How To Persuade A Choreophobe To Try A Dance Lesson

How To Persuade A Choreophobe To Try A Dance Lesson

Dancing is excellent for your health, it keeps you fit and toned, it boosts your memory and happiness, and it is one of the most enjoyable ways to get active. Yet many people still haven’t got the bug and find any excuse not to dance.

At Arthur Murray Crows Nest we want everyone to experience the thrill of the dance floor. If you’re trying to persuade a friend or partner to dance, but don’t know how to handle their objections, below are some tactics you might find useful in getting them on the dance floor.

I can’t dance

No one can dance properly until they’re taught. Without lessons, you’re simply swaying around to some music which, although can be great fun, is not dancing. To truly be free and confident on any dance floor on any occasion – formal or casual – you only need to learn a few basic steps of a style, then you can let your hair down and really enjoy the dance with a partner.

I don’t have a partner

You don’t need a partner to enjoy a dance class at Arthur Murray Crows Nest, just come along and join in the fun. Once you’ve got some moves under your belt, your confidence will soar and you’ll face no shortage of dance partners at social occasions, which you’ll enjoy so much more for venturing onto the dance floor.

I have a bad hip/leg/back

We say: if you can walk, you can dance. Each dance style taught at Arthur Murray Crows Nest focusses on different parts of the body and isolated movements, so whatever your condition or ailment, there’s a set of dance moves that will suit you. Moreover, the regular exercise of dancing alone will help your body gain strength and improve its condition naturally, at an easy pace.

I’m too embarrassed

This objection is the easiest of all to refute. In a dance class you will be surrounded by other students at your level of ability. You will all progress at the same time, so there’s never anything to be embarrassed about. As you make friends with classmates with friendly support while learning the steps, you’ll lose all your fears and inhibitions. When you’re ready to hit the social dance floor, you’ll wonder why you were ever flustered about joining the fun in the first place.

I don’t have a musical bone in my body

A lot of people can easily hear a song’s rhythm once it’s pointed out to them during dance lessons. At our Studio, we not only teach you the steps, but equip you with tricks of the trade to make sure that you can hear the beat and know exactly when to step off correctly.

I have two left feet

Professional technique and practice are the keys to learning to dance, no matter how clumsy or uncoordinated you think you are. Repeating a new skill under the care of an experienced instructor, where you have to memorise the steps as well as move your arms, legs and body at the right times, will significantly improve the neural connections in your brain. As a bonus, you’ll discover with time that dance lessons improve your memory and movement in other areas of life, too.

Dancing is ‘girly’

This is, of course, a fallacy as dancing requires tremendous core body strength, split-second precision and nimble agility, regardless of gender. Celebrity sportsman at the top of their game have shown how much hard work dancing can be on popular television shows such as Dancing With The Stars and Strictly Come Dancing.

I have a fear of dancing

Some people genuinely have choreophobia, which is the official name for the fear of dancing. Reasons for this phobia are varied and usually personal, due to a bad experience or as a result of genetics or a hereditary predisposition. As with most phobias, the best cure is to try relaxation techniques and gradually build up to tackling the problem directly. Breathing exercises and gentle exposure to dancing can help. Sufferers should try watching a dance class or two, to gain control over their fears before participating. If this doesn’t work, you can attend dance or movement therapy classes to help overcome this crippling fear. It is worth trying, to be able to embrace the fun and freedom of dance.

Ready to make a move?

Whatever the reason they haven’t taken the plunge yet, you can always urge your reluctant friend or partner to try a free dance lesson at Arthur Murray Crows Nest to see what all the fuss is about. It might even be a life-changing decision!

Our Top 10 Dance Film Picks

Our Top 10 Dance Film Picks

There are so many great movies about dancing, that picking a final top ten is almost impossible. Some popular movies, such as the Step Up series and Magic Mike, didn’t make the grade as they haven’t yet proven their longevity; others like Chicago are best saved for the stage. The ones that are on the list are largely considered to be classics.

