About Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Red Bank
Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Red Bank, NJ, is dedicated to enriching lives through the transformative power of dance. The studio offers a warm and nurturing environment that encourages both beginners and experienced dancers to thrive. Students appreciate the world-class instruction from professional dancers, including talented instructors Sergiy and Marina, who joined the studio from Ukraine and bring exceptional experience and expertise. The studio is especially popular for wedding dance choreography, with couples expressing their happiness with the personalized attention and creativity that Sergiy and Marina provide. Students find their lessons enjoyable and engaging, often remarking how quickly time flies while dancing. With a strong focus on building skills and fostering a passion for dance, the studio also promotes physical and emotional health, making it a great place to connect with partners and improve social lives. Under the guidance of the new studio manager, Kate, Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Red Bank continues to be a top choice for anyone looking to explore the joy of dance.
Fred Astaire Red Bank is a special place. I started dancing when I received a gift certificate for a milestone birthday, and although I always loved social dancing I had no ballroom dance experience. It didn't occur to me at the time that dancing would become such a big part of my social life, but years later my lessons and the social activities the studio holds are still what I look forward to most every week. Frankly, with the current pandemic, even the studios Zoom classes were the highlights of my week and helped preserve my sanity. Of course now I'm thrilled that the studio has reopened for in person lessons! Red Bank's owner, Sasha Barakov, is a truly fabulous instructor, an amazing dancer AND a bit of a comedian too. I love being part of the FADS Red Bank family and if you've ever wanted to learn to dance or wish to come back to dancing you should join us!
I have been dancing for 23 years, at least 15 have been with Fred Astaire Red Bank. I started dancing to help me get through a difficult time in my life. I got so much more than I could have ever imagined. I have met really wonderful people and having Sasha Barakov as my instructor is the icing on the cake. Not only is Sasha a fabulous instructor and dancer, I really appreciate his professionalism and his sense of humor. I cannot imagine not dancing. To me, a day without dancing is like a day without sunshine. The staff at FADS Red Bank is very welcoming and most accommodating. Kudos to Lindsey and Juan!!! Our group classes are fun and we’re having a ball preparing for our showcases. So what are you waiting for?? Come....join us. Dancing is for everyone...singles and couples. All are welcome at FADS Red Bank. Hope to see there!
So I wrote the Review below back in February 2019 and I wanted to update it. Editing that Review by adding my current Google Review to it is the only way I could figure out how! So here it is! UPDATED REVIEW AUGUST 2023: So I have now been dancing at the studio for five years and I figured I would update my review since things have changed. I used to take lessons and dance with Sasha but he has now moved into his role as business owner full time. So about a year ago, Sergiy and Marina joined our Red Bank studio from Ukraine. (And Kate moved over to our studio as our new studio manager.) I have always loved being at the studio and taking my lessons but now?!? Honestly, it’s kind of insane to be able to dance with the caliber of Pros that we now have at Fred Astaire Red Bank. Take some time and look up Sergiy and Marina and their background. You would be hard-pressed to find better international dancers anywhere in the state and it’s kind of mind blowing that we have such easy access to their experience and expertise. (Never mind the fact that they’re just awesome people!!) And Kate, as the new studio manager, brings a level of experience and professionalism that we have not had before. So I definitely still recommend FADS Red Bank….now more than ever before! ============================= ORIGINAL REVIEW IN FEBRUARY 2019: I am approaching my one-year anniversary of dance lessons with Sasha Barakov at Fred Astaire of Red Bank and it's been an awesome experience. One thing I've learned is that people take lessons for all different reasons, like preparing for a first dance at a wedding or using it as bonding time as a couple or wanting to build on a love of dance they've always had, etc. But I was the person who was so uncomfortable out on the dance floor that she'd disappear to the bathroom or bar when everyone else went out to dance! So, learning to dance was kind of a bucket list thing for me and I finally just decided to go for it. Best. Decision. Ever. While I'm sure taking dance lessons as a couple would be cool too, I have to say that dancing with a professional has been so much fun and it makes you feel pretty bad a$$. :) Speaking of the professionals....I can't say enough about Sasha and the entire staff at Fred Astaire of Red Bank (shout out to Lindsey). Sasha is so very talented - both as a dancer and instructor. In addition, the entire staff goes out of their way to accommodate their students and they've worked really hard at building a warm and welcoming environment. And they've succeeded in creating a super positive and family atmosphere over there. They focus on each individual, figuring out what that student wants to get out of the experience and they also provide lots of optional opportunities to supplement your private lessons - like group classes, parties, and other social events. I even have both my son and daughter (who are in their late teens) now taking lessons because knowing how to dance is a life skill! They love it! So, if you're on the fence about dance lessons, go for it. And from personal experience, taking those lessons at Fred Astaire of Red Bank (in Tinton Falls!) is a great choice!