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Certified Instructors are hard to find. At Fred Astaire Dance Studio we provide the highest quality in instructors. There are no shortcuts. Our instructors train for 200 hours to become certified as a Beginner/Social Foundation teacher. They invest a thousand hours for each of the programs after that. You can see why it takes up to six years to become a fully certified instructor. Talent is not the only requisite for an instructor. Other traits such as patience, honesty, and character are major factors in the success or failure of an instructor. Many individuals just lack the discipline to make it; however, those who do are well respected in the dance world. If a studio claims to have certified instructors ask to see their credentials.
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Copy written material is another reason to join Fred Astaire Dance Studio. In ballroom there are the basic steps which we teach in our fundamental group classes or can be learned through the internet; however, after that we offer an exiting curriculum that is both challenging and fun. We refer to it as the conceptual method of teaching. Our advanced steps and techniques are patented and copy written. Every employee must sign a non compete work agreement in order to work at a Fred Astaire Dance Studio. If an instructor no longer works for Fred Astaire Dance Studio they agree not to use Fred Astaire material. If you are aware of a studio in violation of this you should report them immediately. There is a $100,000 fine attached to violators as well as loss of that little thing known as integrity!
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Lesson purchase vs. Program purchase or Steps vs. Technique. I would never pay to learn steps. Buy the DVD! But that’s what a lot of studios have to offer. They haven’t invested the time necessary to learn the proper technique themselves and their staff have bounced around from one town to another; therefore, that becomes their sales pitch, “No programs, No long term commitment!” They will overwhelm you with steps just to get your business and if your partner doesn’t know the same patterns that you learned then you just wasted a lot of time and money. At Fred Astaire Dance Studio we teach you “How to Dance”- not just steps, by showing you lead and follow techniques. Don’t be afraid of commitment. We are not afraid to commit to you!
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Enrollment Agreements are there to protect you. Every dance studio in the USA must be registered with that states Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This registration along with their business license is required to be displayed at the reception area. This Department monitors each studio to make sure that every customer is aware of how many lessons they are receiving and at what price. This is done through enrollment agreements, which were created so customers would not get ripped off. The Department of Consumer Services revises these agreements each year to ensure that you are fully aware of your rights. Be skeptical of any studio advertising “no contract” as a sales tactic. Without an agreement, if you cancel your lessons or if that studio goes out of business, you have no repercussion. If you are aware of a studio that is not using enrollment agreements report them to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service.
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Investment is a two way street. You should not be the only one making a financial commitment. At Fred Astaire Dance Studio the owners have invested over one million dollars into your facility and are constantly looking for ways to improve perfection. The property was purchased in 2000 and the building was designed and constructed as a dance studio. Other teachers may operate out of a rented space, but we are committed to you and are here to stay.
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Longevity goes hand and hand with success. As the saying goes, “You can’t learn a new language over night” and the same goes for dancing. Success happens through commitment. Fred Astaire Dance Studio has been committed to the community for over sixty three years and has resided in the panhandle of Northwest Florida for over twenty six of those years. We are committed to excellence and integrity. Our mission is to “Enrich the Life of Everyone Who Walks Through our Doors”
