West Coast Swing
What to expect
- Discover the exciting and constantly evolving dancing style of West Coast Swing in this drop-in-friendly, professionally-taught class
- Learn basic footwork that will improve your ability to rhythmically move and emotionally express yourself
- Enjoy getting a full-body workout as you break a sweat in a fun and engaging way
- Pick up skills that you'll want to bust out on dance floors for years to come
About this Activity
Then swing on over to this West Coast Swing dance class!
Led by an experienced dancer, you'll enjoy the focus of this class on a classic form of dance with some modern updates: West Coast Swing. You'll follow along to instructions that will lead you through a variety of basic twists, turns, moves, and motions that embody the excitement and fun expressive nature of West Coast Swing.
Plus, while you work your way through these engaging dance combinations, you'll also be getting in a great workout that will improve your coordination, flexibility, strength, and muscle tone all at the same time!
And just remember -- it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
Note: No partner necessary.
Key Highlights
Price | $20.00 per guest |
Duration / Session | 1 hour |
# Sessions | 1 |
Rating | 12 positive reviews |
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
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John O.
West Coast Swing December 25, 2016Great social activity and dancing is a great form of exercise.
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Andria L.
West Coast Swing September 25, 2016Love everything about Fred Astaire, my 2nd family!
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Joni A.
West Coast Swing June 6, 2016It is a fantastic place to learn to dance; build confidence, get fit, and meet some great people. The outstanding instructors make the learning fun; and become best coaches/mentors! The floor is exceptional for dancing/no stress on joints!!! Learning so many different types of dances here has changed my life!!!
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Andria L.
West Coast Swing June 1, 2016Fred Astaire has become my second home, my happy place, and my therapy. I love to dance but don't get to very often so I was searching for a studio where I could improve my swing dancing moves, but I got so much more. From day one, the staff was friendly and warm and very welcoming. I got a free introduction lesson and I was hooked! I've been dancing frequently in the past 3 months and have already graduated in our intermediate level in 8 different dances. Forrest is my private instructor and he has taught me so much in the last 3 months. I even felt comfortable enough to attend a formal ballroom dancing event in Catalina with my new Fred Astaire Family. I highly recommend this dance studio for all level dancers. I have already brought my entire family to join!
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Tiffany L.
West Coast Swing August 26, 2015We came here 10 days before our wedding and needed a routine for our first dance. Our instructor went above and beyond our expectations and choreographed a dance for which we received so many compliments. We were able to take extra classes on very short notice, especially with no previous dance experience for either of us.
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Ed C.
West Coast Swing April 25, 2015Came here Friday for a Do Something Blue event not knowing how to dance, and left knowing how to soul dance and slow dance. There was an event here with a dance lesson from 9-10pm, then open dance floor from 10pm-1am. Awesome atmosphere, and very friendly and energetic crowd with all ages.
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Aron K.
West Coast Swing September 29, 2014We came to this dance studio without any prior knowledge of any dance. We did not even know what 'box' was, nor did we know that there are many type of dances. We came there to learn 'some sort of dance' so that we don't make a fool of ourselves during the First Dance at our wedding.
The first time we went there, Jennifer gave us complimentary lesson.
At that time, we were comparing at least 2 other dance studios. What made us choose Fred Astaire at Pasadena was because of the following reasons:
1. Jennifer was very friendly. We did not feel that we were judged for knowing nothing about dance
2. JD, the customer relation manager, was very clear on the packages that they have
3. They were not pushy
4. Somehow, we felt they genuinely have passion in teaching people how to dance compared to the other dance studios we visited.
We bought their wedding dance package. One thing we liked about their wedding package is that it includes unlimited group lesson. We attended a lot of their group lesson, and we learned many different types of dances: waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, cha-cha, swing..... even 'more advanced' dance: lindy hop, argentine tango, salsa, vienesse waltz, etc......... not saying that we master everything now.... hahaha...
Anyway, one thing that we like the most is that, we sign up thinking that the teacher will come up with a set of dance moves that fit our song of choice. However, they taught us the foundation and gave us the freedom to compose our very own dance moves based on many moves we learned from different group lessons.
Right about half of our package, Jennifer had to leave us. So, we got another friendly instructor, Alex. He is also very friendly. He added a few more advance moves... such as the dip & spin. He was also pointed out a lot of minor technical detail to make our dance looks pro!!.... including arms, hands, dance floor size, awareness of camera direction, as well as leaving enough time for the 'cool' moves so that the photographer can take a good shot at it.
As the result of all of these, we managed to execute a presentable first dance that we can be proud of. More importantly, we can now do some basic moves of a variety of dances and have confidence doing so.
For the full dance, visit:
youtube.com/watch?v=w2kk…
Song: A thousand years, by Christina Perri
We tried to include 3 different timing in our dance: hesitation, canter time, and on-beat... (or whatever it is called). Some of the canter time step was not perfect since I have to dodge her big dress a lot =)
By no means it is perfect. But, we did it without falling!! Yay! -
Stephanie A.
