Arthur Murray Blog

Our Teen Waltz Class happens every Thursday, at 6:00 P.M. This waltz class, or any dance class, is an ideal way for a teenager to learn social skills and improve self confidence.

Physical Benefits Of Waltz Classes

Dancing, and in particular ballroom style dances such as a waltz, are known to improve posture and physical coordination. This can lead to improved performances in other physical activities such as sports and cheerleading. Other benefits of learning to dance include an improvement in balance, memorization skills, and creative expression. Of course, in a world where we spend so much time in front of computer screens, getting any basic exercise is always a great idea.

Social Benefits of Waltz Classes

It’s not always easy being a teenager. Even the people who were thought of as “popular” in high school, will tell you now, as adults, how awkward and insecure they felt during those years. Dance lessons are a great way for teens to learn a few basic social skills, and gain confidence when interacting with others. Participating in a dance class with peers teaches teenagers basic etiquette and conversation skills.

Establishing new friendships is also a natural result of learning to dance with others. If your teen enjoys dance lessons now, he or she might consider taking more classes into adulthood. There is definitely a “dance community” at our studios, and we want the teen students to become adult members of that community in the coming years.

Contact us, if you are interested in our Teen Waltz Class, or any other dance class for your teenager. We look forward to hearing from you.

There are so many reasons to stay involved in ongoing dance classes. Dance lessons are wonderful for physical fitness and stress relief. Dancing together is a romantic date night activity. You can make new friends during dance classes. Another great reason to keep dancing with us is the fun and challenge of competitions!

Qualified Instructors Who Love What They Do!

Our talented and experienced instructors encourage interested students of all levels to participate in competitions. Competitions are a thrilling way to show off the skills you’ve learned. In turn, you can find inspiration from the creativity of other dancers. Our dance instructors have decades worth of combined experience, along with a diverse background of performance and artistic direction. We want to teach you more than simply how to dance; we want to teach you how to be a dancer!

Competition Can Be Good For You

Studies have shown that a moderate level of competition can be good for us. Competing promotes personal growth, and encourages creativity. We would have never landed on the moon, or have access to the internet, without healthy competition. Perhaps most importantly, being competitive teaches and motivates individuals. Sure, you will probably make mistakes at a competition. It happens to everyone. Learn from the mistake; resolve to “fix” it, and you can take it as a positive experience for yourself. Then, you’ll do even better at the next Dance Competition event!

Contact us if you are ready to start a journey of dance lessons and competition. We love what we do, and are very proud of all our students.

The highlight of any wedding reception is the first dance of the newly married couple. It’s a beautiful tradition that symbolizes the start of the bride and groom’s new life together. The tradition of a “first dance” dates back to possibly the 17th century. It was originally a tradition at formal balls that were hosted by wealthy families. It was custom for the guests of honor, or the hosts, to have the first dance of the evening. Once the first dance had been completed, the rest of the guests were welcome to hit the dance floor! What used to be social etiquette is now a cherished wedding tradition.

A Dance To Suit Your Style

Our instructors love to help newlyweds make that first dance a memorable experience! We can help you learn a classic ballroom dance, or something more lively and contemporary. Bring the music you’ve chosen for your special dance, and we’ll make sure that first dance is a beautiful life long memory for you, and your guests.

Wedding Choreography For The Entire Wedding Party

Our wedding dance lessons aren’t just for the bride and groom! Our instructors can also help with dance lessons for the entire wedding party. A polished, coordinated dance by the wedding attendants is memorable for everyone.

We have several Wedding Dance Lesson plans to choose from. Contact us if you would like to get started learning the most special 

From Vaudeville To The Ballroom

The foxtrot is one of the staples of ballroom dancing. Although there are different stories about its origin, it is commonly thought to have originated in the Summer of 1914 by Vaudeville actor Harry Fox. Fox was performing in a show called Jardin de Danse, on the roof of the New York Theatre. As part of his act, he did “trotting” steps to ragtime music. People began referring to this dance as “Fox’s Trot”. It captured the attention of famed exhibition dancers, Vernon and Irene Castle, who included a variation of it as part of their touring act.

When rock and roll first gained popularity in the early 1950s, record companies were uncertain as to what style of dance would fit this exciting new musical genre. Decca Records initially labeled its rock and roll releases as “foxtrots”, most notably the famous “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley and His Comets.