If you want to feel good about life and be inspired to dance, these top ten dance movies will move you.

1. The Full Monty (1997)

Technically this film is about stripping, rather than perfect dance steps, but it stands for everything we love about learning to dance – trying something different, taking a risk, bonding with new friends and discovering a lot about yourself in the process.

2. Billy Elliot (2000)

A film about a misunderstood working-class British boy wanting to do ballet doesn’t sound like an obvious crowd-pleaser, but the story is as heart-warming as it is funny and gritty. It showcases the journey that dance can take you on, both personally and in your relationships with others.

3. Strictly Ballroom (1992)

This was Baz Luhrmann’s film debut and it displays the vivid approach to a subject that we have come to know and love from the director in his subsequent films. In this case it’s all about Australia’s competitive ballroom dancing scene. The story is a little predictable – hero turns a mousey, bespectacled beginner into a dazzling competitor against the tyranny of the pedantic authorities – but the filmography of the fancy footwork more than makes up for any story failings.

4. Saturday Night Fever (1977)

A white flared suit, a glitter ball, a disco dancing competition and lots of statuesque pointing – dance films don’t get much better than this. With John Travolta as the king of the dance floor and a killer Bee Gees soundtrack, the gritty plot of love, lust, rejection and betrayal is almost irrelevant.

5. Dirty Dancing (1987)

Famous for that dance lift and the line embedded in contemporary film folklore, ‘Nobody puts Baby in the corner,’ the plot doesn’t just focus on a professional dancer preparing a beginner for competition, it deals with many confronting realities of life; a botched abortion, class divides, falling in love and following your heart.

6. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

This classic is a film within a film about Debbie Reynolds with ‘movie star’ Gene Kelly in a riveting display of thrilling dancing, glorious singing and a good dose of slapstick.

7. Footloose (1984)

This movie is actually more about preaching than dancing as it features Kevin Bacon as the rebellious city-slicker who upsets small-town America by defying the oppressive ban on rock music and dancing. Still, it warrants a place in the top ten dance movies because it’s a cultural icon of the 1980s and boasts one of the best on-screen dance scenes to the eponymous title song by Kenny Loggins.

8. Flashdance (1983)

Ok, so it’s horribly dated, but this bizarre tale of a woman being a welder by day and a stripper by night in order to follow her passion of being in a proper dance troupe is so cheesy and predictable, that many can’t help but still love it – ‘What a feeling!’

9. Save the Last Dance (2001)

There may not be originality in the tale of two opposite worlds colliding – an aspiring ballerina and a street-wise hip-hop dancer from the hood – but this inspirational film deals with more than just dancing; grief from the loss of a mother and breaking free from a life of crime.

10. Take the Lead (2006)

Inspired by a true story, this film mixes classic and modern dance styles to tell the story of a teacher who helps a group of troublemakers from a rough part of the Bronx build a better life for themselves. Antonio Banderas as the teacher makes a charismatic dancer and carries the film.

Why Dancing Lessons Are Great For Couples

Why Dancing Lessons Are Great For Couples

Learning to dance not only gets you fit and keeps your mind active, but it can also help rekindle a fading passion between a couple by nurturing a closer relationship. At Arthur Murray Crows Nest, we can help you and your partner improve your connection through body language communication that builds trust and intimacy.

Role reversal

Ladies are often more comfortable with dancing while the menfolk feel out of their depth, so it’s a good opportunity to reverse the traditional roles; the woman can guide her man as he navigates his way through the basic steps. This shift in power can do wonders for the relationship overall as you break away from stereotypical views and see each other as equals. Although a man is then deemed to ‘lead’ the dance, it’s all about partnership. With our help, you’ll soon be working better as a team again.

Shared experience

You may both stumble and struggle with the steps in your first few lessons, but laughing together – rather than at each other – is a great way to bond because sharing vulnerabilities increases levels of mutual trust. The only way to improve is to practice, practice, practice, so by simply rehearsing a few steps whenever you’re together you will build on reciprocal confidence and support.

