Fred Astaire Dance Studios Interview Questions
& Process

So first you gotta apply, right? Submit your resume, headshot, dance reel, and if you got a portfolio, that too. Make sure that resume lists all your training, what you've done, and what styles you're good at like ballet, hip-hop, or contemporary. Then, there's this pre-screening chat, could be phone or video, with the casting person or choreographer. They'll ask about your background, how you were trained, if you can travel or tour, and if you even get what the show is about. Next up is the actual audition, live or video. You'll do some choreographed stuff, maybe gotta do it from memory. Sometimes they want you to improvise or freestyle, depends on the role. They're looking at your technique, how you express yourself, your musicality, and if you can roll with the punches. If they like you, you get called back for round two. This means learning more dances, doing them with others, and showing you're versatile. Might even chat with the main creative folks. Then you'll probably talk with the choreographer or director. This is where you discuss what they expect, the contract details, when rehearsals are, and your future plans. They wanna see if you fit the vibe and if you're professional. Some companies might want a physical check-up to make sure you're healthy enough for all the dancing. If all goes well, you get an offer and sign the contract. It'll lay out the money, rehearsal times, show dates, and all that jazz. Lastly, there's onboarding and orientation, where you meet the crew, see the studio, and go over safety rules and company stuff.

The interview process mostly looks at your people skills. They want to know if you can connect with people and students, not just how well you can dance. Fred Astaire Dance Studios really cares about building relationships and focusing on individual students, and they can teach you how to teach dance using their own methods.

I called the dance studio and emailed my resume. Then, I scheduled a call with the owners. I was told to bring my competitive practice dance clothes. While some studios are casual, I'd recommend business attire for the interview. Since I already knew the owners from my youth competitive dancing days in Europe, where they were professionals in standard while I did Latin at the International dance championship in England, they knew me and I knew them. I've also been teaching all levels since I was 13. I'm also very direct and confident in my teaching abilities, promoting myself as the better teacher, which I believe is crucial for gaining lessons and building a following, especially during tough economic times like the recession in NYC when I had a full schedule while other teachers struggled to justify their value.

I interviewed with the manager first, then the owner interviewed me twice. The owner was rude and kept pushing how great the business is, mentioning travel and partying, even though I said I don't drink. He also made comments about attractive female employees. He was like a used car salesman. The manager was present for the second owner interview, but he didn't let her speak, making it awkward.