While there are plenty of ways dancing can upgrade your current upcoming social events (wedding receptions, reunions, etc.) but this article is going to showcase something we can all use a little more of: Vacation.
If, for some reason, you didn't get the memo, a Dance-O-Rama is the Arthur Murray equivalent of sleepaway camp... but at a 5 Star hotel and with much better outfits. Here are some of the most exciting DOR's coming up over the next several months.
Note: All of these events have deadlines for participation. Check with your studio manager regarding that information.
Sometimes a word like "Unique" is more superlative than it is descriptive. However, in the case of the Unique Dance-O-Rama, the name describes this event perfectly.
Unique Dance-O-Rama 2018 from Maude Productions on Vimeo.
While it has the important dance structure of an O-Rama, what makes it stand out is an incredible amount of attention in a few key areas.
1. The Matinee Show - This is a UDOR exclusive and is, essentially, a stage-worthy vaudeville ballroom show comprised of some of the best student and teacher dance routines you'll see.
2. The Decor - There may be table linens and a few posters to denote the theme of a party but the UDOR is a masterclass in event planning and execution. From the yearly theme party to the Saturday Night dinner, you'll have your fair share of wow moments to take in.
3. The Featured Show - Every year, as part of the event theme, guest star professional dancers are selected to take part in a full scale, Broadway-esque production with the professionals from the Southwestern region United States. It's never short of amazing.
4. The Organizers - Steve and Georgetta Platt are two of the most decorated Arthur Murray franchisees and are responsible for turning their regional showcase into the event that Unique is today. Along with their elite team of Arthur Murray professionals, they are the visionaries of the event and understand how to create an experience that is... well, for lack of a better word... Unique.
While entries for this event are officially closed, this is definitely one to add to your 2020 calendar.
Occurs: Mid July
Once a year the incredible tandem of Augusto and Brigita Schiavo organize a dance event in a dreamy European city like Venice, Monte Carlo, or, in 2019, Prague. It's known as the Ciao Amore Dance-O-Rama, or the next thing to add to your "be more like James Bond" to-do list.
But for all the cache that the destination has to offer, Augusto and Brigita exceed it in the service they provide. Every single detail, from the dance events to the vacation tours, are hand selected by these Arthur Murray artisans.
While the location may change from gorgeous city to city, the Ciao Amore event is guaranteed to deliver a dance experience of a lifetime.
Occurs: Late July/Early August
There's a lot more to this dance destination than steakhouses and deep dish pizza. Okay... those are always great options, but still. This event is proof positive that there's much more to Chicago than "Da Bears".
CHICAGO NORTHSTAR 2017 from Maude Productions on Vimeo.
This event, known as the Northstar Dance-O-Rama, is organized by former US 9 Dance Champion and Area 4 Director, Lynda Smith and her partner, Jill DeMarlo, Chicagoland Arthur Murray franchisee and one of our featured trainers at the District Dance Camp.
There's never a shortage of great sights and sounds with the windy city... and we can't forget the food.
Occurs: Late August
If traveling to Australia has been on your vacation wish list, then why not use your dance hobby as an excuse to go there?
Officially referred to as the Australasian Dance-O-Rama, this event will be held in Sydney in 2019, steps from the Opera House, and with a perfect blend of dance event and vacation.
Occurs: Early September
Let's say these words together: Bellagio, Ballroom, Buffet. Then repeat as necessary.
Okay, so there's a lot more to this Las Vegas trip than some alliterative nod to eating and dancing in one of the top hotels in the world. This event also happens to be the signature event for Arthur Murray Dance Studios. It's called the Superama, it's hosted by Arthur Murray International, and it's home to the championships for all the professional competitors.
In short, it's a big deal.
Occurs: October
There are plenty of reasons to attend the Hularama - in fact, here's a video explaining why - but here are some of the best ones.
It's in January. Have you seen what January is like where you live?
Since it's in January, your December dance lessons have more purpose and momentum.
Oh, and it's in Hawaii. Have you heard of that place?
Arthur Murray HulaRama Kauai, Hawaii from Maude Productions on Vimeo.
This event occurs in January, every even year (2020, 2022, etc.), and is organized by two of the greats in the industry: Russ Clark & Steve Platt. Let's not forget, there's the customary luau, world class accommodations, and Hawaiian excursion before the dancing even starts.
What better way to kick off a great year of dancing than with this world class event, in January, and in Hawaii.
Occurs: Every even year, January
Maybe you're wondering if you're ready, if you've got the time, or if you're good enough to attend one of these events.
Think of your dancing like a language. Even with a limited, non-perfect version, of a new language, you can still travel to that country, have a wonderful time, and, chances are, you're going to speak that new language much better after spending time there.
Not to mention, your teachers don't benefit at all by recommending something that will be bad for your dance hobby. So if they've mentioned something like this in the past, there was a good reason for it.
Whether you have the time or not, whether it's overseas or not, whether it's in 2019 or not, the worst thing that will happen at one of these dance vacations is you'll finish the trip as a much better dancer.