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| - I can remember it all so vividly now, my first ever Arthur Murray lesson 2 plus years ago. My feeling was that the worst case scenario was wasting 30 minutes of my life, $10 and making a fool of myself. Could i have been more wildly off base? By the time we were finished the first long wall of our foxtrot I was hooked on dancing in my first lesson. It has opened up a new world for me as I have made many friends and gained a sense of poise, confidence and assurance, that hitherto did not exist. It has broadened my life, and enriched it more than anything else I've ever tried. Whatever time, energy, money is spent should be divided by 24 because every hour of my day (yes even while sleeping!) is better off since I started taking lessons and dancing.
An enormous amount of the credit must go to the teachers at the Arthur Murray studio who must wear many hats as they instruct their students. Dance teachers is just the opening salvo for what they are and what they do. They must be one part therapist, challenging us continually out of our comfort zones, another part cheerleaders to encourage us when things are going well (as they sometimes do!). In my own case I feel that lightning struck twice because I was given two wonderful teachers.
It has been thrilling for me to turn something that had been such a fearful activity, one I was lousy at, into such a strength. I can go out to a dance club and dance with many different people I have never met before in a variety of styles (types). While it is a mystery why I never cottoned onto dancing earlier in my life given my love of music and physical activity I have made up for it with all the enthusiasm I have, that has not diminished at all. Nor do I intend to stop dancing ever (well at least while I am above ground).
And lastly the other students at the Arthur Murray studio are welcoming, helpful and collegial. Even though the students are at a variety of levels, some having been dancing longer than others, there is no hierarchy whatsoever. Everyone is united by a common thread, a love of what we call dance.
Sincerely
Tony
Sent from my iPhone
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