11 Keys to Your First Arthur Murray Group Class
Whether it's in person or digital, your first group class can feel like a risky step outside of your comfort zone. The goal of this article is to change that.
Now, let's be real for a second, this article won't be a substitute for your group class but it will eliminate a lot of the mystery around this new activity.
So let's explore the details, ditch the myths, and get you to your first Arthur Murray Group Class with great expectations and an even better experience.
1. Pre-Class Checklist
Guess what? You're covered.
You don't need to dress in special clothes or bring anything with you for your group class. Whether you're coming straight from work, or working in your backyard, once you show up the professionals will take care of everything.
Not to mention, any Newcomer class is designed specifically for students that are taking their very first group class. So you're good.
2. Arrive Early
It's a great idea to arrive early.
This will give your teacher, or the New Student Counselor, a chance to connect with you and get you acclimated. You might even get a chance to meet another student or two that are starting out just like you are.
3. Class Begins
When your class begins, anyone attending the Newcomer class will hear an announcement from the New Student Counselor that the class is beginning - no different than a host announcing that your dinner reservation is ready.
The students participating will then follow the teacher onto the dance floor to a designated teaching area.
Most classes will begin with a brief overview and welcome by the teacher. There will be a quick preview of what to expect, introductions of the staff or students, and some useful information on the dance itself.
4. Applause & Support
When you think back to places like summer camp, a sporting event, or a self improvement seminar, celebrations play a big part in making you feel more relaxed and part of the group.
In case you didn't know already, there is no shortage of applause or celebration at Arthur Murray. We do this because we recognize that any step outside of your comfort zone needs support and encouragement - whether that's from the teachers or other students - it all helps.
5. Class Content
Group classes at Arthur Murray are designed to reinforce what you've learned on your private lessons, add more variety, and give you something practical you can dance right away at the practice party.
This cycle (private + group + practice party) is referred to as an Arthur Murray unit and it is the formula for becoming a well rounded dancer.
6. The Real-Deal on Changing Partners
Ultimately, when you become a great dancer, a lot of people will want to dance with you. Pretty cool huh?
Whether it's your mother in law who used to be a swing dancer or your co-worker who loves Salsa dancing - dance skills create more dance opportunities and the best social dancers know how to adapt from partner to partner.
With that being said, you'll have a chance to practice that skill in your group class. We do this by rotating dance partners.
This gives you a chance to try out what you are learning with different students and teachers, but, most importantly, it helps you adapt from partner to partner.
7. The Immediate Goal
Your group class isn't a replacement for the personalized progress you make on your private lessons. Group Class should refresh something you've learned before, show you a little something new, and connect you with the Arthur Murray community.
So, your most immediate goal isn't to have everything down perfectly. It's really to see your group class as a bridge between your private lessons.
Read More: Private Lessons Vs. Group Classes: Which One Should I Choose?
8. The Same Boat
Whether it was Freshman orientation or starting a new job, we've all experienced some form of the first-day jitters. It's that wonderful blend of nervousness, excitement and a little dash of unsubstantiated fear just to keep your heart beating.
One of the greatest, and often overlooked, aspects of your first group class is how quickly those feelings will be replaced. This happens when you meet other people who feel, or have felt, exactly the same way. It worked with school, your job, or even meeting your in-laws (hopefully), and it will work just the same way with your group class.
9. Our Groups Aren't What You Think
The term "group" can vary in terms of size to most people.
It could refer to your 3 best friends or it could be all the participants from the Pacific Time Zone at a Tony Robbins conference (a lot more).
So let's define the typical size of our group.
An Arthur Murray group class will have between 4-12 students on average. This is by design to ensure that our students still get individual attention and not get lost in a sea of people.
Read More: Don't Believe These Group Class Myths
10. Schedule Another One
So let's say you went to your first group class, learned some great stuff, cheered a lot, met some people and had a great time. Now's the time to set up your next group.
Too often, our great experiences and ideas fade quickly into the background once the stressors of our lives catch up with us. So here's a great idea for how to get around that.
With your teacher, find a group class before your next private lesson. Take it a step further and schedule an extra private lesson after your next group class to really take things up a notch.
11. Celebrate
Don't take this lightly.
You're not just celebrating what you learned... but celebrating the fact that you handed your comfort zone a crushing defeat.
There's a version of you that could have easily opted for working late or watching TV instead of attending group class. But not you. Do a victory dance, add a fist pump, and take it all in - you've earned it.
Final Thought
New experiences can be tricky for the best of us.
Weirdly enough, even with no experience, that doesn't stop our brains from forming all sorts of doomsday scenarios of what may happen if we try them.
Think of those times when you were determined to never ride a rollercoaster at a theme park, to go on a blind date, or try a certain type of food as a kid - the only thing that could change that feeling was, ironically, the experience of trying it.
Group Classes are no different. Attending one will not only improve your dancing, confidence, balance, and value in your dance program, but it will also silence that inner doomsday voice that wants to keep you stuck at home and "out of harms way".
Hopefully this article has delivered and you have the tools necessary to give it a shot... and when you do, make sure to let us know. Here's to your first group class and many more down the road.
Photo by Valentin Lacoste on Unsplash