Body language

The beauty of dance is the expression of non-verbal communication. Couples who dance together learn to read their partner’s every move, both on and off the dance floor. Although the man leads, dancing is a partnership which requires excellent communication from both parties alongside good etiquette to be a success. Whether it’s staring deep into each other’s eyes, feeling the electricity between your fingers or noticing the slightest muscle movement, you will soon be able to read each other perfectly to anticipate the next step.

Romance and passion

Ballroom dancing conjures images of a time gone by, whether it’s the 19th century high-society events or the sublime partnership of Astaire & Rogers. Put some romance back in your relationship with the tenderness and proximity of the formal hold or the fancy footwork of the Foxtrot. Latin dances, on the other hand, offer passionate role-play and allow you to unleash your sexy, saucy or sassy side. Add drama and flair to your lives with the romantic Rumba, tempestuous Tango or cheeky Cha Cha and the sexual tension might leave you more than a little hot under the collar.

Have fun

Dancing offers a great form of activity which not only keeps you fit, but also relieves the stress of the daily grind and injects some frivolous fun if your routine has become humdrum. Couples who are able to laugh together as friends are far more likely to overcome other obstacles thrown at them in life, so dust off your dancing shoes and step into a better relationship.

Why Dancing Fascinates Us

Why Dancing Fascinates Us

Dance has been an important part of society ever since man stood upright on two feet – from celebrations and rituals, to competitions and society events, as a solo artist, in pairs or as part of an ensemble. Dance is an art form evolving over time that has endured as an activity to fascinate participants and spectators alike.

Story-telling

The most important part of the dance is the ability to tell a tale without words – in fact this was how stories were passed down through the generations before the written word was invented. It was also a primitive way of displaying affection for someone of the opposite sex and many marriages were based on the success of a courtship dance.

Community dancing

Medieval times saw the rise of country dances in Christian communities around the world. These organised gatherings were a way of socialising and bringing the community together. Also known as folk dancing, the style of moves and musical instruments varied by country and origin and many forms are still popular with traditionalists today. The 17th century saw the rise of high-society ballroom dances – although they were invitation-only affairs for the elite, essentially they also offered social interaction and became highly sought-after events for their prestige.

Competitive dancing

The dedication and focus required for ballroom dancing turned the art into a competitive activity; it’s now even recognised by the Olympic Committee as a sport, although it is unlikely to be included in the next games. This classification has enabled dancers to compete against each other to prove their prowess, as well as widening its appeal and expanding its remit from hobby to profession.

Endurance dancing

The lean years between the World Wars saw a dance explosion as people wanted to escape the reality of the depression. During the 1920s and 1930s a craze of endurance dance events were held where thousands of people would gather to keep a dance going for 12 or 24 hours, literally to the point of exhaustion.

The comparatively sedate tea dances after the Second World War again gave way to danceathons as rock’n’roll gripped the world in the 1950s & 1960s. Modern discos and clubs have more of an individual feel, but plenty of American colleges have revived the traditional dance marathons as fundraisers.

Out of nowhere

Flash mobs, which started at the turn of the 21st century, are sudden and brief gatherings of people in a public place, according to the Oxford English Dictionary – to perform an ‘unusual and pointless act’. More often than not, a crowd of people execute rehearsed dances to entertain baffled onlookers, with the thrill for flash mobbers being in the secrecy and unison of moves between an otherwise unconnected group of individuals.

Spreading the news

Since the launch of YouTube in 2005, watching and sharing viral videos – a short crazy clip of someone doing something crazy – has become a popular way to while away spare time. This recent phenomenon has prompted many couples to spice up their wedding dance by mashing up classic choreography with modern dance, with the hope of multiple YouTube hits adding special novelty to the wedding memories of everyone in attendance.

