Source: FranopolisFred Astaire Dance Studios
What It Costs
SourcesYour location, business format and operating plan can change the total.
Where Your Startup Money Goes
| Cost | Disclosed Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Management | $0 to $15,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Construction Management (6) $0 $15,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment | $10,000 to $30,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (11) $10,000 $30,000 |
| Captive Insurance | $25,600 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 32 Captive Insurance $25,600 $25,600 |
| Professional Fees | $2,500 to $10,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Professional Fees (18) $2,500 $10,000 |
| Business Licenses | $500 to $2,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Business Licenses (16) $500 $2,500 |
| Construction Due Diligence | $1,000 to $5,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Construction Due Diligence (7) $1,000 $5,000 |
| Design, Architecture, Engineering | $7,000 to $25,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Design, Architecture, Engineering (8) $7,000 $25,000 |
| Supplies and Accessories | $4,000 to $14,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Supplies and Accessories (14) $4,000 $14,000 |
| Opening Kit: Supplies and Marketing Materials | $2,800 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Opening Kit: Supplies and Marketing Materials (15) $2,800 $2,800 |
| Rent for 3 Months | $25,500 to $60,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Rent for 3 Months (5) $25,500 $60,000 |
| Working Capital for 3 Months | $50,000 to $70,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 32 Working Capital for 3 Months (21) $50,000 $70,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing Budget | $5,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 32 Grand Opening Marketing Budget (20) $5,000 $5,000 |
| Technology Fee for 3 Months | $600 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Technology Fee for 3 Months (17) $600 $600 |
| Travel Expenses to Training | $1,000 to $3,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Travel Expenses to Training (3) $1,000 $3,500 |
| Insurance | $3,000 to $5,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 32 Insurance (19) $3,000 $5,500 |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 to $65,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Franchise Fee (1) $35,000 $65,000 |
| Net Leasehold Improvements | $100,000 to $250,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Net Leasehold Improvements (10) $100,000 $250,000 |
| Security Deposits for Leasehold and/or Utilities | $8,500 to $25,500 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Security Deposits for Leasehold and/or Utilities (4) $8,500 $25,500 |
| Studio Management and Technology System Components | $5,000 to $20,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Studio Management and Technology System Components (12) $5,000 $20,000 |
| TOTAL | $298,000 to $665,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 32 TOTAL (22) $298,000 $665,000 |
| Signage and Graphics | $10,000 to $15,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Signage and Graphics (13) $10,000 $15,000 |
| Initial Training Fee | $0 to $5,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Initial Training Fee (2) $0 $5,000 |
| Construction Permits and Permit Management | $1,000 to $10,000 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 31 Construction Permits and Permit Management (9) $1,000 $10,000 |
Line items are shown as disclosed. Some costs overlap or apply to different formats; do not add them together without reviewing the source.
SourcesKey Franchise Fees
- Royalty
- 7% of your Gross Revenue for the preceding week.
View Disclosed Terms
Fees And Payment Terms
| Fee | Disclosed Terms | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | The initial franchise fee (the “ Franchise Fee ”) for a single Studio ranges from $35,000 to $65,000 based upon a variety of factors including the number of households, average income of those households, the radius of the Territory, the location of the Studio, and the cost of living of the area in which your Studio is located. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Technology Fee | Currently, $50 per week for the first year of the initial term; $75 per week for the second year of the initial term; and $100 per week for the third year and each subsequent year of the initial term, subject to change annually in increments of $25 upon written notice to you ... The cap for the Technology Fee is $250 per week. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 23 |
| Late Fee | plus $25 for each week or portion of a week that a payment is paid after the due date | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| Local Marketing Spending Requirement | 2% of your Gross Revenue for the previous quarter | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 |
| Competition Fee | $300 per member, in the aggregate for that calendar year for student or Astaire Pro that you failed to send to National Competitions and Regional Competitions | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 |
| Transfer Fee | The greater of $4,000 or 2% of the purchase price for any transfer resulting in a change of control; $2,500 for non-change of control transfers and transfers to entities for convenience of ownership | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 23 |
| Remedial Training Fee | Currently, $500 per day or partial day | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| Escrow | Currently, $5,000 to $25,000 plus 3% of Gross Revenue per month until $25,000 in escrow account | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 |
| Development Fee | The Development Fee will range between $70,000 to $550,000 if you commit to develop between 2 to 10 Studios. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| Independent Competition Fee | Currently, $500 per student or Astaire Pro from your Studio | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 |
| Opening Extension Fee | We may require that you pay us an opening extension fee of $2,000 for each month (or portion of a month) for which the Opening Deadline is extended. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Captive Insurance | Currently, $200 to $800 per month | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 |
| Interest | 10% per annum (or the maximum rate permitted by law if less than 10%) | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| Studio Management and Technology System | We estimate that the total cost to purchase the Studio Management and Technology System will range from approximately $5,000 to $20,000. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Temporary Management | 3% of the Studio’s Gross Revenue during the period of management, plus any direct out of pocket costs and expenses | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 |
| Opening Kit | Before you open your Studio, you will purchase a $2,800 opening kit from us or our affiliates for supplies, marketing materials and equipment. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | You must spend a minimum of $5,000 on the Grand Opening Advertising to promote the opening of your Studio. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 21 |
| Optional FAM Assistance | $250 per month | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 27 |
| Continuing Business Education Fee | Currently, up to $250 per hour per person trained | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| Additional or Replacement Training | Currently, $2,500 per trainee | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| Consulting Fee | Currently, up to $500 per employee or agent for each full or partial day, plus any travel and living expenses for each employee or agent | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 24 |
| Temporary Astaire Pro | Currently, $500 per Astaire Pro for each full or partial day, plus their travel and living expenses | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 25 |
| Royalty Fee | 7% of your Gross Revenue for the preceding week. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 22 |
| Advertising Fees | Currently $150 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 22 |
| Renewal Fee | 50% of the original Franchise Fee | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 22 |
| Initial Training Fee | In addition to the Franchise Fee, you may be required, at our discretion, to pay us an initial training fee of $5,000 (the “ Initial Training Fee ”) upon execution of the Franchise Agreement. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 |
| SMS Fee | you must pay an additional fee of $10 to $100 for any week in which you send more than 200 text messages. | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 23 |
| Music License Fee | $1,155 per year or $31 per week | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 26 |
Some fees apply only to a specific event or service. These are not all monthly expenses.
