How do I learn to dance?

Dancing becomes easy and fun the moment you begin lessons with one of our friendly Arthur Murray experts. Hundreds of thousands have already learned to dance the Arthur Murray way. There is no need to bring a partner to learn and enjoy dancing in any one of our studios.

Will it take long?

You will be able to begin dancing after your first lesson. The length of your training depends upon how many dances you would like to learn and how proficient you would like to become in each dance.

Are you teaching methods difficult?

Not at all. We are famous for making learning to dance fun and easy. We teach four simple basic movements from which new combinations are derived.

How much do lessons cost?

Each individual studio determines its own cost schedules but it usually depends on a number of factors; how proficient you want to be; which dance you want to learn; the number of days and weeks in your dance schedule, etc. Your first lesson is always FREE. After that, your instructor will recommend the most suitable program so you have better knowledge to make an informed choice.

Can I learn the latest and most popular steps?

You can learn the very steps in any or all social and nightclub dances like Swing, Samba, Merengue, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Tango, Waltz, Country and more.

Will my lessons interfere with my busy schedule?

You may take lessons any time you wish. Most studios are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, weekdays and from noon until 5:00 PM Saturdays. (Hours of some locations may vary.)

How qualified will my instructor be?

All of our dance experts must complete a most arduous training regimen. They are experienced in the dance floor and knowledgeable in all techniques to help you master today’s popular dances. Rest assured the teachers selected for you are the best in the business.

What’s the benefit of taking dance lessons?

Dancing is the first line of social activity. Good dancing is a lifetime investment in fun, poise, confidence, improved personality and new friends. It is also a superb physical conditioner, providing fun without strenuous effort. Learning to dance will open up a wonderful new world of togetherness and a thriving year-round social calendar.

 

Do I need dance shoes?

A – Absolutely Not! In fact, most students who start lessons don’t have them. As long as your shoes are comfortable & don’t stick to the floor, they’ll be fine. However, if you’d like to get a pair of dance shoes, we can help you do that! Dance shoes made for ballroom have suede soles for the right amount of grip & slip on the dance floor. Many salsa dancers choose to wear them in the club because they are flexible & better for dancing. If you’d like to get some dance shoes, let us know & we’ll point you in the right direction!

What if I feel I’m not ready for a group class?

A – It is actually quite common to feel that you may not be ready for the group class. What our students have found is that group class helps them to learn faster because it is an opportunity to practice what you have been learning while also picking up some new steps. Our group classes are divided by level & designed to make even the newest of newcomers feel at ease.

Do I need to change partners during group class?

A – Not at all! If you and your partner are more comfortable dancing with each other, then let the teacher know that you will be sticking together.

 

Why are the practice parties important?

A – This is where you will get “real world” experience with your dancing. Our practice parties are designed to allow students to apply what they have been learning in a safe, fun environment with other students & instructors. Our trained professionals will be there to help you work out your moves. This ensures that when you use your dancing outside of Arthur Murray, everything goes smoothly.

Why is it better to keep my lessons close together?

A – Although we teach at your pace, there are certainly benefits to keeping your lessons close together. You will not only learn faster because the dancing will be fresh in your mind, but you’ll also be able to spend more time learning new material. If you’re not able to make it in more than once a week, no problem! The Arthur Murray system is designed to teach everyone as fast as they go, so you are guaranteed to make progress.

 

Why should I learn more than one dance?

A – Wherever you go out dancing thay are going to play more than one type of dance. The salsa club, for instance, will play everything from salsa to Bachata, Merengue and Cha Cha. All dances have the same concepts involved so there are great benefits to learning more than one dance at a time. The Arthur Murray Interrelated System makes this easy by teaching you how to use one step in multiple dances.

What exactly will I learn in these next few lessons?

A – Your specialist will focus on meeting your immediate dance needs, whether it’s getting ready for a special occasion or learning a certain dance. Your instructor will get you moving and give you personalized instruction on various aspects of dancing like patterns, timing, styling and lead or follow. Group classes are an important part of your learning. They give you the opportunity to dance with a variety of partners at your own level while developing good habits and meeting people. The practice parties are where the real fun begins, We create a relaxed and comfortable environment where you can get some real world experience applying your dancing with students and teachers. As you work together, you & your instructor will determine what your future dance needs may be so that they can create a customized program just for you.

What if I need to cancel my lesson?

A – No problem! We have an 12 hour cancellation policy so that the teachers are able to give that valuable time to another student. Should you have to cancel with short notice we are flexible, allowing you to reschedule within the week at no charge. Just give us a call as soon as you know you need to reschedule your dance lesson & we’ll take care of the rest.