Dancing Is Good For Resilience

Dancing Is Good For Resilience

We all know that dance is good for keeping the body fighting fit, and we’ve explored how it can also help mental agility, but did you know that learning and mastering dance techniques can also help you be more resilient to the highs and lows life has to offer?

In times of trouble

The social ballroom dances of the 17th century were put on to send men off to battle with high spirits; the music hall revues featuring flappers doing the Foxtrot helped Americans through the Great Depression; the tea dances during the blitz helped Britain keep calm and carry on – it’s well-documented throughout the ages that being able to express yourself through dance lifts the spirits and increases resilience to get through even the toughest situations.

Clear communication

One thing dance classes will do is fine-tune your ability to read body language. Partner dancing is all about giving and receiving instructions without talking. The subtle inflections passed through the light touch between leader and follower are enough to choreograph an entire social dance, silently. Learning to read other people in such detail will help you understand how and why someone is treating you a certain way, rather than assuming it’s your fault.

Total body overhaul

Learning to dance gives your entire body a workout. Physically you need muscle strength, flexibility, balance and stamina to endure the demands of a dance class. Mentally you need to have a bank of steps at your command, as well as being able to engage with your partner and listen to the music to execute the moves correctly. As you improve and master each step or style, you will grow in self-confidence, run on adrenaline and feel your spirits soar. All these improvements to your body will enable you to bounce back from the daily grind of life much more easily.

It’s in our heritage

Indigenous tribes the world over use dance and music as base levels of expression, and cultures untouched by modern technology still embrace this wonderfully natural form of entertainment. The film The Great Dance describes the life of the San Bushmen of the Kalahari, and shows the tribe’s intimate relationship with dance – similarities are drawn with hunting, which is crucial to the tribe’s survival, and dances are performed to bring rain and celebrate food.

Dance is particularly important in many African tribes – such as the Samburu in the Rift Valley, North Kenya, or the many tribes of Botswana – and as it’s so embedded in their lives, it helps them cope with daily trials and tribulations.

It’s all relative

Dance, like any art form, is subjective. What inspires passion in you won’t necessarily appeal to the person next to you; what one person views as a mistake can be admired as individual interpretation by someone else. At Arthur Murray Crows Nest, we’ll help you understand what’s important to you, so you can find the joy in dance and enable it to support you in your everyday life.

Breaking The Ice: How To Get Your Guests On The Dance Floor

Breaking The Ice: How To Get Your Guests On The Dance Floor

Whether it’s your wedding reception or a big anniversary celebration, there’s nothing worse than an empty dance floor. A poor playlist will put-off partygoers, but there are some key tricks you can do to ensure your event is a roaring success.

Gauge your audience

Target your song set to your audience – if the crowd is made up of Gen X & Y, then they’re unlikely to move to the crooning of Elvis Presley or the Rat Pack, while baby-boomers might not appreciate the dulcet tones of Beyoncé or the rap of Will.I.Am. By targeting the music to the right era and genre, you’re giving yourself a head-start to filling the dance floor.

Go one step further and ask your guests to make song suggestions along with their RSVP. That way you can be sure to get the music selection right.

Song selection

Although it’s your party (and you can cry if you want to) remember, other people might not share your taste in music, so throw in a few crowd-pleasers if want to get everyone up and dancing. Try classic toe-tappers such as ‘I Want You Back’ by Jackson 5, ‘Footloose’ by Kenny Loggings or ‘Le Freak’ by Chic; whatever the occasion, Sister Sledge’s ‘We Are Family’ usually gets the relatives and friends alike, up and dancing. Mix it up with a few modern numbers, some retro classics and a handful of oldies-but-goodies.

Lead by example

You need to get in on the action yourself if you expect anyone else to get on the dance floor, but wannabe dancers tend to be shy until a few people start strutting their stuff, so it’s a great idea to rope some friends in on the act as well – get those closest to you to help you get the crowd moving.

