What Your Instructor Wants You To Know
- 27/02/2018
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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 … Continue reading “Do’s & Don’t’s Of Ballroom Dance Group Class”
- 20/02/2018
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But What IS Freestyles?
Whether you’ve heard the term from an instructor or another student, or saw it on the calendar, or heard it in an event announcement, or have seen the poster in our studio — we like to talk about our events here, in case it weren’t obvious — you’ve probably heard the term “Freestyles” before. Of course, hearing about something is very different from knowing what it is, so you may still be wondering — what is Freestyles? Think of Freestyles as a mini dance vacation, one or two days long. You get to spend as much time as possible dancing, as … Continue reading “But What IS Freestyles?”
- 10/07/2017
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What Happens If I Have To Cancel?
Sometimes, despite your instructor’s best efforts to accommodate any schedule, life will get in the way. And that’s okay. So what do you do when life happens? First, please call the studio and let your instructor know what is going on – whether you need to reschedule or are just running late. Think of the last time you had a salon or doctor’s appointment. Sometimes, they require some form of deposit to hold the time slot for you. In the event you had to cancel, you wouldn’t just skip your appointment, and lose your deposit, you would call and reschedule. … Continue reading “What Happens If I Have To Cancel?”
- 18/04/2017
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How It Works: Coaching Lessons
We just ran a blog recently about the importance of team teaching and exchange lessons, and this week’s blog can seem repetitive if you don’t understand what exactly a guest coaching lesson is, or what it offers you as a student. Rest assured, there is a difference! Think of a coaching as hiring a certified consultant to give you advice, like on your taxes. As an expert in their field, a CPA provides you with the best way to get the most money back. Traveling dance consultants work in a similar way. They are the leading experts in dance – … Continue reading “How It Works: Coaching Lessons”
- 11/04/2017
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6 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Lessons
Your personal lessons are the backbone of your dance education. They’re the part that are totally tailored to you and your dancing. You’ll want to maximize their impact, so we’ve put together some helpful tips & tricks for you below for just how you can get the most out of your personal lessons. Arrive early. Getting here early ensures you have plenty of time to change your shoes and grab a drink for your lesson. You could even grab your book and glance over your instructor’s lesson plan so you know what’s in store for you that day. Warm up … Continue reading “6 Ways To Get The Most Out Of Your Lessons”
- 04/04/2017
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7 Reasons Why Practice Parties Aren’t Scary, They’re Your New Best Friend
“Move your hips more!” Club style dances — Salsa, Bachata, Country, or Merengue — look best when the hips are relaxed. When you are at a practice session, you can focus on fluid, continued movement. “New steps!” Variety keeps both the leader and follower engaged. Syllabus steps are great! But sometimes you can feel limited. By never stopping while you are at a party, you will start to create your own feel for creativity. “Connect with your partner more!” When you are in the studio with your instructor, we work on a very nice BIG frame. It is very rare … Continue reading “7 Reasons Why Practice Parties Aren’t Scary, They’re Your New Best Friend”
- 15/07/2016
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The Arthur Murrays’ Dance Secrets: Etiquette Of The Ballroom (Part 4)
Part three found here. Night Club Dancing So far, we have discussed private dancing parties. A restaurant, featuring dancing, is quite different. Here your only obligation is to the people of your own party. A cut-in from a stranger should never be accepted… nor should it be offered. A man should avoid leaving his date alone at the table unless it is really necessary. Otherwise, she may be subjected to unwelcome attention. Most restaurant and night club dance floors are tiny in size. So, in consideration of your partner and your neighbors, you should avoid complicated steps. Dance simply and … Continue reading “The Arthur Murrays’ Dance Secrets: Etiquette Of The Ballroom (Part 4)”
- 08/07/2016
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The Arthur Murrays’ Dance Secrets: Etiquette Of The Ballroom (Part 3)
Part Two found here. Conversation This is a matter of personality but there are general rules of good manners to consider. The first taboo is don’t argue! Dancing is a partnership that depends on accord. Two people cannot move as one and enjoy the rhythm of the music together unless they feel harmonious toward each other. So, avoid subjects that might breed discord; such as politics, religion, school elections, and so on. Even when you discuss songs or bands, remember that the sweetest words ever spoken are: “I think you’re right!” There are some people who cannot talk as they … Continue reading “The Arthur Murrays’ Dance Secrets: Etiquette Of The Ballroom (Part 3)”
- 24/06/2016
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The Arthur Murrays’ Dance Secrets: Etiquette Of The Ballroom (Part 2)
Part one found here. There is a right and wrong way to ask a lady to dance. It puts her in an awkward spot if you say: “Have you the next dance taken?” What girl wants to admit that her dances are not taken! Instead, say: “May I have the next dance?” Don’t forget this… it holds true for all invitations. It is more polite to say: “Will you go dancing with me on Friday night?” …than to tactlessly say: “What are you doing on Friday night?” See the difference? At the end of each dance, a man must always … Continue reading “The Arthur Murrays’ Dance Secrets: Etiquette Of The Ballroom (Part 2)”
- 17/06/2016
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The Arthur Murrays’ Dance Secrets: Etiquette Of The Ballroom (Part 1)
Many people seem to shy away from the word “etiquette”. It has an old-fashioned sound. But etiquette, after all, is merely the practical application of good common sense and attractive manners. Ballroom dancing is a partnership and group activity and so it concerns other people beside yourself. There is never any excuse for faulty manners that might affect or react on others. A popular member of a dancing group is considerate—and shows regard for the comfort and pleasure of partners, a hostess, and the other guests. Once you have accepted an invitation to a dance, you have automatically agreed to … Continue reading “The Arthur Murrays’ Dance Secrets: Etiquette Of The Ballroom (Part 1)”