Las Vegas Ballroom Dancing Studio

Thinking of taking dance lessons and a bit intimidated? Don't worry! We all start somewhere with new things, and our job at Arthur Murray is to make your transition from 'zero to hero' as comfortable, challenging and fun as possible!

Below is a number of questions and questions first time dancers often ask. We want you to walk in that first day and feel ready to enjoy the dance lesson process.

Remember, this first step is the big one - once you walk in, it gets easier from there!

How many times have you been at a function and thought, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if I could go out there and command the floor and impress others?" Be honest! Remember, dancing is a social skill, and others will react accordingly to your abilities. Never miss out on a chance to dance and look great again!

Everyone has to start somewhere when learning something new. The most important thing is to go to the FIRST class. And in three lessons, we're confident that you'll have more passion, confidence, and style on the dance floor - and everyone will know it!

• How do I get started dancing?
  Getting started is easy. The first step is to schedule an introductory lesson with one of our trained instructors. During that lesson, your instructor will determine your current level and recommend an appropriate course for you to continue.
• Can I really learn to dance?
  Yes. Dancing is as easy as walking once you are taught how by an expert Arthur Murray dance instructor. We teach simple, basic elements, from which the steps are derived. Hundreds of thousands of people have been successfully trained in Arthur Murray Dance Studios. There is no age limit. Many of the oldest students are over 70. The youngest are usually in their early teens.
• How much do lessons cost?
  Tuition varies, depending on a number of factors e.g., how good you want to be, what dances you want to learn, and your dance schedule. Remember - YOUR INTRODUCTORY LESSON IS FREE. After that lesson, your instructor will recommend a program and will be able to answer any questions, so you will have the knowledge to make an informed choice.
• Does the fee have to be paid in advance?
  Tuition is generally paid in advance, especially for Foundation Programs. However, financing and other arrangements are also available. Since these are determined on a case by case basis, please ask in person, and we will be glad to give you all the details.
• Will I have a good teacher?
  Yes. All Arthur Murray teachers must complete an arduous training regimen, making them very competent. Your teachers will be selected to best suit your particular needs and style of learning
• I'm afraid of looking ridiculous
  The most important thing to remember is that everyone feels that way. Also, when you come in to our class, we're going to take care of you - we'll work to your level, and build your confidence and knowledge from there. Remember - once you have even ONE class, you'll know more than most people! In that first class we'll start giving you techniques to make you a more elegant dancer. And even with one class, you'll feel more confident about hitting that dance floor!
• What if I sweat?
  C'mon - live a little! Everyone glows a little at dance class!
• What about injury?
  Dance classes aren't obstacle courses - this is a relaxed, controlled atmosphere. If you can walk without injury, you can dance!
• What are group classes?
  If you're a beginner, we're going to start you out in group foundation class. This class will not be a mixture of all levels of dancers - it will be a class of peers. All of you will be at relatively the same level, and you will learn the basics, together. There's camaraderie here that you will enjoy!
  
  Group classes give you the opportunity to dance with multiple partners. As your personal 'style' emerges, you'll learn that not everyone dances the same way and it's important to understand the range of heights and how that affects a couple's dance.
  
  And you'll have FUN at your group classes. We're not here to push you to the limit - that would be against the whole reason of learning to dance - having fun!
• What is a private class?
  Private dance lessons is one-on-one learning. You (or you and your partner) can learn in a private environment that is fun, anonymous, and responsive to your specific needs.
• Should I learn one dance or many?
  There are advantages to both paths, but predominantly our group classes (with the exception of Salsa Series) focus on many types of dances - Foxtrot, Waltz, East Coast Swing, and more. Why? Learning multiple dances helps you in many ways to be a better dancer:
  • You have more opportunities to dance when at a social event (and dance the right dance for each song)
  • You will start to learn the overall theories that are so important in learning all types of dance; you'll not only understand certain moves in each type of dance, but understand how to move like a dancer
  • One dance will help you learn faster in another dance.
  • Many times after learning one dance, you will find similar moves within another dance, making it easier to learn new moves. And many times our students have told us that by starting another dance and practicing for a while, they seem to 'magically get' moves that stumped them in previous dances.
• How many lessons do I need? What is the frequency of lessons?
  Since you are starting, it is important to take one (or even two) lessons per week. This will allow you to rapidly build upon what you have already learned the previous week. You'll 'lock down' what you have already learned and integrate it into future lessons. Also, we'll show you how to practice at home, easily and effortlessly - this will build your confidence even more!
• Do I need a partner to learn ballroom or latin dancing?
  No! You never need a partner for any group class, party, workshop, or lesson at Arthur Murray. We encourage all our students to learn to dance with a variety of partners. Everyone rotates in our group classes so you can experience dancing with many different people. This has been proven to be the best way to learn to dance, and it's a lot of fun, as well!
• How do I sign up for the classes?
  If you want to do it in the quickest way possible simply give us a call at 798-4552. Or you can visit our studio or send us an email.
• What should I wear to dance class?
  Our dress code is fairly casual for our group classes. You might want to dress up a little for our weekly practice parties, but again - make sure you wear something that you'll be happy dancing in.
  
  What is important right now for you is that you wear clothes that allow a freedom of movement. For men, loose slacks and a loose, comfortable shirt is the best. Jeans, by the way, tend to bind. For women, style vary, so just make sure you have something comfortable on, like a dress.
• Do I need to buy dance shoes for my beginning class?
  Not at first. Just be sure you wear leather-soled shoes that fit well and stay on your feet. Sneakers or other rubber-soled shoes are not a good choice. They are very difficult to dance in and can put a lot of strain on your ankles and joints. Don't wear clogs, wedges, slides, or any shoes with an open back - you'll be thinking more about your shoes than your dancing!
  
  For women, flexible heeled shoes that are not too high (what you would wear for a night on the town is best). Platform soles or stilettos come later! For men, flat-soled (dress) shoes are a good idea. This will allow you to spin without effort.
• I have no dance experience and two left feet. Will I be able to keep up in the beginning group class?
  Yes! We have years of experience teaching students of all ability levels and our foundation group classes are designed to help everyone master the basic steps. We encourage you to come to our class and try it out. If you still feel uncomfortable, we are always available for private lessons to go over concepts that may have been confusing in class.
• What is the best way to learn to dance - group classes or private lessons?
  We recommend both. Group classes will help you learn the steps and become comfortable dancing with a variety of dance partners. They are a lot of fun and a great place to meet potential dance and practice partners.
  
  Private lessons are essential for anyone who is serious about dancing. They will really help your dance technique, and support you in any areas that you are having trouble with in the group classes. Your instructor will be able to work with you in detail on your frame, your balance, your ability to lead and follow figures, and will help you become a light and responsive dance partner. You'll be able to work at your own pace on your own particular dance strengths and challenges. Regular private lessons will propel your dancing to a new level.