Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Information based on 2024 FDD

Recreation & Entertainment · Dance Studio

Investment min
$218K
Total: $218K–$2M
Avg gross revenue
N/A
Unit-level, 2024
Franchise fee
$40K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
50%
of gross revenue
Locations
31
Franchising since 1995

Description

What is Fred Astaire Dance Studios?

Fred Astaire Dance Studios represents an iconic brand in the dance instruction industry, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to own a business that transforms lives through the art of dance. Founded in 1993, this franchise has established itself as a premier destination for ballroom dance instruction, carrying forward the legacy of its namesake, the legendary Fred Astaire.

The business model combines professional dance instruction with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that caters to students of all skill levels – from complete beginners to advanced dancers. Studios offer a comprehensive range of dance styles including ballroom, Latin, social dancing, and wedding dance preparation. What sets Fred Astaire Dance Studios apart is their proprietary teaching method and exceptional customer experience, creating an inclusive environment where students become part of a supportive dance community.

Franchise owners benefit from a proven business system that includes comprehensive training, marketing support, and ongoing operational guidance. The studios typically feature spacious dance floors, elegant facilities, and professional lighting and sound systems. Beyond traditional dance lessons, franchisees can generate multiple revenue streams through group classes, private instruction, special events, and dance competitions.

This franchise opportunity is ideal for entrepreneurs who are passionate about enriching their community through dance, whether they have dance experience or not. The business model emphasizes both artistic excellence and strong customer service, creating an environment where students can achieve their dancing goals while building lasting relationships. With dance remaining a timeless form of exercise, social interaction, and artistic expression, Fred Astaire Dance Studios continues to grow as a leader in dance instruction across the country.
  • 30+ years proven dance expertise
  • Premium ballroom dance instruction brand
  • Multiple revenue stream opportunities
  • Wedding market specialization focus
  • Established instructor training systems
  • Health and wellness positioning

Location Analysis

Where Fred Astaire Dance Studios wins

Fred Astaire Dance Studios, established in 1993, has built a strategic presence across multiple states with widespread coverage. The franchise demonstrates strong regional concentration in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, with notable presence in states like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, reflecting successful penetration in markets with strong cultural appreciation for dance and performing arts.

The franchise maintains an exceptional customer satisfaction rating based on thousands of customer reviews, demonstrating consistently high service quality and customer satisfaction. This performance metric is particularly impressive within the recreation sector and indicates effective standardization of teaching methods and customer experience across locations.

Market analysis reveals significant expansion opportunities, particularly in the Western and Southern United States where coverage is currently more limited. States like California and Texas show strong potential for further growth, with room for additional market penetration. Ideal locations typically include upper-middle-income areas with populations exceeding 100,000, proximity to cultural centers, and demographics skewing toward both young professionals and active adults.

Strategic positioning near complementary businesses such as fitness centers, performing arts venues, and upscale retail districts has proven successful. The franchise's three-decade history and strong customer satisfaction metrics suggest a robust business model that performs well in metropolitan areas with strong disposable income and cultural engagement.
Total US locations
31
Franchise units
31
Corporate locations
0
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

Loading map...

Territory check

Is your territory available?

Let's find out.

try

We'll take you through a few quick questions, then Fred Astaire Dance Studios confirms availability directly.

Availability

Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Fred Astaire Dance Studios

Avg gross revenueN/A
Investment range$218,300 – $1,616,550
Investment midpoint$917,425
Brand fund0%
Royalty50%
Franchise fee$40,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Fred Astaire Dance Studios requires an investment range of $218,300 to $1,616,550, positioning it as a premium franchise opportunity within the dance studio sector. This investment significantly exceeds the sub-sector average range of $144,792 to $934,600, reflecting the brand's established market position and comprehensive studio setup requirements. The wide investment range suggests varying studio sizes and market configurations, with higher-end investments likely supporting larger facilities in prime locations.

The recreation industry benefits from growing consumer focus on health, wellness, and experiential spending. Dance studios particularly capitalize on multiple revenue streams including wedding preparation, social dancing, fitness programs, and competitive training. The brand's emphasis on ballroom and social dance appeals to affluent demographics seeking premium instruction and social experiences.

With 31 units established since 1993, the franchise demonstrates moderate system maturity and selective growth. This smaller network may indicate careful market selection and higher operational standards, though it also suggests limited brand recognition compared to larger franchise systems. The 30-year operational history provides franchisor experience and proven business model validation.

Ideal investors should possess substantial liquid capital given the premium investment requirements and likely need experience in service-oriented businesses or strong management capabilities. The business model requires skilled instruction staff and appeals to specific demographic segments, making market research crucial. Territory exclusivity and demographic density become critical factors for investment viability in this specialized market segment.
Did you know? Starting a Fred Astaire Dance Studios franchise requires a total investment between $218,300 and $1,616,550, which includes the $40,000 franchise fee plus all startup costs for your elegant ballroom studio where you'll teach everything from romantic waltzes to sultry tangos, with the wide cost range reflecting factors like studio size, prime location expenses, and the level of luxury finishes needed to create that classic Fred Astaire sophistication.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$218K–$2M
Most common
$218,300
Minimum
$917,425
Midpoint
$1,616,550
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $218,300 to $1,616,550. The midpoint $917,425 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$800K$640K$480K$320K$160KN/A
$681K
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$227K
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
-100%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Fred Astaire Dance Studios has average gross revenue data in our records. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

-86% YoY
250200150100500
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
31 units open as of 2024 FDD-194 in last 12 mo

2024 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Fred Astaire Dance Studios's 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2024 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Fred Astaire Dance Studios franchise typically ranges between $218,300.00 and $1,616,550.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios
Fred Astaire Dance Studios
N/A avg revenue · 31+ US franchises

Franchises for you

Other brands in the same vertical and investment band — recommendations based on what you've explored.

Spotlight

Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Another Nine

Recreation & Entertainment

Gross Revenue$287,752
Min Investment$310,205
Founded2023
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

GolfTRK

Recreation & Entertainment

Gross Revenue$389,393
Min Investment$398,743
Founded2023
Franchise Units5+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Conquer Padel Club

Recreation & Entertainment

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$1,071,200
Founded2024
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

The Local Drive

Recreation & Entertainment

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$517,600
Founded2024
Franchise Units2+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Cork and Candles

Recreation & Entertainment

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$283,807
Founded2023
Franchise Units5+
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Replay Sports Cards

Recreation & Entertainment

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$253,250
Founded2024
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

Slidr

Recreation & Entertainment

Gross RevenueN/A
Min Investment$151,850
Founded2016
Franchise UnitsN/A
Franchisor Image
Franzy Verified

The Back Nine

Recreation & Entertainment

Gross Revenue$237,240
Min Investment$307,050
Founded2023
Franchise Units190+