Dance Lessons in Glenvar Heights

The consortium of professional instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, 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.

The consortium of professional instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, 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.

Alexandra Lenis, who has danced with the Mid Eastern Dance Exchange since 2001, has a passion for honoring both the art and culture of belly dancing. Within her 1,000-square-foot studio safe, she and her team of talented instructors cultivate a non-competitive group atmosphere where dancers, regardless of their skill level, can learn and practice the proper techniques and postures for shimmies and rolls. The sound system sets the mood with Middle-Eastern music as students use veils and finger cymbals while sashaying across the shock-absorbent dance floor.

Lenis and her crew also lead Latin-inspired Zumba classes, which are more focused on keeping heart rates up than teaching precise hip swivels that can charm snakes out of their hiding spots in wicker baskets or seemingly innocuous cans of mixed nuts.

The specialists at Dance Express XD Performing Arts Center lead programs for 2- to 20-year-olds, drawing from a catalogue that spans the style gamut. In addition to helming classes such as jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, and cheerleading, the experienced team cultivates a familial atmosphere designed to help participants boost confidence levels and synchronicity.

In addition to classes, the studio puts on an annual June recital that casts anyone who wants to participate regardless of skill level. To encourage further involvement outside of courses, instructors motivate their protégés to try out for the competitive team, plan costume themes for spirit week, and choreograph tap-dance renditions of their favorite Morse-code fairy tales. The team also provides a waiting room monitor for parents interested in observing classroom routines.

Calling on experience gleaned on stages from Broadway to Istanbul, the multicultural staff of CooLAM Dance Studio powers a diverse selection of dance and fitness classes. Like the secret ninth Ivy League school, CooLAM is literally open to anyone—its name is a derivative of the Hebrew word for "everybody." Whether dabbling in dance for fun or seeking intense pre-professional training, adults and children aged 3 and older can register for group or private classes covering 18 disciplines. Depending on which class they choose, students might entrust their feet with such instructors as Sonic, an Israeli-born hip-hop and break dancer who has worked with Rihanna and Kanye West, or SusiQ, a salsa instructor who discovered the dance style in Cuba and eventually taught it all over Europe. CooLAM also boasts an eclectic array of event services, which equip parties with basic DJ and décor services and extra entertainment that ranges from face-painting and pony rides to a mechanical bull and auctioneer karaoke.