Timing is everything

Don’t start up the dancing, only to have it stopped again by the buffet opening. Yes, food should always come first, followed by time for digestion and perhaps a drink or two, for courage. Only then can you realistically expect people to start bopping with wild abandon. If you want to slow things down for a cake-cutting opportunity or a late buffet, make sure you have songs lined up which will re-fill the floor afterwards.

Look at the layout

Try to ensure the dance floor is in the middle of the room, so that it’s accessible to everyone, and keep all bars in the same room if possible, so there’s no excuse to roam. Make sure there is space between the floor and the surrounding tables, as plenty of wallflowers prefer to dance just off the dance floor itself. Equally, if you know there will be a group of elderly relatives, try seating them further away so that they can enjoy the experience without stopping other people getting up to boogie.

Don’t give in to cheese

Finally, in order to keep you on the dance floor, give your DJ a list of ‘Do Not Play songs’ – this can include any pet-hates from the Chicken Song and Conga to anything by the Cheeky Girls; it’s your party and you have every right to enjoy it!

A Guide To Dance Club Etiquette

A Guide To Dance Club Etiquette

There’s nothing better than dancing the night away and testing some fun new moves, but you need to consider a few simple ‘rules’ before getting out on the social dance floor. With these basics in mind, you’ll have a memorable time for all the right reasons.

Play the part

If you feel nervous, either about dancing in public or inviting others to join you, you’re likely to spend the night on your own, so you might as well have stayed at home. Take a lesson from the latin dance performers and get into character for a little role play. Putting on a brave face can give you the starting confidence to get out there. Then, once you feel the rhythm in your bones, there’ll be no stopping you.

Ask nicely

If you want to dance with someone, actually ask them, rather than performing a ninja-style surprise attack. Don’t suddenly appear behind someone and shimmy up against them or muscle your way into an established group. Instead, position yourself to catch the person’s eye and find out if they want to dance with you first. The music will likely be too loud for conversation, but you should be able to read their reaction to a pleasant smile.

Mind your feet

If you intend to dance all night, wear comfortable shoes. There’s nothing worse than having to sit out your favourite song because of crippled feet. Equally, even if you can dance all night in killer stilettos, make sure you don’t inflict injury by piercing someone else’s foot with them on a busy dance floor.

Watch your space

At Arthur Murray Crows Nest we teach a wide variety of dances in the luxury of a large open studio. When it comes to putting these steps into practice on the dance floor though, you may have to forgo some of the dramatic arm actions in favour of smaller, more subtle moves so that you don’t wipe out half your fellow clubbers.

Know your limits

A little alcohol is a great way to break the ice and give you the courage needed to take the dance floor in the first place. As the music takes over and you lose your inhibitions however, your opinion of your dancing prowess might increase as your ability to control your feet diminishes. Dancing is thirsty work, but always alternate alcohol with water to stay hydrated.

Manners matter

Courtesy at a dance club is important and being polite is important on a crowded dance floor. If you need to pass by someone who is mesmerised by their own moves, don’t push through, but gently touch their shoulder or back and say ‘excuse me’.

Dancing Is Good For Your Muscles

Dancing Is Good For Your Muscles

Dancing is a fun and social way of getting regular exercise, but it’s also terrific at toning up your muscles and trimming down the fat. Each style benefits a different set of muscles, so why not try each one in turn, and watch your whole body tone up!

Swing into action

Any of the swing-based dances – Lindy Hop, Charleston or Jive – are performed from a low position, with the legs bent and the weight forward on the balls of your feet. To master this technique requires great strength in the calves, thighs and glutes, as well as a solid core to keep your balance.

Waltz away your waist

The slower, more elegant ballroom dances, such as the Waltz, are perfect for your posture, requiring a straight back and long neck at all times. Maintaining the correct distance away from your partner at both the waist and chest takes unparalleled core stability, giving you abs to die for. An additional benefit of a toned tummy is that it will in turn strengthen your weight-bearing bones, which can help prevent osteoporosis as you get older.

