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DANCE STYLES WE TEACH

Cha-Cha
An offshoot of the Mambo, the Cha Cha (originally the cha-cha-cha) evolved out of popular movements in a slow-tempo Mambo called the Triple Mambo. By 1954 it became a dance of its own. The Cha Cha is a must-know style and has become the all-time favorite latin dance.


Disco/The Hustle
A kind of dancing more than a specific dance, Disco has strong roots in Swing, Samba, Cha-Cha, Mambo, Merengue, Fox Trot and Tango. The most popular version, the Hustle (of “Saturday Night Fever” fame), is believed to have originated in New York in 1970. This free form style is still one of the most popular at all night clubs and socials.


Fox Trot
Created in 1912 by Harry Fox, the Fox Trot was the first dance that permitted people to hold each other closer than arm’s length. If you think the term “dirty dancing” was a product of the ’80s, think again. The Fox Trot was the first to be tagged “indecent behavior.” Today it’s still the most popular of all social dances. Some people refer to the Fox Trot as the “Slow Dance” or the “Two-Step,” or a “Conversational Dance” because of the physical closeness and ease of conversation it allows. The Fox Trot is good for developing smoothness and ease of movement.


Mambo
Introduced by band leader Anselmo Sacaras in 1944, the Mambo – a merger of Swing and Rumba – didn’t really catch on until the 1950s, but remains very popular today.


Merengue
Considered too scandalous when it was introduced to the United States in 1941, the Merengue went into eclipse until 1957 when Xavier Cugat resurrected it. Its point of origin is uncertain; both Haiti and the Dominican Republic claim it, and it contains elements of both cultures. It’s fun and exciting.


Rumba
The Rumba is an increasingly popular romantic Latin dance dating back some 400 years ago, and is better known as the Latin get acquainted dance or the dance with the wiggle. The Rumba sometimes substitutes for those in-between tempos and features a subtle or relaxed (lateral) hip motion and Latin styling. Rumba hip movements are used in most of the popular Latin dances as well as the free-style of disco and nightclub dancing.


Salsa
A peppery version of the Mambo laced with steps from other Latin dances, the Salsa is performed to a fiery, faster tempo. Some call it a form of Latinized Rock and Roll. It’s high energy and all fun.


Samba
A street festival dance that originated in Brazil, the Samba was introduced to the United States in the late 1920s in a Broadway play called “Street Carnival.”


Swing
First known as the Lindy (in honor of Charles Lindberg and his historic hop across the Atlantic), this perennially popular dance emerged in the late 1920s. lt combined steps from the Black Bottom and was also known as the Bop and Push, the Hustle and Boot Scoot, Shag, Charleston and Hop. During the war years it re-emerged on the East Coast as the Jitterbug-jive and on the West Coast as Swing. You can Rock & Roll with Swing.


Tango
Rudolph Valentino single-handedly danced this Latin import into nationwide popularity beginning in 1910. Although widely believed to have originated in Argentina, it actually may have come from Spain. It’s dramatic, exciting and is known as the dancer’s dance. The Tango, with all its staccato movements, greatly improves a man’s lead or a woman’s ability to follow/respond and develops a strong sense of feeling for music.


Waltz
This “mother of all dances” originated in Italy in the 1600s as a round dance called the Volte. It arrived in America in the early 1800s and was the first social dance in which a woman was actually held in a man’s arms. Learning to Waltz is elegant. The Waltz develops graceful movement and poise. Every wedding reception, black-tie formal and holiday party includes Waltz steps.

THE ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE PROGRAMS

Basic Introductory Program

The Basic Program develops the most important dances you plan to use immediately at a basic level. Emphasis is placed on three important elements of dancing; (1) foot position (2) rhythm and timing (3) leading or following with enough variety to keep your learning experience interesting.

Associate Bronze Program

The Associate Bronze Program will help you acquire freer movement around the floor while expanding your variety, technique and footwork. Associate Bronze dancers also begin to develop portrayal of a dance’s characteristics in the form of styling. This dance program is very popular with those wanting to get on the dance floor quickly.

Full Bronze Program

Full Bronze is the complete social dance program taught by the Arthur Murray Dance Studios. It’s designed to develop timing and techniques in all Social Dances selected by the student. The styling will make you look and feel comfortable on the dance floor and strengthen your lead and following regardless of your partner, the music being played or the type of dance floor. Bronze dancers have all the confidence anyone would need on the floor because they have reached the “fun point” in dancing. Dancing techniques at this level will be yours to keep as you’ll never forget the elements of each dance.

Silver Program

Silver is the dance standard with a high degree of styling. More elaborate movements ensure the Silver dancer will stand out on any dance floor. Continuity of movements makes a couple glide across the dance floor with many natural directional changes. Styling, technique, balance and control take on an entirely new meaning. This is the beginning of a more professional style and look on the dance floor.

Gold Program

Our Gold standard is for the hobby dancer interested in performances, exhibitions or competitions. Its intricate patterns can only to be used when both partners are proficient. Choreography, styling, technique and showmanship are necessities in this standard. This material is generally not used on a crowded floor. Although there is a lot of work involved in this program, you will truly be regarded as an outstanding dancer.

Hours:  
​Mon-Fri  3pm-9pm    
Sat/Sun Afternoons by
Appointment​

Contact:
(508) 679-0071
544 Milford Rd
Swansea, MA 02777

​Dance@arthurmurray-eastbay.com

Arthur Murray Dance Studio East- Bay in Swansea, Ma is a great place to learn dance whether it be ballroom dance lessons or Latin dance lessons. Our dance studio based in the perfect location between Massachusetts and the heart of Rhode Island's epicenter Providence has a staff of professional dance instructors ready to teach you salsa dance, waltz, rumba, hustle, tango, wedding dance classes or to get you dancing into better shape for a better you. Learn more about the benefits of dance, from our Arthur Murray Dance Programs and take advantage of our New Student offer.

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​Teaching Dance Lessons to MA & RI residents for over 30 years!