Education & Classes in Fredonia

The consortium of professional instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, which was cofounded by the legendary toe tapper himself, shepherds students of all ages and skill levels through lessons that span the style spectrum. Low-pressure private sessions allow enthusiastic teachers to fine-tune individual students' techniques and form, using their expert eyes and mechanical dancing shoes preprogrammed to do the Charleston. Patrons can learn how to cavort through classic waltz and fox-trot romps or swivel through the modern steps of salsa, swing, or samba. For dancers hoping to hoof it up in a social setting, the group practice parties provide a one-night extravaganza of instruction, demonstrations, and amateur firewalking.

From May to October, the white sails of keelboats dot the waters along the shore of Lake Erie. There, head instructor Captain Pierre Wallinder leads the ASA-certified staff of Sail Buffalo Sailing School in a handful of courses to demystify the art of wind navigation. Watchful instructors help students earn their basic keelboat certification, explore the nuances of the lake's waters, or learn to properly recite passages from Moby Dick from the bow of a ship. Tender-footed youths can take part in nautical day camps that teach kids both the basics of sailing and fundamental lessons in teamwork and organization.