Popular Dance Lessons We Teach

Dance Styles & History
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They say that dance is a great way to express your emotions. While this may sound like such a cliché, the quote seems to have endured throughout the years mainly because there’s truth to it. It’s wise to choose an activity that encourages you to express your very own creativity. Now it all boils down to that one question: So you think you can dance? Definitely! And that’s because there’s a style available for anyone who wants to overcome the problem with their two left feet. As you glide across the expanse of the ballroom, you can now let your innermost emotions shine forth with a step that is truly representative of whom you are as a person. There are several styles to choose from and you need to know how each dance is unique from the other.

Below is a small sample of dances styles we teach. For the full list of dances classes we offer please contact our dance studio.

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BACHATA

Bachata is a dance music genre originating in the Dominican Republic, within what is called urban folklore. It is considered a derivative of the rhythmic bolero, with influences from other styles such as the Cuban son and merengue.

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BOLERO

The romantic Bolero is the slowest of the Latin dances. It combines controlled movement with dramatic expression of the music. The Bolero has the same Afro-Cuban roots as the Rumba and is thought to have originated from Cuban or Spanish folk dances such as Danzon and Beguine.

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CHA CHA

Originally known as the Cha-Cha-Cha, the Cha Cha is an offshoot of the Mambo which became popular around 1954. In the slow Mambo tempo, there was a distinct sound in the music that people began dancing to, calling the step the ``Triple`` Mambo. Eventually it evolved into a separate dance, known today as the Cha Cha.

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FOX TROT

The Foxtrot is considered to be the most significant development in all of ballroom dancing. The combination of quick and slow steps permits more flexibility and gives much greater dancing pleasure than the one-step and two-step more traditional ballroom dances.

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MERENGUE

The Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic, and also to some extent, of Haiti, the neighbor sharing the island. Ideally suited to the small, crowded dance floors, it is a dance that is easy to learn and essentially a ``fun`` dance.

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SALSA

Salsa is a danceable musical genre resulting from the synthesis of Cuban son and other Caribbean and American music genres such as jazz and blues.

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SWING

Swing is perhaps the most uniquely American of all dances, bringing forth a buoyant carefree movement. With its fun, fast-paced nature it's one of the dances that easily become contagious. The Lindy (Swing) picked up where the Charleston left off. Throughout its development, it had ``swing-outs``, ``breakaways`` and ``shine-steps``. With the birth of ``Swing`` music in the mid 1930's the Lindy climbed the social ladder. The dance craze swept the nation, and depending on where you lived, it was the Jitterbug, the Lindy hop or the Swing.

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TANGO

The Argentinean Tango originated in Argentina in the 19th century. It was danced in the backstreets of Buenos Aires, until it was prohibited by the church as it was proved to be a very romantic dance. It is one of the most beautiful and delicate of dances.

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WALTZ

From Strauss Waltz and Tchaikovsky ballet to music by contemporary artists, Viennese Waltz music has inspired people to dance for generations. The Waltz developed in central Europe from the Austrian dance known as the Landler.

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Dance Studio Teaching Methods

Explore Our Teaching Methods
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Your decision to learn to dance at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio will prove to be one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences of your lifetime. The Arthur Murray Organization’s 100 plus years of teaching experience assures you of the finest dance lesson instruction available today. Through the three-way system of instruction, (private, group and practice sessions) you will become a good social dancer in the shortest time possible.

Personal Dance Lessons

Personal dance lesson instruction is vital to learning quickly and easily.
During your one-on-one personal lessons, you will receive personalized instruction that will help you achieve your goals in dancing. Your instructor will spend the time necessary on technique, styling, and general dance improvement. An up-to-date record of everything you have learned will also be kept as part of your instruction. At no time are you at the mercy of another student’s ability to learn or the dances they enjoy. You learn with your instructor at YOUR pace, and you will master the dances YOU wish to learn!

Dance Classes & Group Parties

Our dance classes enhances your private dance lessons. Our group classes allow you to dance with other teachers and students, which can improve and speed up the learning process.
Group Lessons are an important addition to your private instruction. They give you the opportunity to dance with a variety of partners, develop good dance habits, and meet other students in the studio. In group classes we emphasize leading, following, and variation of patterns. Dancing the same pattern with different partners, will help you to commit it to memory.

Group lessons are held for different dances and levels. You will always be dancing with students on the same level as you are. At no time are you required to dance with other people, as the goal is for you to learn to dance with your partner! We never charge for you to practice with us! You are never penalized for being single at Arthur Murray!

Practice Dance Parties

We hold scheduled dance parties (practice sessions) for all our students. These practice parties are held on a weekly basis. You will have fun dancing with the instructors and students in a relaxed and comfortable environment. This gives you the opportunity to practice and try out all the new dance skills that you’ve learned in your Personal Dance Lessons, Group Lessons and Dance Classes. Check the studio calendars for your studios’ practice party day and time.

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The Benefits of Dance

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Practice Dance Parties

We hold scheduled dance parties (practice sessions) for all our students. These practice parties are held on a weekly basis. You will have fun dancing with the instructors and students in a relaxed and comfortable environment. This gives you the opportunity to practice and try out all the new dance skills that you’ve learned in your Personal Dance Lessons, Group Lessons and Dance Classes. Check the studio calendars for your studios’ practice party day and time.

Rekindle The Romance – Dance Lessons For Couples

Ballroom dancing is as romantic as it is enjoyable!! For years the world’s greatest romantics have known the best way to a lady’s heart is to sweep her across the dance floor. Holding, touching and moving to the music is the most romantic skill any couple can add to their lives. Think of all the countless number of relationships that would have never started without the world’s best ice breaker — “may I have this dance”.

The romantic properties of dance are a secret that all good dancers enjoy. For men, being able to recognize which dance the band is playing and having the confidence in your ability to walk across the floor and ask a lady to dance is a social prerequisite. For ladies, they will always be in demand as a partner once they master the grace and poise, the styling and the all-important following skills.

Plus, dancing can help keep two people together. After years of marriage, new excitement can be found together on the dance floor. It’s a “shot in the arm”. It encourages the spark of romance for stressed out, tension-plagued people. It’s great for keeping a marriage interesting and long lasting. When surveyed, more women said they would prefer a night of dancing to flowers or chocolates for St. Valentine’s Day.

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Try Us First. Request Your Introductory Dance Lesson Today!

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