Cofounded by the legendary Fred Astaire,our studios set the standard of excellence in dance instruction. From Ballroom to Latin to Swing to Salsa, we offer all styles of dance lessons for all ages and abilities in a fun atmosphere.
We are proud of our great dance heritage which began in 1947 when the Master of Dance himself, Mr. Fred Astaire, cofounded our company.
Mr. Fred Astaire, an American icon, wanted to establish a chain of studios under his name to make sure that his techniques would be preserved and passed onto the public. Mr. Astaire was instrumental in the choice of dance curriculum and instructional techniques. With the opening of the first Fred Astaire Studio on Park Avenue in New York City, Fred Astaire brought his immense talent out of the glamour of Hollywood and onto the dance floors of America and the world.
“Some people seem to think that good dancers are born,” Astaire once observed, “but all the good dancers I have known are taught or trained. To me, dancing has always been fun. I enjoy every minute of it. I am glad that I can now put my knowledge to use in bringing personal confidence and a feeling of achievement to so many people.”
Today, numerous Fred Astaire Dance Franchised Studios, located in cities throughout North America, are required to maintain the highest standards of excellence through our National Dance Board and Fred Astaire Curriculum certification. Although Mr. Astaire is no longer with us in person, our studios have produced a wealth of amateur and professional dancers who are a living embodiment of his style and grace.
Athletics is where it all begins. Learning to run, push, jump and throw is the foundation for a lifetime of activity.
From playground to podium our sport offers everybody, irrespective of size, shape, colour or ability, the opportunity to achieve great things and to live a healthier and happier life.
Our dream is that no matter who you are you can find potential in our sport as part of an inclusive, physically active nation. We believe that every child should be able to see themselves succeeding in athletics, on the podium, or in a lifelong love of the sport and as part of the community.
Athletics is the most accessible sport, and we must continue to remove every barrier that we can improving people’s lives through athletics, running, and pushing. Race, gender, ability, background and culture should be no barrier to thriving in Athletics.
UK Athletics delivers the showcase moments that drive and enable participation at every level enabling everybody to achieve their best potential. The World Class Programme is just one part of our portfolio of work, but the opportunity that it provides to drive participation and engagement must be maximised and that is our role.
UK Athletics is embarking upon a new era, a new way of working and a new strategic plan. There is a clear purpose which drives us all, in partnership with the CEOs of the Home Country Athletics Federations to ensure that Athletics in the UK has a positive impact on society.