A Staple of Ballroom Dancing

The steps and form of what we now know as the foxtrot were standardized by Arthur Murray. It is danced primarily to big band music. The foxtrot is a smooth dance characterized by long, flowing movements across the dance floor. In appearance, it is similar to the waltz, although the rhythm is in 4/4 time, instead of the 3/4 time of the waltz.

The popularity of the foxtrot was a significant development in ballroom dancing history. Today, there are many varieties of foxtrot, but they all originated with the dance craze going back to 1914. Our qualified teachers would love to help you learn this fun and versatile dance style. Contact us soon, if you would like to learn more about ballroom dance lessons.

Have you thought about starting dance lessons, but hesitate because of inexperience? Are you unsure about which type of dance class is the best fit for you? We understand this, and that’s why we encourage you to check out the Austin Arthur Murray Dance Studio for your own introductory lesson. You’ll get to meet some of our instructors, see our studio, and discuss what type of classes are available. Everyone starts somewhere, and our talented, friendly instructors will have you dancing with confidence in no time at all!

Dedicated Instructors Will Get You Dancing!

Our instructors are dedicated to keeping dance lessons as fun as possible. The main goal is for you to learn enough to feel comfortable on the dance floor. Ideally, we’d also love you to fall in love with dancing, including all the physical and mental health benefits that it entails!

Lesson Plans and Activities For Every Lifestyle and Budget

We have dance lesson packages and “unit” lesson plans, to fit a variety of budgets and schedules. All of the packages include private and group lessons, as well as admission to parties or practice sessions. You can look at our calendar on this website to see when “Newcomer” events are scheduled. There are also many activities on the calendar that are suitable for all dance levels; it’s a great way to make new friends. Contact us if you’re ready to schedule your introductory lesson.

This is the first in our installments of our “In Step” web series. We hope you enjoy the news, information and insight it provides of the Austin Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

As the owner of the Austin Arthur Murray Dance Studio, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of our devoted students and a hearty “Welcome” to those of you checking us out for the first time. 

If this is your first introduction to Arthur Murray’s, I strongly encourage you to stop by the studio and check us out. We pride ourselves on providing the best in personalized service and in making even the newest dancer feel right at home. You will find the instructors to be first rate, patient and attentive to your dance needs.

Believe it or not, I started out as a student at this very studio many years ago. The dancing bug bit me hard – what started out as just a few lessons to learn how to 2-step, has turned into career that I absolutely love. I can’t say that everyone will be as devoted as I am but I think it demonstrates the power that this studio has to change lives. We have helped thousands to rekindle that love that we have for moving to music. We have helped countless couples start their marriages with a first dance that will last a lifetime. I am sure that we can get you moving out there on the dance floor too!

With a little pun intended, I encourage you to “take that first step” and learn to dance at Arthur Murray’s. I did and I have not regretted a minute of it.

Summer will soon be here, and you might be wondering what activities would be best to keep your children active and happy. If your child isn’t interested in the competitive nature of team sports, dance classes for kids can be a fun alternative. Most children naturally love music. Even toddlers will instinctively bounce and sway to music that they like. Kids’ dance classes enhance that natural love of music and movement, and channels it into physical exercise and discipline with many health benefits. Instead of traditional ballet classes for kids, try to interest them in a type of dance that appeals to their individual personality. Friendships can be formed over mutual musical tastes. A young country music fan might be more excited about learning line-dancing and the two-step. High energy swing dancing could appeal to a young person who likes jazz and pop music. Allowing your child to choose what genre of dance appeals to them, means that they’ll have fun while improving their health.

Health Benefits of Dance Classes

Increasingly, health professionals are stressing the importance of regular physical activity for all ages. Dance is a great way to get an aerobic workout, while having fun. Studies show that dance classes will help kids improve their stamina, balance, and flexibility. Dancing is a fun way to instill the habit of regularly exercising. This healthy habit can carry throughout their adolescence and adult life, contributing to their long term well being.

Dancing Can Boost Self Confidence

In addition to the physical health benefits, dance classes for kids can boost a child’s self confidence and develop learning skills. Learning to control one’s own movements, while learning to move with others, allows a child to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Learning dance steps develops memorization skills that are beneficial to other areas of a child’s education. If your child is shy, kids’ dance classes can improve social skills. Dancing in groups relies on teamwork and communication. Participating in a dance class gives kids a sense of belonging. As they get to know and trust their teacher and the others in their class, they’ll gain new friendships and social opportunities. If you are interested in dance classes for kids, please fill out the contact form on this website. Let’s get your kids dancing!