Once a year, the Arthur Murray Live students and teachers assemble for a day of dance development called The District Dance Camp.
Featuring two dynamic trainers (Jill DeMarlo and Alla Andriushchenko), 8 hours of instruction, and over 100 Arthur Murray students and teachers, this wasn't your typical dance day.
Here's a summary of the camp from our featured trainers, Jill DeMarlo.
AML: What were your highlights as one of the featured trainers at the camp?
JD: Just how excited everyone was to be there. It was the first thing I noticed. People were there to learn and engage and support everyone. I was impressed as the day progressed that I didn't see anyone get frustrated if it wasn't coming easy and it shouldn't be easy if it was good information. Great dancing will take time to develop and get into the body, and everyone seemed to understand that.
AML: From your vantage point, why was this a great addition to someone's learning?
JD: Any kind of intensive boot camps are fantastic ways to jumpstart your learning. We know we have to change our routines to shake things up, and having a longer period of time to practice the actions makes these camps very productive, progress-filled, investments for anyone.
Hearing different coaches say the same things in different ways is always beneficial as some actions will hit at just the right time to accelerate your learning. I love classes like this too, as it's positive peer pressure to keep trying and adding styling as you go - without stopping. You can see more people like you, and copy the options of the coaches and other teachers to create more of your own expressions and styles within the movements.
AML: What was the first thing that stood out to you when you arrived?
JD: The studio is beautiful. What a gorgeous place to learn. Plus everyone was really thrilled to be there and the teachers were so excited to help.
AML: What would you say to someone considering this for their calendar next year?
JD: Just do it. Whether you think you're ready or not, going through all these movements and actions increases your ability to apply training and information faster and faster. Even if it's brand new for you, the next time you do it you will be that much better and your muscle memory will kick in, I promise. It will wake you out of any plateaus you may be experiencing and expand your capacity to learn no matter what dance you're working on.
Not to mention, that with Arthur Murray there's nothing you would learn that you can't apply in another dance - always at least a two for one bonus, if not more.
AML: Okay, what's your final word for the students and teachers that participated?
JD: I had a fantastic time with you all and thank you for your hospitality. Thank you Chris and Daisey for inviting me to your amazing schools and wishing everyone good luck and great dancing.
Whether it's an invitation from your teacher, an announcement at a party, or a poster on the wall - there's no shortage of events with Arthur Murray that will improve your dance skills.
Not to mention, they'll also be a lot of fun.
We want to thank our trainers, our staff, and, most importantly, the students from all the Northern California locations that participated. We hope that this camp exceeded your expectations and we look forward to having you at the next one.
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