Think latin

Fast dances, such as the Salsa and Cha Cha, help with one of the biggest muscles: your memory. Not only do you need precise movement from the hips and feet, but you also need it in double-quick time. You cannot fail to improve your brainpower and co-ordination as you master these steps, as well as getting lean, lithe legs.

Strike a pose

If you’re looking to lose the bingo wings, try something dramatic and emotionally charged like the Tango or Flamenco, where you use your arms as well as your legs to convey the passion of the dance. Be warned, you might get more than a little hot under the collar.

Look after yourself

As you lose weight and gain definition, it’s important to look after your muscles; warm up with a minute of jumping jacks and then spend 5 minutes stretching all your muscles to preserve their flexibility. By strengthening your muscles, you’ll also help keep your joints in good shape, setting you in good stead to still be swinging well into your seventies.

Probably the best all-round workout dance is ballet, but we don’t expect you to go to that level of discipline or don a tutu! Come down to Arthur Murray Crows Nest to find out which set of muscles you fancy dancing to define.

Dancing Is Good For Your Relationship

Dancing Is Good For Your Relationship

Whether you’re a new couple, preparing for your wedding, starting a family or happily celebrating a milestone anniversary, there’s nothing better than dancing to bring you closer to your partner. Rather than the hard work often associated with maintaining a good relationship, dancing offers a fun and fanciful way to stay connected. So dust off your dance shoes and prepare to become entwined with your other half.

Learning together

If neither of you is a natural dancer, then you may feel self-conscious during your first few lessons, but you’ll find a real bond as you overcome these nerves together. Not only can you help each other while you learn, but once you master the basic steps, they key is to practice, practice, practice. Suddenly you’ll have a huge advantage as you’ll be able to try out the moves whenever you’re together; whether that’s at home in your living room or at a social dance on the weekend.

Let’s get physical

Dancing can feel a little awkward with a stranger, but pairing up with your loved one will enable you to really put the passion and romance into a style without feeling embarrassed. Simply holding hands is something that’s often not possible on a daily basis when you’re at work or have a demanding home life, and so the touch of your partner while dancing provides a powerful connection. It’s easy to take someone for granted when you’ve been with them for a while, but couples who dance together take a fresh look at their partner as they get into hold.

Fighting fit

They say that you can tell a couple are content when they start to put on a little extra weight, but a regular dance night will give you a great physical workout without having to brave the gym. Jiving really works your legs, latin dances will tone those bingo wings, and ballroom styles smooth out any love handles; before long you’ll both have trim figures again and won’t be able to keep your hands off each other, on or off the dance floor!

Choose your style

There are so many different styles of dance to choose from, that you’re bound to find something to suit your relationship. Old romantics will swoon for the sentiment of a Waltz; classic movie lovers can recreate the elegance of Astaire & Rogers with a Foxtrot or Quickstep; flirty couples can have fun with the infectious Cha Cha; sensitive souls might prefer the tender emotion of the Rumba; drama queens will thrive on the role-playing passion of a Tango or Flamenco; while the sashays of a Salsa will reveal your saucy side.

Practice makes perfect

As you repeatedly practice together, you’ll develop a deeper connection and will be able to read each other’s moves with ease. The more you practice, the smoother it will become, and before long you’ll be taking over the social dance floor looking like professional dancers as well as lovers.

What To Wear To A Social Dance Club

What To Wear To A Social Dance Club

At Arthur Murray Crows Nest, we understand it’s important to feel comfortable with both your footwork and your outfit for your first foray onto the social dance floor, so as well as offering dancing lessons we’ve compiled some key wardrobe suggestions too.

Comfort is paramount

The most important criteria for any dance attire is to be comfortable. This means wearing something that’s stretchy enough to allow you full range of movement – there’s nothing worse than a constricted spin due to a tight shirt or skirt. As well as physical freedom, you should choose an outfit which won’t fuss you. You’ll be nervous enough about the dance and the steps without having to make constant clothing adjustments because your top isn’t quite long enough when you lift your arms up, or your trousers require hitching up before a leg raise.

