1947
180
$200,000
$30,000
$400,000
No
Fred Astaire Dance Studios is one of America’s most iconic and enduring dance brands, blending timeless elegance with a modern business model. Since its founding in 1947 by legendary dancer Fred Astaire, the brand has become synonymous with passion, grace, and community. Today, Fred Astaire Dance Studios offers aspiring entrepreneurs a proven franchise opportunity built on over seven decades of experience, global recognition, and a powerful legacy in dance education.
With more than 180 locations across the United States and international markets, the franchise provides both financial and emotional rewards. Franchisees not only run a profitable business but also play a meaningful role in transforming lives—helping students discover confidence, fitness, joy, and self-expression through dance. Backed by world-class systems, continuous training, and robust marketing support, Fred Astaire Dance Studios is a franchise that marries artistry with entrepreneurship.
Investing in a Fred Astaire Dance Studios franchise means joining a brand that blends cultural prestige with operational excellence. As an investor, you gain access to:
A Legacy of Excellence: The Fred Astaire name carries instant recognition, credibility, and trust built over 75+ years.
Recession-Resilient Industry: The dance and personal enrichment sector continues to grow as Americans prioritize fitness, lifestyle experiences, and personal development.
Comprehensive Business Model: A streamlined structure combining retail, education, and event-based revenue streams—ideal for multi-unit ownership or first-time franchisees.
Multiple Income Avenues: From private and group dance lessons to weddings, social dance events, and competitions, franchisees benefit from a steady, diversified income flow.
Proven Marketing Systems: National campaigns, local marketing templates, and digital resources help drive consistent lead generation and brand awareness.
Strong Community Impact: The brand promotes positive lifestyles, wellness, and connection—making ownership personally fulfilling and socially rewarding.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios was founded in 1947 by the world-famous dancer, singer, and actor Fred Astaire, whose name became synonymous with style, grace, and rhythm. After achieving global fame through Hollywood’s golden era, Astaire envisioned a way to share his passion for dance with the world—by making professional ballroom and social dance instruction accessible to everyone, not just the elite. That vision became reality when the first Fred Astaire Dance Studio opened its doors in New York City.
Over the decades, the franchise expanded rapidly, inspiring generations of dancers and entrepreneurs alike. By the 1960s, Fred Astaire Dance Studios had already become a national presence, setting the gold standard for dance education in America. Today, the company operates over 180 locations across the United States and has established international studios in Canada, Europe, and Asia, making it one of the most respected names in the global dance community.
The franchise operates under Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios International, Inc., with headquarters in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Its training systems, dance syllabus, and teaching methods have been refined over 75 years of experience, ensuring every studio delivers exceptional instruction and consistent quality. The organization is deeply involved in professional ballroom competitions, teacher certification programs, and social dance events, giving the brand an unmatched presence in both the consumer and competitive dance markets.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios belongs to the arts, fitness, and lifestyle franchise industry, positioning itself uniquely at the intersection of entertainment, education, and wellness. The brand has built a loyal community of students and instructors who believe in the transformative power of dance—to improve confidence, physical health, relationships, and overall happiness.
Beyond its legacy, Fred Astaire Dance Studios continues to innovate. With modern curriculum updates, digital tools for scheduling and student engagement, and a strong online brand presence, the franchise combines tradition with contemporary appeal. Whether it’s preparing a couple for their first wedding dance, training competitive dancers, or helping individuals rediscover confidence through movement, the brand’s mission remains true to its founder’s vision:
“To enrich lives—one step, one dance, one student at a time.”
Fred Astaire Dance Studios is dedicated to ensuring franchisee success through an unparalleled support system that starts before opening day and continues throughout ownership.
Pre-Launch Support:
Guidance in site selection, lease negotiation, and studio design to create an inviting and functional environment.
Comprehensive startup planning including project timelines, vendor relationships, and local launch strategy.
Assistance with grand opening promotions and local media exposure to build brand awareness from day one.
Initial Training:
An extensive five-week onboarding program at the corporate headquarters, covering operations, instruction methods, customer service, and studio management.
Dance curriculum training by certified professionals to maintain brand standards and teaching consistency.
Ongoing Support:
Dedicated field consultants offering operational guidance and business reviews.
Continuous marketing and lead generation support, including access to the brand’s national advertising initiatives and digital marketing toolkit.
Regular regional meetings, conventions, and professional competitions for networking, skill enhancement, and recognition.
Access to business coaching and financial management resources to maximize studio performance.
With this level of training and partnership, even franchisees with little to no dance background can confidently run a successful operation.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios is perfect for individuals who are passionate about people, performance, and personal development. You don’t need to be a dancer to own a Fred Astaire franchise—but you do need leadership skills, energy, and a love for helping others succeed.
Ideal candidates include:
Entrepreneurs seeking a community-oriented and emotionally rewarding business.
Investors looking for a proven, system-driven model with recurring revenue.
Former educators, fitness professionals, or event organizers interested in personal enrichment industries.
Couples or partnerships passionate about building lifestyle-based businesses.
Key Attributes:
Strong interpersonal and management skills.
Commitment to maintaining high teaching and service standards.
Ability to invest both financially and personally into long-term brand growth.
Preferred location in suburban or urban areas with high foot traffic and a diverse community base.
| Category | Estimated Range / Details | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Total Initial Investment | $200,000 – $400,000 | Covers all startup costs, including franchise fee, studio buildout, furniture, mirrors, sound systems, décor, signage, and initial working capital. |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $100,000 – $150,000 | Recommended available cash or assets to secure financing and support early operations. |
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 – $40,000 | Grants exclusive rights to operate under the Fred Astaire Dance Studios brand within an approved territory. |
| Royalty Fee | 7% of Gross Sales | Ongoing royalty payment that provides access to corporate support, brand name, and curriculum updates. |
| National Marketing Fund | 2% of Gross Sales | Contributes to national advertising, brand awareness campaigns, and digital marketing efforts. |
| Studio Size Required | 2,000 – 3,000 sq. ft. | Ideal studio size for dance instruction, private lessons, group classes, and social dance parties. |
| Leasehold Improvements | $60,000 – $120,000 | Includes flooring, lighting, studio mirrors, soundproofing, and signage to create a professional dance environment. |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) | $25,000 – $50,000 | Covers essential furnishings, audio systems, seating, décor, and office equipment. |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $10,000 – $20,000 | Advertising, local PR, launch events, and online promotions to drive awareness in your community. |
| Working Capital (3 Months) | $30,000 – $50,000 | Funds to cover payroll, rent, utilities, and operational expenses during the first few months of operation. |
| Break-Even Period | 18 – 24 Months | Most franchisees reach operational break-even within 1.5 to 2 years depending on market and management. |
| Average Annual Revenue (Mature Studios) | $400,000 – $800,000+ | Varies by location size, instructor experience, and customer volume. |
| Expected ROI | 15% – 25% annually | Typical range for successful franchisees with consistent marketing and operational performance. |
| Revenue Streams | Private Lessons, Group Classes, Competitions, Merchandise, Events | Multiple recurring income sources ensure stability and growth potential. |
