First things first, welcome to Arthur Murray Dance Studios.
We know that there are a million and one obligations, distractions, and other uses of your time, but you decided to change things up, and get started with dance lessons.
Congratulations.
That is, quite literally, the first step towards becoming a dancer and enjoying the countless benefits that come with such a unique hobby... but enough about that. Let's get you caught up with some of the ins and outs of this storied dance organization.
New to Arthur Murray? Here's What You Should Know
Things you should know: The History
1. Arthur Murray was a regular guy who wanted to become a better dancer.
2. He learned to dance, and then decided to develop a system for making ballroom dancing easier for the public.
3. He developed a mail order dance program that included footprints to place on the floor, and a syllabus for where to place them.
4. Eventually, Arthur would open a studio in New York, and then Arthur Murray Dance Studios became a franchise.
5. Arthur, and his wife Kathryn, would fly his staff to Latin America to help popularize Latin Dancing in North America.
6. The Arthur Murray Dance Party was a television show that ran from 1950 to 1960 and made Arthur, Kathryn, and the studios a household name.
Things You Should Know: Your Studio
1. Each studio location is a franchise.
2. The majority of the franchisees started as teachers and worked their way up to roles in management, and eventually became owners.
3. Each location is part of a dance organization that has spread around the world to six continents and nearly 300 studios.
4. Every location teaches dance programs based on Private Lessons, Group Classes, and Practice Parties - also known as the Unit System.
Things You Should Know: The Instructors
1. Each AM Instructor goes through an extensive hiring and training process to join the staff in their studio.
2. There are some teachers that specialize with brand new students, others that focus on advanced students, but all are part of a team that helps make your local studio a fun place to learn.
Things You Should Know: The Programs
1. After your first consultation lesson, your dance journey will begin with a beginner's dance program. This is designed to eliminate any dance myths, or negative assessments you believe about your capability of learning. Not to mention, you'll build the basic dance skills you may never thought possible to learn.
2. From your beginner program, you, your teacher, and the New Student Counselor will assemble a custom dance program that will help you achieve exactly what you are looking for.
Things You Should Know: The Events
1. There will be posters, updates on social media, and all varieties of announcements about things like "Showcase", "Medal Ball", or "Festivals". One rule of thumb to always remember is this: Your teacher would never invite you to something that would jeopardize your dance progress.
2. There are dance events for any level of interest and ability. If you ask, your teacher will gladly explain what each of them are, and how they might fit into your dance goals.
Final Thought
There are as many different benefits as there are different adventures where your dancing can take you. The best part? There is nothing you will encounter that will take more courage than your first step into your local studio.
Every new thing that you encounter in this wonderful hobby will be a step further from your comfort zone. But if you've made that first step through the door already, each one of those steps will be filled with style, set to music, and unlike any step you've taken before you started dancing.
If you haven't taken that first step to dance lessons yet, the best way to get started is with a complimentary private consultation where you will be dancing within five minutes of arriving. Click the link below to get started today.
Next Article: "Should I Take Private Lessons or Group Lessons?"
