Fred Astaire Dance Studio Southport

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. Its not just weekly individual or couple lessons- its 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.

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 dont feel better, like we do.

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!

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.

Wonderful dance studio run by professionals who couldn’t be any more dedicated, patient or helpful. Would recommend for beginners to advanced (and people wanting to “brush up” on their dancing skills/experience).

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 Ive met. Henry has a never-ending patience and youll laugh as much as youll dance. Although they have been my dance instructors, theyve 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- youll fall in love with dancing, I wish I had started sooner. Theres 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, Im going to miss Monika and Henry. Thank you for shaping me into the dancer and person I am today.

Absolutely amazing dance studio!!! Its 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 couldnt recommend this dance studio anymore for anyone who want to learn how to dance. Theres also a new teacher whos going to start soon, David, and although I havent 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 dont know what Ill do when I go to College next year. Best of luck to all the soon to be dancers out there, Im 100 percent positive you will not regret giving Fred Astaire a try!!

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!!

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.

Henry and Monika are wonderful dance teachers. We love every minute of our lessons and have a blast learning how to dance. We started to learn for our first dance at our wedding and continued to take lesson after that. My husband never thought he could be so coordinated, but after a few lessons, we were dancing the rumba, salsa, cha cha, waltz, foxtrot, swing, & tango! The best part about it is being able to go to parties and weddings and being able to use what weve learned.

Fred Astaire Southport is so much fun!! Monika and Henry are very talented and accomplished competitive dancers who are wonderful teachers and fun people to be around.My fiance and I signed up to learn some dance moves for our wedding & first dance, but also just for the fun of learning how to dance together. Ive taken various types of dance lessons throughout life and my fiance loves to dance but had never taken a formal dance class. We started with the Introductory 2-Class Package and were instantly hooked!The dance class has brought my fiancé and I closer together as a couple. It teaches us to slow down and pay more attention to each other so that we can move in unison (on the dance floor and in life!). The dance studio is a relaxing and encouraging environment that is easy to learn in. The instructors and students share a no-nonsense attitude where learning is the key focus, but conversation & humor are not forgotten.I really like the fact that they offer private classes in addition to group classes and Friday night practice classes. We especially needed the one-on-one attention at first, but it was nice to learn additional moves in a group setting where we could also see students of higher skill levels.This class is a great workout for the body and mind! Students are encouraged to wear ballroom dance shoes (fancy and fun!) with soft suede soles. Shopping for ballroom dance shoes was very interesting, but breaking them is what we are looking forward to most! :)

Monika Barska at this studio is, based upon my experience, clearly the finest female instructor in this area. Im a competitive ballroom dancer and have tried numerous teachers, including leading professionals. Monika in my view is absolutely superior. She combines top expertise with joy, diligence and dedication to ballroom dance. Monika is the ideal teacher for male students at any level. Henry is an invaluable bonus, both in terms of classes and supplemental instruction. For women, he seems ideal to his students. All in all, its difficult to imagine a finer dance studio than Fred Astaire in Southport.-Jeff C.

Monika, Henry, and everyone at Fred Astaire Southport are professional, friendly, and knowledgeable for all levels of students. The atmosphere is fun and inviting. Its the best exercise that is well worth every penny. Cancel your gym membership and head over to Monika and Henrys!

Im not an experienced dancer by any means, but with the patience and skill of Monika and Henry Ive been able to take the first stumbling steps into a new world. The world of dance, where they know exactly what you can handle as the next step and will grow you into something from nothing and share many laughs and happy moments on the way there. This is THE place to go to, beginner or advanced - they know it all and know exactly how to teach and mold you into someone better (and sexier). What are you waiting for? Call them... Now!

Amazing place! The owners (Monika and Henry) are so welcoming and there’s little/no pressure. They make it fun and relaxed. It’s been such a bonding experience for my partner and I. Instead of eye contact over more food and drinks, we are burning calories and relaxing.I highly recommend them and I wish we could go more often!

Looking for something fun and different? This is it! Monica is a great teacher - she and Henry will get you ready for competition or just share some laughs as you cha cha the night away. The people you meet - very fun! If you are thinking about taking lessons - just so it!

Dance! Delightful, delectable, delicious . . . Im fifteen again, dancing with my man, who is learning to dance now, in our golden years. Second chances. It takes special skill for a couple to meld into one on the dance floor, one who danced all her life, and the other who never danced. Learn a new sport . . . from fabulous, fun and flexible teachers. If you love music, if you love rhythm, if you love the feeling of floating . . . then dance. Kudos to our instructors, Henry Skopp and Monika Barska at the Fred Astaire Studio at 3300 Post Road Southport, CT. Gail I and Tom C

My fiance and I love coming every week. The instructors are fantastically knowledgeable and we always have so much fun.