Fred Astaire Dance Studio Southport - Southport, Connecticut

Todd Joerchel

My wife and I began taking dance lessons in 2021 and it has been one of the best decisions we made. This has become a wonderful new hobby and we have made great new friends. The instructors Monika, Henry and Vlad are terrific. It's not just weekly individual or couple lessons- it's group classes, Friday night open dances, and parties every few months. If you want to learn something new, unwind from the stress of daily life, get in the best shape of your life, and, most of all, have fun- you should stop by for a visit. You will not regret it.

Allie Costanzo

My husband and I recently took dance lessons with Monika and Henry to prepare for our first dance and we loved it! Both dance instructors are highly skilled, patient, sociable, fun, and passionate. The dance studio is a very warm, welcoming, judge-free environment that is ideal for any skill-leveled dancer.

Neither one of us had ANY experience with dancing but didn’t want to do the bobbing wobble for our first dance. After reading all the great reviews about this dance studio, we decided to give it a shot. We live 20 minutes away, and although there are closer dance studios, working with Monika and Henry was definitely worth the drive. Right from the start, they listened to what we wanted and worked with us to actually teach us how to dance beyond just a routine. They started with the basics and then built on turns, spins, and more complicated steps. We wowed our guests at the wedding and received so many compliments after our first dance!

We liked our dance lessons so much that I signed up for father-daughter dance lessons with my Dad. He absolutely loved working with Henry and Monika as well, and wants to continue going to the dance studio with my step-mother. People are still talking about how much they liked our dance, and my father says it is something he will remember for the rest of his life.

Henry and Monika taught us how to actually dance, not just perform a routine. Knowing the basics and how to recover from a blunder (my dad liked making up his own moves!) really gave me confidence during both dancing while all eyes are on the bride. I highly recommend this dance studio for any lessons, beyond wedding preparation, but for all the brides out there – you definitely want to go here!

Mary Miller

My husband and I began taking private lessons here to prepare for our first dance at our wedding. It was a fantastic experience. Monika and Henry are both excellent instructors. They skillfully coached us on the proper steps and form, but also (and most importantly) on how to remain calm and enjoy ourselves. After about six lessons we had managed to learn the foxtrot well enough that we received many compliments on our first dance and were able to go ballroom dancing with confidence while on our honeymoon! We continue to take private lessons - just for fun - and are currently working on waltz and rumba. We would recommend this studio to anyone who is looking to learn a new hobby (or improve on some existing skills) and have a lot of fun while doing it.

Michael Costantino

Dancing at this studio is a warm and energizing experience for me (and for my wife). Monika & Henry (& Vlad) convey a real joy of dance, as well as always having the next technique ready to keep me improving. The vibe here is casual, and supportive of everybody... never competitive. And, the dance parties with bands and yummy foods are seasonal highlights for us. Come on in... try a few lessons and see if you don't feel better, like we do.

victoria Rafalo

Dance has changed my life and has shaped me into who I am today. It helped me build a relationship with myself, as someone who used to be very timid and shy, it has become a outlet. I would avoid situations that would involve social dancing, feeling too awkward and not understanding how to follow music. I have been dancing for 4 years, Henry and Monika have helped me every step of the way (pun intended), they are passionate about teaching dance and it radiates into all of their students. Monika has so much excitement, she polishes you to perfect but is one of the kindest people I've met. Henry has a never-ending patience and you'll laugh as much as you'll dance. Although they have been my dance instructors, they've supported me on and off the dance floor.
The studio is also a wholesome community who support each other the way a dance family does. I owe so much to everyone at Southport Fred Astaire. Monika helped me find internships as a student, and the competitions did wonders on my resume and college applications. For anyone considering ballroom dance- you'll fall in love with dancing, I wish I had started sooner. There's no better studio than Southport Fred Astaire. I will be going away for college and will have to put my lessons on pause, but I plan to continue in college, I'm going to miss Monika and Henry. Thank you for shaping me into the dancer and person I am today.

DownToTheBlue

Absolutely amazing dance studio!!! It's clean, well put together and spacious. The teachers are also unbelievable!!!! Monika is an amazing dancer, profoundly nice and a truly amazing teacher! She makes everything so fun and easy to understand!!! Henry is extremely nice and fun to talk to as well as another unbelievable teacher!! I really couldn't recommend this dance studio anymore for anyone who want to learn how to dance. There's also a new teacher who's going to start soon, David, and although I haven't taken a lesson with him, he is very friendly, nice and an absolutely fantastic dancer!! Fred Astaire of Southport has added so much fun to my life and I really don't know what I'll do when I go to College next year. Best of luck to all the soon to be dancers out there, I'm 100 percent positive you will not regret giving Fred Astaire a try!!

Spirited ballroom Dancer G (Spirited Ballrooom Dancer)

I began taking private lessons just a few short months ago at this fabulous studio. I look forward to my lessons all day and cannot wait to arrive at the studio each night to continue my evolving journey into the nuances of Latin Dance.
Henry is a patient, experienced, personable,supportive and knowledgeable instructor whose passion for dance is evident in his teaching and in the way he runs the studio. Both he and Monika are dedicated to making the students feel comfortable whether you are coming to learn to dance for a special occasion or to continue to grow your own craft or just have fun.
This studio is a gem! If you are in the area, this is most definitely the place to go and I could not recommend it more highly. I am so thrilled to have found this spectacular place. And now on to the dance!!

David C

I happened to stumble upon this Fred Astaire dance studio via a Livingsocial deal, but once I stepped foot inside, I quickly realized that I had found a gem of a studio. I had never danced formally before and the sight of a dance floor made me uncomfortable - this coming from someone who will be the first to try anything. So I signed myself up for a month long deal and I loved it. The way Henry and Monika teach the various dances allows a student like myself to pick up very quickly. I would highly recommend taking lessons here.