In social dancing, the roles are fairly clearly defined. The man leads, and the woman follows. There are several things that are implied by these roles, and as we study each part there are some interesting challenges. The leader is expected to guide his woman on the dance floor, navigate, keep time, protect [...]
We always suspected that learning to dance either already meant you were smart, or at the very least could make you smarter. This article written by Richard Powers certainly makes a very good argument for not only why, but how this is the case! Partner dancing (such as swing, salsa, ballroom in general) got a [...]
Sometimes at our studio we hold special (sometimes themed) Open House evenings, during which time we also invite our current students and any newbies to come to Arthur Murray for an evening of fun and learning. The evening usually includes a basic ballroom, swing or salsa class. We invite our students (and sometimes the [...]
It can sometimes be difficult to keep progress in perspective. It is in our human nature to constantly be striving for improvement, which gives us tools that include a critical eye and mind. We unconsciously categorize things as good or bad, better or worse. It is part of what drives us toward our goals. [...]
Upon reflection and after many years with Arthur Murray (and having been blessed to receive amazing coachings from so many it would almost be impossible to list all the influences) it has become my opinion that we cultivate 3 distinct partnerships in our style of dance: (in no particular order) 1. (Perhaps the [...]
In our line of work, we never know who will walk through our door and allow dancing to become a part of their lives. We are blessed by our greatest teachers each and every day, our students. Each person we come in contact with gives us a gift just by being at the studio [...]
Back-Leading has a bad reputation, and I thought I would take a few minutes to open up a discussion (hopefully) and hash out the pros and cons. There is a natural order of the Partner Dancing Universe: Man Leads Lady. There is another natural order of the Learning Universe: Teacher Guides Student. Hence a [...]
Back-Leading has a bad reputation, and I thought I would take a few minutes to open up a discussion (hopefully) and hash out the pros and cons. There is a natural order of the Partner Dancing Universe: Man Leads Lady. There is another natural order of the Learning Universe: Teacher Guides Student. Hence a female [...]
For anyone who has ever struggled to remember a series of weight changes, or learn the nuance of a direction change, this will not come as a surprise. Learning partner dancing is automatically engaging and activating our mind on multiple levels at once. We must focus on the moment, then plan the future, listen [...]
Our beginners can come in for any class or lesson wearing street shoes without worrying about investing in a dance shoe. We recommend comfortable shoes that you are accustomed to wearing (no blisters!) and above all else that the shoes stay on your feet whether you take forward or back steps! In the beginning, any [...]
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