Every program we offer is designed with a different goal in mind, whether it is to feel more comfortable dancing at a business event, to perform a routine at your wedding, or to dance like a star. No matter which program you choose, it will include a mix of private lessons, group lessons, practice sessions, and parties.
Private lessons are one-on-one sessions with an instructor. These sessions allow your instructor time to focus on improving how your dancing looks and feels.
Group lessons provide an opportunity to learn and practice steps and techniques so that they become part of your muscle memory — a stage where you no longer have to think about the motions to make them happen. Group lessons also increase the efficiency of private lessons because they reduce the amount of time instructors must spend during private lessons introducing or reviewing steps.
Practice sessions are open dance sessions for students of our studio designed to provide additional time to work on steps and technique, with instructors on hand to answer questions.
Parties let you use all that you have learned in your private and group lessons in a social event setting. On party night, we play a variety of songs geared to let you practice everything from swing to tango and from salsa to fox trot —all in one setting. Parties are open to all Arthur Murray students, so it is a great opportunity to dance with students of all levels. Remember, we all started out learning the basic box step!
We believe that it is important to maintain a balanced routine of private, group, and practice sessions to learn the fastest and with the most efficiency, and all of our programs are geared to help you achieve that balance. Ballroom dancing is a great way to meet new people, and it's a fun way to expand your exercise or physical fitness program!
Our Introductory program is designed as a prelude to the popular social dances and the teaching methods of the Arthur Murray Dance Studios. It's designed to fulfill your immediate dance needs while allowing your instructor an opportunity to evaluate your dancing with respect to your future learning.
The Basic Program develops the most important dances you plan to use immediately at a basic level. Emphasis is placed on three important elements of dancing:
- Foot position
- Rhythm and timing
- Leading or following
With enough variety to keep your learning experience interesting.
The associate Bronze Program will help you acquire freer movement around the floor while expanding your variety, technique, and footwork. Associate Bronze dancers also begin to develop portrayal of dance's characteristics in the form of styling. This dance program is very popular with those wanting to get on the dance floor quickly.
Full Bronze is the complete Social Dance program taught by the Arthur Murray Dance Studios. It's designed to develop timing and techniques in all Social Dances you select. The styling will make you look and feel comfortable on the dance floor and strengthen your lead and following, regardless of your partner, the music being played, or the type of dance floor. Bronze dancers have all the confidence anyone would need on the floor because they have reached the "fun point" in dancing. Dancing techniques at this level will be yours to keep, as you'll never forget the elements of each dance.
Silver is the dance standard with a high degree of styling. More elaborate movements ensure the Silver dancer will stand out on any dance floor. Continuity of movements makes a couple glide across the dance floor with many natural directional changes. Styling, technique, balance, and control take on an entirely new meaning. This is the beginning of the more professional standard used mainly on the ballroom floor.
Our Gold standard, known as the "Dancing with the Stars" program, is strictly for the hobby dancer interested in performances, exhibitions, or competitions. Its intricate patterns are only to be used when both partners are proficient. Choreography, styling, technique, and showmanship are necessities in this standard. This material is generally not used on a crowded floor. There is a lot of work involved in this program, but you will truly be regarded as an outstanding dancer, able to excel in any dance.