Temperature control

You should try to wear something light so that you don’t overheat when you get moving, however you may find the dance hall cold when you first arrive. Therefore it’s a good idea to work the layered look so you’re not shivering at first, but can easily cool down once you start spinning!

Don’t bare it all

While you might be tempted to dress skimpily to combat the heat, if you intend to dance all night, it’s not very pleasant for your partner to have to touch your damp skin. A cool, but covering top is preferable to a sleeveless shirt, and low-backed dresses should be avoided. Equally, a low cut top that may reveal more than you imagine with a daring dip – so try a few moves at home before you settle on something.

Fancy feet

Never try to dance in trainers or other rubber-soled shoes; not only will you squeak and stick to the floor, but you could suddenly stop mid-spin and cause a knee or ankle injury. Gents, to ensure a smooth slide, choose a leather-soled work shoe. Ladies, only wear high heels if you know you can dance in them… all night. It’s advisable to choose shoes with a strap so they don’t fly off mid kick or flick, and likewise avoid sling backs or mules.

Hair care

Consider tying a fringe back if it’s likely to get in your eyes and tame long locks in a bun, or a style close to the head; a pony tail can still whip someone in the face as you spin around the dance floor.

Don’t accessorise

Whatever style you’re dancing, it’s best to keep your outfit as slimline as possible. Avoid floaty scarves, baggy sleeves, big watches, chunky bracelets, large rings, long necklaces, prominent belt buckles, or anything which can get caught as you turn; it might hurt you or the other person, and will certainly cramp your style. Gents, try not to have keys or money in your trouser pockets, but if it’s unavoidable, keep them in the left-hand side to minimise any bruising to your partner.

Live Dance: The Ultimate Inspiration For Any Dance Student

Live Dance: The Ultimate Inspiration For Any Dance Student

If you remember the Friends episode ‘The One with the Fake Monica’, you’ll know the phrase, ‘You don’t observe a dance class, you dance a dance class!’ That passion is true of any form of dance, but contrary to the tyrant teacher’s statement in the sitcom, you can always be inspired through watching dance shows.

Why see live dance?

You may love one of the classic dance movies, such as Dirty Dancing or Strictly Ballroom, or be addicted to the reality TV shows Dancing with the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance, but nothing beats the thrill of a live dance performance. You want to be able to feel the beat of the music vibrating in your bones, hear the panting of the dancer’s breath, see the sweat glisten on their body – that’s when you know how hard they’re working and you can appreciate the beauty and drama of the art.

What shows?

Any form of live dance should be exciting enough to inspire you, whether that’s watching professionals in a ballroom competition, admiring the chorus in a musical, seeing a dance troupe in a street act or even witnessing a flash mob.

Whatever show you see, look for the universal focus of attention, as well as the individual stylising, because no two people will move the same regardless of identical choreography. Spot the differences in the performance, and use it to find your own interpretation of the moves when you dance.

Where to go?

Sydney has more opportunities to watch live dance than there are days of the week, no matter what your budget. Whether you want to see the variety of dance troupes performing regularly at the Sydney Theatre and Seymour Centre, or prefer something a little more surreal with the Bollywood Authentic Indian Dance Sydney Harbour Cruise, there’s something for everyone.

You dance a dance class

Once you’re inspired, take that passion into the classroom – at Arthur Murray Crows Nest our dance instructors feel it too and will help you translate your enthusiasm into interpreting the set steps to carve your own niche as a dancer.

A New Generation Of Dance Instructor Is Born

A New Generation Of Dance Instructor Is Born

Chris Michaels, our Crows Nest Franchisee, has been fortunate enough to be a part of a select few of robotics engineers to become part of one of the biggest robotics companies in the world, Aldebaran Robotics.