West Coast Swing September 28, 2014My fiancé and I went here to learn a dance for our first dance at our wedding. We didn't want to just wing it like you did at school dances--we wanted to be confident and prepared for when all eyes are on us at our wedding. Amy helped take that fear away and we are both really confident to go up there and dance for our first time as husband and wife on October 3rd. Thanks Amy!
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Jason J.
West Coast Swing May 21, 2014My previous dance studio went out of business so after taking a break from it, I decided to go looking again, and I found Fred Astaire Dance Studio. I had several good first impressions.
The Space
The studio is pretty large with several different areas to dance. My previous studio was a little cramped and after dancing here, I realize size matters! My Fox Trot has really improved just from having the ability to travel around much farther. There is the main dance floor, a dance area to the side for slightly more private lessons, and then my favorite space, which is upstairs. I called it the "New York Loft" because that's what it reminds me of. It has brick walls with an open ceiling that exposes large beams. Between the beams, skylights let in natural light. It is quiet and away from the busyness of the rest of the studio. I love to just go up there and practice, play my music loud, and have fun. Back downstairs, there's a little area for small children to hang out and play or watch movies. My son likes to sit out on the couches on the main floor and play video games or just watch the other dancers. As a guy I've noticed there are 3 women's restrooms and 1 men's room lol. And there may be more I haven't found yet.
The Instructors
There are a lot of instructors around and I know I haven't met them all. There are also instructors who just rent space there. The ones I have met are all very professional and courteous. I've taken a few group classes and you never know who is going to be teaching them, but so far that hasn't been an issue. They are all skilled teachers. My instructor, Melissa, is great. She is warm and cheerful, and we always have a lot of fun during our lessons. We laugh a lot but also get a lot done. Since I had previous experience at another studio, she was able to take me through the entire social foundation curriculum in about 6 lessons and I passed the check out with no problem. Mostly I appreciate that the instructors listen to what I want to do and don't pressure me or impose on me things I do not want to do.
The Curriculum and Culture
The studio follows the standard Fred Astaire curriculum (Fred Astaire is a chain of studios). They teach the standard ballroom dances of Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot, Swing, Cha Cha, and Rumba, along with other advanced variations of those, such as Viennese Waltz or Mambo. They adhere to a philosophy that each of the basic six contribute to a student's foundation of dance and they encourage you to learn them all. They also have a three-tiered approach of private instruction, group lessons, and practice lessons. The practice lessons are very helpful; the instructor plays DJ and you dance the entire song in a certain style, practicing what you just learned in the group lesson. My previous studio didn't have this and I find that my dancing has improved because of these practice lessons. Something that was different with Fred Astaire was the notion of "Social Foundation", which is a step they have inserted before Bronze I. It's really designed to get you out and dancing in social situations, with not a lot of emphasis on technique or a lot of pressure to "get it right".
They frequently have parties there and because the space is so great, a lot of other organizations rent it out for events. For example, my wife and I have done Third Saturday Swing together, and that was a blast.
As expected, they have the showcases, competitions, outings, etc. that are all a part of being a dance studio. I haven't participated much in these as of yet, but from the pictures, it looks like everyone is have a great time.
Pricing Structure
The studio sells "units", which include an individual instruction, a group class, and a practice lesson. You can also enroll in a program that allows you to have two private lessons a month, and then unlimited access to group classes and practices lessons (and the loft!). You can buy just group classes if you like, which is what I did at first just to get a feel for the studio and if I would like it there. You can also buy private lessons a la carte. So there are a lot of different options and I've found they are willing to work with you.
Summary
So far I have very much enjoyed my time at Fred Astaire and I plan to continue. The teachers are great, the space itself is great, the parties are fun, and the dance instruction is top notch. -
B F.
West Coast Swing May 20, 2014Have you ever tried those dance lessons in college that had you sharing the dance floor with hundreds of your classmates? Yeah, those sucked didn't they? You feel lost and if you don't see any appreciable improvement you say to yourself you'll try another time.
Well this place is where I finally found dance to be fun and not a chore. Yeah five years ago I could tell you I would never do such a thing and love it. Fred Astaire Pasadena changed things.
You get a great one on one teacher. For me, I have the privilege of Melissa Shahin guiding me through my development in dance. If looks are a factor you will not be disappointed! ;)
Be a cool cat for once in your life and get away from the wall you wallflower!
Learn how to dance. It's fun and gets you to add a new dimension to your life.
Cheers! -
Nadira C.
West Coast Swing December 25, 2013Highly recommend Fred Astaire Dance Studio Pasadena, their management , staff and teachers are caring , professional with high skill and knowledge . When you come to this dance studio you will be sure that you are in good hands.
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Alex W.
West Coast Swing August 6, 2013Great place to dance at!