Business Details
9 Years
experience
Your Premier Destination for Ballroom & Latin Dance Classes
Dance Fire Studio & Fitness was founded in 2017 by Natalia O'Connor Vlad and Florin Vlad, two world-champion ballroom dancers with decades of combined competitive and teaching experience. Our mission is to empower lives and strengthen community through the art of dance, offering a comprehensive range of instruction for all skill levels. With two state-of-the-art locations in Niskayuna and Saratoga Springs, New York, we provide private lessons, group classes, wedding dance preparation, and specialized programs for children. Our team of certified instructors brings international competition experience and pedagogical expertise to every lesson, ensuring personalized instruction that meets individual goals.The studio features floating wooden floors, climate-controlled environments, and modern amenities designed to enhance the learning experience. We serve both casual dancers seeking social enrichment and serious competitors aiming for championship success. Our 2023 expansion to Saratoga Springs demonstrates our commitment to making high-quality dance education accessible across the region. Students benefit from structured curricula covering ballroom, Latin, swing, and contemporary styles, with opportunities to participate in showcases and special events. We maintain rigorous standards of excellence while fostering an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere for all members of our dance community.
Services
Private Dance Lessons
Wedding Dance Instruction
Group Dance Classes
Kids Dance Programs
Studio Rentals
Boutique Dance Tours
Dance Store Retail
Special Events
Competition Training
Social Dance Membership
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- World-champion instructors with 15+ years of competitive experience
- State-of-the-art facilities with floating wooden dance floors
- Customized instruction for private, group, and wedding dance needs
- Proven track record preparing students for competition success
- Licensed bar and event space for special occasion rentals
What people say
Accelerated my dancing
Patient with us
Standing ovation
Positive and encouraging
Memorable father daughter dance
Services
Private Dance Lessons
Personalized one-on-one dance instruction tailored to individual goals and skill levels. Our certified instructors provide focused attention to develop proper technique and build confidence. Students benefit from customized lesson plans that adapt to their learning pace and specific interests.
Wedding Dance Preparation
Specialized instruction for couples preparing for their wedding day performance. Our instructors create customized choreography that matches the couple's style and comfort level. Sessions focus on building coordination, timing, and confidence for a memorable first dance experience.
Group Dance Classes
Structured group instruction covering various dance styles and skill levels. Classes emphasize social interaction while developing fundamental dance techniques. Participants learn in a supportive environment with opportunities to practice with multiple partners.
Studio Rentals
Versatile dance studio spaces available for private events and special occasions. Our facilities feature professional-grade dance floors and sound systems. Rental packages include access to amenities like restrooms, climate control, and on-site staff support.
Boutique Dance Tours
Curated international dance experiences combining competition, performance, and cultural exploration. Tours include expert-led itineraries with opportunities to dance in unique global locations. Packages accommodate dancers of all skill levels with comprehensive logistical support.
People
Natalia O'Connor Vlad
Co-Owner & Dance Master
US National RS Professional Ballroom Champion with 20+ years competitive experience. Holds BA in Psychology and specializes in teaching championship-level ballroom techniques to students of all levels.
Florin Vlad
Co-Owner & Dance Master
World Cup Finalist and former World Championship Semifinalist with 15+ years teaching experience. Combines competitive expertise with business acumen to develop innovative dance education programs for studio students.
Celene Parragh
Dance Master
Professional Latin dancer and instructor with international competition experience. Specializes in helping students achieve technical proficiency while maintaining enjoyment of the dance process through personalized instruction methods.
Lilian Odom
Dance Master
Classically trained ballet dancer with extensive Horton technique expertise. Focuses on foundational skills development that translates across multiple dance styles while creating engaging learning experiences for students at all levels.
Thomas Russell
Dance Master
USA Dance National Champion with 15 years teaching experience. Specializes in making ballroom dance accessible and enjoyable for social dancers while maintaining technical excellence in instruction methods.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer instruction in ballroom (waltz, tango, foxtrot), Latin (salsa, cha-cha, rumba), swing, and contemporary styles for social and competitive dancers.
Do you offer wedding dance lessons?
Yes, our specialized wedding dance instruction includes customized choreography and multiple practice sessions to ensure a confident, memorable first dance performance.
Are group classes available?
We provide structured group classes for various skill levels covering multiple dance styles in a social learning environment with rotating partners.
What are your studio amenities?
Both locations feature floating wooden floors, climate control, professional sound systems, restrooms, and wheelchair accessibility with ample parking available.
Do you host special events?
Yes, we organize dance showcases, competitions, and social events throughout the year including our annual Winter Stars showcase and 5-year anniversary gala.