The most common mistake that women make is assuming that if they are given a “good partner” that they will be able to follow anything- even complicated steps. This is far from the case. Ballroom dancing is a give-and-take affair in which each partner should contribute to the other’s pleasure. The minute a woman accepts the invitation to step on the dance floor, she immediately assumes equal responsibility.

Three Secrets to Help Women Become Good Dancers

1. Learn lightness- it is vital- and to do this, you must practice in order to strengthen the muscles used in dancing
2. Learn to do the basic steps ALONE. Then when you are on the actual dance floor, you will know what your partner is doing and you will not discourage him by depending on him for support.
3. Learn a VARIETY of steps. You can follow properly only as many steps as you know, and the strongest leader can’t make you follow steps that are unfamiliar to you.

Most important thing that cannot be stressed enough is the importance of learning to dance independently of your partner. If you can dance well alone, you can then dance more easily and more successfully with a partner!

Reference: “How to Become a Good Dancer” by Arthur Murray

Melanie AMK

4-7-12

The most common mistake that women make in Ballroom Dancing is assuming that if they are given a “good partner” that they will be able to follow anything- even complicated steps. This is far from the case. Ballroom dancing is a give-and-take affair in which each partner should contribute to the other’s pleasure. The minute a woman accepts the invitation to step on the dance floor, she immediately assumes equal responsibility.

1. Learn lightness- it is vital- and to do this, you must practice in order to strengthen the muscles used in dancing
2. Learn to do the basic steps ALONE. Then when you are on the actual dance floor, you will know what your partner is doing and you will not discourage him by depending on him for support.
3. Learn a VARIETY of steps. You can follow properly only as many steps as you know, and the strongest leader can’t make you follow steps that are unfamiliar to you.

Most important thing that cannot be stressed enough is the importance of learning to dance independently of your partner. If you can dance well alone, you can then dance more easily and more successfully with a partner!

JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4TH AS WE CELEBRATE HISTORY!

WE HAVE AN AWESOME DAY PLANNED FOR EVERYONE! WE ARE HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE TO INVITE NEW PEOPLE FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO BE A PART OF OUR GREAT ORGANIZATION AND FOR OUR AMAZING STUDENTS WHO TRULY MAKE THIS ORGANIZATION WHAT IT IS, WE HAVE A FUN-FILLED DAY PLANNED FOR YOU!

A DAY FULL OF GROUP CLASSES, GREAT MUSIC, FOOD AND FUN ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE THIS GREAT COMPANY!

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY:

1:15PM- SPICY BACHATA

2:00PM- PEABODY

3:30PM- SALSA

4:15PM- LINE DANCING

6:15PM- PASO DOBLE

7:00PM- CLUB SWING

7:45PM- PRACTICE PARTY

LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!! SEE YOU ALL ON APRIL 4TH!!

Melanie AMK

3-29-12

Arthur Murray Kenilworth is conveniently located on the Boulevard in Kenilworth, which is just minutes away from Clark, Cranford, Garwood, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Short Hills, Milburn and Westfield, New Jersey Arthur Murray Kenilworth specializes in Wedding Dances, Private Dance Lessons, Group Classes, Social Dance Parties, Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing, Merengue, Bolero, Vienese Waltz, Bachata, Country Western, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Mambo, Hustle, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, etc…

 

While attending lessons at Arthur Murray Kenilworth, learn not only to do the various steps with complete confidence and in perfect time to the music, but easily and without apparent effort. The following suggestions will help you develop grace in dancing, if carried out faithfully on your Private Lessons, in Group Classes and at Practice Sessions at Arthur Murray:

1. When both feet are on the Ballroom floor, try always to have them placed in one of the five standard positions.

2. Keep your heals close together in 1st Position, and pass them close to each other when walking forward or backward; such as, in 4th Position.

3. Always bring your heals together before taking a side step; such as, in 2nd Position.

4. Your feet should always work as a team, keeping as close together as the nature of the step permits. Even when the two feet are being moved in different directions, the correct way is to “brush” them close to one another, rather than to spread them apart at a sharp angle.

5. Keep your toes turned slightly outward.

6. The woman should take the backward steps from the hip (not the knee). There should always be a straight line from her hip to the top of her toes.

7. Do not sway the upper part of your body independently. The upper part of the body should respond naturally and only to the motions of the feet. For example, when you step forward with your left foot, your right arm will swing forward automatically. You don’t need to sway consciously from the waist.Grace, poise, and confidence result from proper training. They are acquired gradually, and you will possess them to the full only if you make certain that you thoroughly know and are able to do all the steps that give interest and variety to your dancing.

 

Reference: “How to Become a Good Dancer” by Arthur Murray

Melanie AMK

3-19-12

Arthur Murray Kenilworth is conveniently located on the Boulevard in Kenilworth, which is just minutes away from Clark, Cranford, Garwood, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Short Hills, Milburn and Westfield, New JerseyArthur Murray Kenilworth specializes in Wedding Dances, Private Dance Lessons, Group Classes, Social Dance Parties,Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing, Merengue, Bolero, Vienese Waltz, Bachata, Country Western, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Mambo, Hustle, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, etc…

The Secrets of Leading For Men

     The first secret of being a good leader is that a good leader is always sure of what he is doing. If you are not sure yourself, how can you expect your partner to be able to follow you? You must have your partner’s confidence. If your dancing convinces her that you know what you are doing, then she will give you her confidence, and she will follow you readily if she has faith in your ability.

 

Forceful Guiding is Unnecessary

    The mistaken idea that a man should guide by pushing and pulling seems to live on, but quite the contrary is true. The good dancer never thinks about leading his partner, he merely does his own part well. Sometimes when dancing with a partner who can dance well but is not yet familiar with the steps you prefer, you may have to do a bit of guiding. If that is the case, you should indicate direction to your partner with your right hand and arm. Your right hand should be held firmly on the girl’s shoulder blade. The left hand helps very little in leading.

 

Note for Beginners

     You do not have to count or tell your partner what you intend to do next. When dancing with a partner for the first time, start off with very simple steps and introduce more advanced steps gradually.

 

The Secrets of Following for Ladies

1.      Know the basic steps and their possible combinations- this will help prepare you for what your partner has in store.

2.      Step in such a way as always to be ready for the next step, and keep your feet out of your partner’s way. This can be done by developing a long, free, swinging step. You can do it easily by gracefully stretching your toes backward- make your toes go back as far as they can.

3.      Muscles of your body should be well toned and alert, ready to respond instantly to the lead of your partner. Therefore, you should not let your body relax completely and lean or bear down heavily on your partner, this will throw your weight to your partner and will make you seem heavier. However, a good way to relax is to limber and strengthen your muscles so they will respond readily to whatever your partner has in store for you.

4.      Don’t fight your partner’s leading! Let him guide you through his movements. While dancing with a partner, don’t think of your own feet or your own steps. The purpose of your dance lessons is to train your feet to remember the steps. Practice until you can trust your feet- not your mind- to follow your partner.

 

Reference: “How to Become a Good Dancer” by Arthur Murray

Melanie AMK 03-13-12

Arthur Murray Kenilworth is conveniently located on the Boulevard in Kenilworth, which is just minutes away from Clark, Cranford, Garwood, New Providence, Scotch Plains, Short Hills, Milburn and Westfield, New Jersey Arthur Murray Kenilworth specializes in Wedding Dances, Private Dance Lessons, Group Classes, Social Dance Parties, Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing, Merengue, Bolero, Vienese Waltz, Bachata, Country Western, Argentine Tango, Salsa, Mambo, Hustle, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, etc…