SourcesSee how the disclosed startup costs fit your cash, reserves, and financing plans.
Your Role As An Owner
SourcesYour Key Manager or another trained manager must be available at all times the Studio is open for business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 72 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesYour Key Manager or another trained manager must be available at all times the Studio is open for business.
Territory
SourcesThe boundaries of your Territory may be described in terms of zip codes, streets, landmarks (both natural and man-made) or county lines, or otherwise delineated on a map.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 59 · Item 12 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesThe boundaries of your Territory may be described in terms of zip codes, streets, landmarks (both natural and man-made) or county lines, or otherwise delineated on a map.
A disclosed territory policy does not confirm that your preferred area is available. Ask the franchisor about the specific area you are considering.
Training & Support
SourcesThe franchisor estimates that the typical length of time between the signing of the Franchise Agreement or the first payment of any consideration for the franchise (whichever occurs first) and the opening of your Studio is approximately 6 months.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 54 · Item 11 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe estimate that the typical length of time between the signing of the Franchise Agreement or the first payment of any consideration for the franchise (whichever occurs first) and the opening of your Studio is approximately 6 months.
Franchisor Financing
SourcesThe franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing. The franchisor does not guarantee your note, lease or obligation.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 43 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe do not offer direct or indirect financing. We do not guarantee your note, lease or obligation.
The Franchise Network
SourcesReported At Year-End 2025
| Year | Franchised At Year-End | Company-Owned At Year-End | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 246 | 0 | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 86 · Item 20 |
| 2025 | 285 | — | 2026 FDD · PDF Page 86 · Item 20 |
These are reported outlet counts, not available territories or a measure of profitability. A dash means a count is not available in this record.
Review The Source Figures
2023 Year-End Counts
Franchised 2023 225 246 +21
Company-Owned 2023 0 0 0
2025 Year-End Counts
SourcesFranchised 2025 261 285 +24
Inside The FDD
SourcesPlain-language summaries of the available FDD information. Each summary links to its source, with original excerpts available to review.
Sources
The Franopolis report provides the source research. FDD page references identify the supplied excerpts when available.
02The Leadership Team
The leadership team listed in the FDD includes Luann Pulliam (Chief Executive Officer, President & Board Member), Pahjmon Lipsey (Vice President of Franchising and Business Development), Stephen Knight (Vice President, Chief Dance Director & Class Experience Officer & Board Member) and Gaetano Noce (Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Development Officer & Board Member).
2026 FDD · PDF Pages 15, 16 · Item 2 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Luann Pulliam: Chief Executive Officer, President & Board Member
Pahjmon Lipsey: Vice President of Franchising and Business Development
Stephen Knight: Vice President, Chief Dance Director & Class Experience Officer & Board Member
Source NotesGaetano Noce: Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Development Officer & Board Member
04Bankruptcy Disclosure
This FDD reports no bankruptcy matters that require disclosure under Item 4.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 20 · Item 4 · View Source
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Source NotesNo bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed in this Item.
07Estimated Startup Investment
The FDD estimates a total startup investment of $298,000 to $665,000. Review the listed costs and any conditions before setting your own startup budget.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 32 · Item 7 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesTOTAL (22) $298,000 $665,000
10Financing Offered By The Franchisor
The franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing. The franchisor does not guarantee your note, lease or obligation.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 43 · Item 10 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe do not offer direct or indirect financing. We do not guarantee your note, lease or obligation.
11Support, Training And Advertising
The franchisor estimates that the typical length of time between the signing of the Franchise Agreement or the first payment of any consideration for the franchise (whichever occurs first) and the opening of your Studio is approximately 6 months.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 54 · Item 11 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesWe estimate that the typical length of time between the signing of the Franchise Agreement or the first payment of any consideration for the franchise (whichever occurs first) and the opening of your Studio is approximately 6 months.
12Territory
The boundaries of your Territory may be described in terms of zip codes, streets, landmarks (both natural and man-made) or county lines, or otherwise delineated on a map.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 59 · Item 12 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesThe boundaries of your Territory may be described in terms of zip codes, streets, landmarks (both natural and man-made) or county lines, or otherwise delineated on a map.
15Owner Participation
Your Key Manager or another trained manager must be available at all times the Studio is open for business.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 72 · Item 15 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesYour Key Manager or another trained manager must be available at all times the Studio is open for business.
20Franchise Locations
At the end of 2025, the FDD reports 285 franchised locations. These are reported locations, not a count of territories available to buy.
2026 FDD · PDF Page 86 · Item 20 · View Source
Read Source Excerpts
Source NotesFranchised 2025 261 285 +24
Find The Right Business For The Life You Want.
You don’t have to compare every brand on your own. A franchise consultant can help narrow your options and work through what ownership would ask of you.
Bring your questions about this brand, your priorities and the kind of business you want to run.
Your Role
Understand the hours, sales and people responsibilities behind the ownership model.
Your Shortlist
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Your Market
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