Do’s & Don’t’s Of Ballroom Dance Group Class

DON’T’S:

  • DON’T teach other students! Even if there is a difference in skill or experience level, only the instructors are qualified to teach group class. No matter how good your intentions are, it can quickly become a case of the blind leading the blind.
  • DON’T bring your bad attitude to group class. We understand that stressful days happen, and we understand that Arthur Murray is your happy place where you get rid of the stress. So do your best to let go of that bad day and let your mood improve with some good ol’ dance time.
  • DON’T slack off — don’t be a lazy leader or follower! Classes are relaxed atmospheres, but that is no excuse for slacking off. We want you and everyone in class to improve, not go through the motions.
  • DON’T be afraid to try something new. There are more dances out there than your teacher can get to in 45 minutes. You never know how Peabody will help your Foxtrot, or Polka your Swing.

DO’S:

  • DO listen to the teacher! It’s a group class, so it may seem obvious, but listening to the teacher should be the priority. Classes are fun spaces, but everyone is still there to learn.
  • DO be polite to your partners! Everyone here is part of your Arthur Murray family, and everyone deserves your respect. Smile, be kind, thank them for dancing with you, genuinely compliment them if you’d like — wouldn’t you like someone to do the same for you?
  • DO clap after every dance. It’s to show everyone that you had a good time! Dancing is a skill, a skill that everyone here is working to improve, and that deserves celebration.
  • DO remind your teacher you went to group class — and learned something new. We try to keep track of what classes you attend and the material covered, but sometimes we get distracted. Remind us you went to Salsa class and tried out that cool new step.
  • DO bow at the beginning and end of group class. Again, be respectful to your partners of the evening, and also to your teacher. You got to practice and improve your dancing, maybe you learned something new or figured out a step you’ve been struggling to master. You are thanking everyone for their time, just as they are thanking you for yours.

Your First Group Class

Arthur Murray studios take great pride in creating strong social dancers. Their secret? The three part teaching system: personal lessons, group classes, and practice parties.

Part of the reason people choose Arthur Murray is the unparalleled service offered on your personal lesson. It is a semi-private, comforting environment for you to learn the finer points of dancing. But more often than not, learning to dance is not the hardest part – socializing is. Before attending your first practice party, we recommend the newcomer group class as your first taste of social dancing.

The objective of the class is to get your body acquainted with the basic movements in one or two dance styles. You are not expected to remember the steps – but extra points if you do! Rather, your muscles will remember for you after many repetitions. Leaders stand on one side, followers on the other, while learning where to put your feet. The class is designed to give you the maximum number of repetitions in a single step – AND have a social evening. We rotate partners throughout class so you become accustomed to what your own body can do rather than try to focus on what each partner needs.

We especially recommend couples try dancing with others. Why? We recognize you want to dance specifically with your significant other. But think of it this way. As you are both learning from level 1, it can often feel like the blind leading the blind. You are going to try moves and leads that will be uncomfortable and probably upset your partner. Rather than stay frustrated, rotate partners so you can try it on someone else. Everyone in newcomers class is around your same level, have been in your shoes, and want to conquer this. By the time you get back to your special someone, you will both be better – and everyone in the group class will be thankful you danced with them.