Last updated 15 hours ago
The first dance is a memorable and vital part of a wedding, as it serves to introduce the newly married couple and mark the beginning of the reception’s festivities. While many couples choose to simply sway in time to their favorite song, you deserve to have a special moment to showcase the connection between you and your brand-new spouse. Learning a perfectly polished ballroom dance by taking wedding dance lessons will wow your guests—and help ensure that you and your fiancé spend quality time together while planning the wedding.
Consider the tone of your reception. Are you planning a formal black-tie event or a cozy themed reception? Traditional weddings often call for classic ballroom dances, such as the Waltz or Foxtrot, while couples holding smaller and more intimate gatherings may enjoy performing the spirited Lindy Hop or even a group Country Dance!
Decide what “mood” defines your relationship. If the two of you love to flirt and joke around, a fun and lighthearted dance like West Coast Swing may set the party mood at your reception. However, if your romance is more akin to a dramatic love story, you may want to showcase your special bond with the American Tango—a passionate dance that can be performed with a variety of intriguing moves.
Determine the rhythm and tempo of your wedding song. Many couples have a good idea of which song they want played during their first dance. Be sure to bring a CD of the song to your first dance lesson so your instructor can determine which styles of dance would best suit it.
Evaluate the mobility afforded by the bride’s dress. A heavy or full wedding gown may call for a more reserved dance, such as a Foxtrot or Waltz. If the bride’s dress is loose and flowing, a beautiful Bolero or unique Viennese Waltz can provide a complementary whimsical and romantic tone. Shorter and tighter gowns are better-suited for faster, more sensual dances such as the Rumba or Samba.
To learn more about your wedding dance options or to schedule your free first dance lesson, call the Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose at (408) 873-0369.
Last updated 7 days ago
If you are interested in taking ballroom dancing lessons but are self-conscious or worried that it will take many sessions before you are able to dance proficiently, Arthur Murray is here to help! The mission of our studios is to enable regular people to quickly become confident social dancers or award-worthy competitive dancers. Read on to learn a bit about the man behind the Arthur Murray Dance Studios:
Arthur Murray came of age in the 1910s, as a struggling European immigrant living in New York. To overcome his social insecurities, he took up dancing, practicing at various weddings around his neighborhood. After winning a dance contest in his teen years, Murray began teaching dance lessons, becoming increasingly well-known.
With the aim of expanding his business, Arthur Murray began a mail-order operation, in which he would send out paper diagrams of the steps involved in different dance moves—an idea which proved to be exceedingly popular. In 1925, he opened his own dance studio, which he franchised by teaching his methods to instructors at various hotels. Murray’s first franchise dance studio opened in 1938, and such studios grew to number in the dozens over the next decade.
In keeping up with the latest dance trends, Arthur Murray was the first to notice that Latin dances were becoming popular in the U.S.—and accordingly, he began sending his instructors to Cuba, so they could remain on the cutting edge of dance techniques. After Murray retired in 1964, his chain of dance studios was bought by various franchisees in order to continue his legacy of making the latest dance moves accessible to everyone.
Today, the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios comprise the biggest dance instruction company in the world. Each studio is run by a former teacher who has gradually risen through the ranks—another hallmark of Arthur Murray’s philosophy that opportunities to dance should be available to all.
Visit the Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose to learn what makes Arthur Murray’s unique teaching methods so popular. With private dance lessons, group classes, and weekly practice sessions, we offer the instruction you need to become a confident ballroom dancer. Call us today at (408) 873-0369 to set up a complimentary initial lesson!
Last updated 14 days ago
Choosing a song for the first dance at your wedding reception is an important decision, as it allows you to send a special message to your guests as well as your significant other. Watch this video for some unique song suggestions and to learn why starting your wedding reception with an upbeat dance can help set a celebratory mood.
If you would like to learn some impressive ballroom dance moves so you and your fiancé can shine during your wedding reception, visit Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose. We offer a complementary first lesson so you can determine which dance style you’d like to focus on—and one lesson is all you need to begin truly dancing! Call (408) 873-0369 today to learn more about our lesson options.
Last updated 23 days ago
Are you interested in taking dancing lessons? Do you want tips that will help you prepare for your class? You can find more dancing-related tips and trick on the following websites.
- Learn more about the history and evolution of cha-cha dancing on this page from eHow.com.
- Dancing offers a number of health benefits that you can read about on this page from EverydayHealth.com.
- Check out this page from LiveStrong.com for a closer look at the benefits you can expect when taking dance lessons.
Contact the dance instructors here at Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose today at (408) 873-0369 for even more information!
Last updated 28 days ago
Different dance styles feature unique elements that make them stand out from other types of dance. Some are fast-paced and filled with energetic movements, while others feature slower and longer movements that create a truly elegant performance. The Viennese Waltz is the most classic and traditional out of these more elegant ballroom styles.
In this video, you can get a closer look at the Viennese Waltz. This style is faster than a regular waltz, making it a bit more exciting both for dancers and for the audience. Proper posture is an important element of the Viennese Waltz, and dancers typically try to extend their arms and legs throughout the dance.
If you would like to learn more about the Viennese Waltz or try it out for yourself, you can contact the team here at Arthur Murray Dance Studio of San Jose. Call us today at (408) 873-0369!
