching me dance, much less critiquing! Long story short: we had a great instructor, we learned a ton, we went on the cruise, danced our waltz, foxtrot, rumba, hustle and chacha and had a blast!
The instructors are definitely the most important asset of the studio. They are friendly, positive and patient, which is important since most new students come into the studio not knowing what to expect and doubting their ability to dance. You say you can’t move to music, you have two left feet, you can’t feel the rhythm? No problem. These instructors are well trained and can move you past your self-​imposed limitations. They did it for me.
The studio itself is a bright and inviting space. Easy to find and easy parking. My criticisms are that the floor is a little small for the smooth dances which move around the room. There is no secondary ballroom for things like group classes.
What to expect at a first lesson? You will have a private lesson, either one-​on-​one with an instructor, or two-​on-​one if you are a couple. Your lesson is «private» even though there will be others on the dance floor. You will be introduced to the basic steps of a few different dances. I have had many friends take an introductory lesson, and I always tell them that at the end of the lesson, the teacher will ask if they would like to purchase more dance lessons, after all, that is what they do, they sell dance lessons! If you want to buy lessons, go ahead. If not, politely say no thanks. You should not feel pressured to purchase lessons. Go home and think about it.
The cost? I have heard complaints that the lessons are unusually expensive. However, in my experience, the prices charged are in line with what I have paid for other private, professional services. The studio offers some nice «bargains.» They offer a special lesson which entitles you to one private lesson in a week, along with as many group classes as you would like to attend during that week. Another offering is their guest program. Bring a guest (a friend) into the studio for an introductory lesson and you will be rewarded with a free lesson! I have earned several lessons through the guest program. The studio likes to offer the lessons in packages. Some may not like this, but I don’t mind. I like having lessons «in the bank», and drawing on them when I need them. To be fair, you can spend a lot of money on ballroom dancing, especially if you enter the competitive world, which involves purchasing ballroom costumes, shoes, and paying entry fees at competitions.
A word about weddings. One of my favorite things is to see engaged couples do a practice performance of the dance they plan to do at their wedding. I saw a couple do this recently. They looked great together. Then they told me they had only taken four lessons! Their instructor, Monica, obviously did an excellent job with them. FADS Mequon does a wonderful job with their wedding program, from my point of view anyway.

Taking dance lessons has been worth every penny spent!