Even though these developers are programming ‘Nao’, the robot for all types of applications, Chris Michaels has focused on the applications of dance, and one day will be releasing an application, where you can ‘Learn to Dance, the Arthur Murray Way’, through the tutoring of Nao himself.

This is the beginning of a wonderful new technology, that will have many more implications when introduced to the public.

Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease: Dance!

Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease: Dance!

Alzheimer’s disease effects the brain, our memory, thinking and behavioural functions, just to name a few. It’s certainly something to try and avoid by keeping the brain active.

Research relating Alzheimer’s and ballroom dancing has continuously confirmed that this form of exercise and hobby is a deterrent for this disease, possibly lowering the risk for Alzheimer’s by as much as 76%.

How does dancing do this, you may ask?

When we learn something new, in this case ballroom dancing, we use parts of our brain that are sometimes not being used. This part of the brain helps us remember certain things. Exercising the brain is just like exercising the body – the more you use it, the more healthy it will stay! By using this part of our brain to remember techniques, steps, styles & dances, we increase the chance that we’ll have a healthier brain for a much longer period of time.

Make sure you keep dancing, not only for the excellent physical benefits, but for the added mental effects as well. The brain should be treated as a muscle that needs to be worked out to stay in shape and what better way to do it then dance the night away!

OK Go’s Music Video Clip For Skyscrapers

OK Go’s Music Video Clip For Skyscrapers

It's Never Too Late To Learn To Dance

It's Never Too Late To Learn To Dance

Rarely do we have the privilege to wish Happy Birthday to someone whose age has three digits! Such is the case with Evlyn Kavanagh a student at our Arthur Murray Studio in Vancouver BC, where she is affectionately called ‘The Queen’.

Evlyn joined Arthur Murrays at the tender age of 90 with a gift certificate given to her by her children. Evlyn is well known & admired amongst the Arthur Murray organisation & has been an avid participant at the Arthur Murray International Dance events for the last 10 years.

Evlyn had a birthday bash of historic proportions on the 29th of July where she received a birthday card from another Queen, Queen Elizabeth II.

We wish Evyln all the best during this momentous occasion and thank her for being such an inspiration to us all, proving dancing is for everyone and that it’s never too late to live your dancing dreams.

Best Of Arthur Murray Playlist

Best Of Arthur Murray Playlist

Check out these old Arthur Murray classics and advertisements!

Dancing Success Story

Dancing Success Story

Check out this success story from Arthur Murray Roxbury!

Pick Up Good Habits Now!

Pick Up Good Habits Now!

You all have the chance to develop some really good habits right from the start. Group classes are the key to successful… well… success in your dancing!

In the beginning, you hear us say ‘these things will soon become muscle memory…’ However, you also hear us recommend (strongly) at least 1 group class to every private lesson. After your first dance program, these become unlimited for you. You should take advantage of them! You’ll pick up steps, patterns & techniques much faster if you supplement your private lessons with group classes.

We want all of our students to feel like they’re progressing and we also love seeing you guys! So next time you’re in the Studio, check out the group schedule, there are plenty to choose from. Try and schedule a group class around a private lesson or make a date night (if you’re a couple) and grab some dinner before or afterward.

No matter what level you are, there’s always room for more group classes. This way you know you’re learning on a consistent basis.

Tip Of The Month

Tip Of The Month

Know your slows

When you dance, be mindful of your slow beats. These should be held for as long as possible in your latin dances. Hold the count with your feet and dance through it with your body… That’s where rhythm comes from.

For the body to have fluidity, the feet must have stability.

Tip Of The Month: October

Tip Of The Month: October

Quality over quantity! It’s not about how many steps you know, it’s about how you dance them.

• Keep patient when learning new steps.

• Spend time on each step and do them well.

• Make that Bronze 1 step look like a Bronze 4 or even Silver step!!!

• No matter what level you are, by going back and doing the basics, you will become a better dancer in the long run.