How has dancing impacted your life?

“Dancing has always been something I’ve enjoyed since I was a little girl. The music, movement, dressing up, & performing for friends & family brought me so much joy. Now, as an adult with a demanding career and a full family life, it is an outlet for me to experience movement as well as artistic expression. There is both mental & physical demands in ballroom dancing, in addition to connecting with your partner and the audience. It makes for a lifetime hobby of truly endless possibilities.”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“I think it’s important to be open to different experiences on your dance journey! Be patient with yourself and try to celebrate all your wins- both big & small. Take notes on your thoughts and feelings or even videotape some of your work so you can look back and see how far you’ve come from where you started!”

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“I had the pleasure of getting connected with the studio through the Dancing with the Celebrity Stars Hampton Roads event. It was a fundraiser for both Virginia Musical Theatre & Governor’s Schools for the Arts where you are paired with a professional and learn a routine to perform. It awakened the excitement I’ve always had for dancing. The staff is personable, kind, & extremely supportive of your goals- large or small. They offer a wide variety of options to get started- ranging from social dancing to competitive dancing. They are great at collaborating and personalizing your experience! In addition, the students here are fun, friendly, and very welcoming to all levels of dancers!”

How has dancing impacted your life?

“Dancing has changed my life, I had gone on a vacation and watched all the fun people were having on the dance floor and I was scared to join. I went to my first visit at Arthur Murray not knowing one dance but 30 minutes later I knew I wanted to learn more. As time has moved on (just over 1 year!) I have more self-confidence, understand balance, and am just a happier person. I have danced the foxtrot, waltz, tango, cha cha, bachata, hustle, & west coast swing…all that from not knowing one. I love it!!”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“My advice is say yes to dancing! The Arthur Murray staff is going to meet you where you are at and come alongside you to take you to where you want to go with dance. Just try it- you are going to love it!”

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“I have driven down VB boulevard thousands of times over the years and have always seen the studio, I knew where it was. As a kid my mom and dad mentioned Arthur Murray, that was in Buffalo so when I decided to try, Arthur Murray Virginia Beach was a natural. What I was not prepared for was how warm and welcoming the staff was and is! It was like finding a new family. No matter how my day is going it is always better after I dance. I listen to music different, I dance around the house trying to learn new steps from class…as far as goals are concerned- I wanted to learn the foxtrot, now a year later I want to be the best dancer & leader I can be!!”

How has dancing impacted your life?

“I have always been intrigued by dancing. And after a personal life struggle, I decided to “LEVEL” up in dancing! Dancing is an excellent way to stay active into later stages of life, I thrive on its great exercise of the body, mind, and soul. The ability to enjoy it in a social setting, using the technique, moving my body, listening to music, and just enjoying an American past time is a beautiful thing. Make Dancing Great Again!”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“Dancing is unique to the individual dancing. If it is something that you really love, stay consistent. Never compare yourself to anyone else, they may be on year 30 of dancing. But remember they started on day 1, just like you!”

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“At first it was because it was the closest studio to my house. But now let me tell you why everyone should choose Arthur Murray- there is a process to dancing, the instructor will build you up and you will understand the mechanics to movement and music that you will piece together to create the bigger picture. You will have an appreciation for the small, seemingly unimportant, details that lead into big execution pieces on the dance floor! The teams works at your pace and won’t rush you to the next level until you are confident and ready to move up!”

How has dancing impacted your life?

“My divorce happened during the pandemic. When things calmed down, and life started to get back to normal, I knew I needed an activity that was fun and social. It was a truly empowering moment when I realized that just because dancing was something my husband and I had enjoyed together, it didn’t mean I couldn’t do it on my own. The most amazing thing that happened was my first night in the studio when I was adopted into the group I call my dance family, who are all now wonderful friends!”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“Don’t be afraid to try. So many of us thought we had two left feet when we started, but it doesn’t take long to find yourself moving smoothly across the dance floor. Dance lessons are a great stress reliever, and you will spend a lot of time laughing!”

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“My first experience with Arthur Murray was in the Spring of 1990. The Gaithersburg, MD studio was nearby, so my husband and I gave it a try for a few months. Then came our kids and moving all over the U.S. & Japan. In 2010 we decided to go back to Arthur Murray because we had enjoyed it the first time. That’s when we found the Dayton, OH studio, and where I met Wendy & Taras when they judged and did a pro-show at the Medal Ball. When I decided to go back to dancing in 2021, Arthur Murray Virginia Beach was the only place for me!”

How has dancing impacted your life?

“Dancing is food and medicine for the soul. It brings together folks of all ages, Dancing brought us together. We will keep dancing through this dance called life together.”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“On the dance floor, there are no mistakes, just happy accidents!

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“We drove past the studio for years and always saw happy couples dancing in the window! We were drawn to that energy.”

How has dancing impacted your life?

“What began as a Valentine’s Day gift 16 years ago has led to a passion for us as an amateur couple. Our first Freestyle event in D.C. was “the hook” to continue with this activity. Our love of a variety of musical styles has given us the opportunity to experiment with many dance genres. We share this activity as some couples are boaters, golfers, etc.; sharing the activity is the point.”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“Know what your goals are, yet understand that these may change with time. What starts as a desire to learn a “mother-son” or “father-daughter” dance for a wedding can evolve into a continuing passion. Our goals have morphed over the years, but we continue to update them. Above all, have fun!

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“The entire staff at Arthur Murray Virginia Beach is highly-trained, positive, and fun to be around! They are always seeking to meet their students’ needs on a daily basis. We always feel genuine interest in us as people, as well as dance students. We revel in the top-notch instruction we have received from the Arthur Murray professionals. Simply put, Taras, Wendy, and the entire staff are amazing!”

How has dancing impacted your life?

“Bringing dancing back into my life had given me the outlet to relieve stress and get out of my own head. It takes me out of life for a while. It gives me a workout and benefits my physical body as well as my mental health. Plus, it’s fun and challenging in so many ways.”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“Just go for it. There is no better time than now and it doesn’t matter your age. It will change your life for the better.”

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“It was the first studio in the area that popped up. When I first came in it felt like a family. Wendy & Taras are such amazing humans who have hired an incredible staff. They really are fantastic.”

How has dancing impacted your life?

“Dancing saved my life! Before I started dancing, I was coming off sea duty in the military and was feeling frustrated, isolated, & bored. Dancing gave me a new start. It has helped me be more relaxed, confident, and alleviate stress. I can remember when I was in a very stressful job and I would come into the studio for a lesson feeling completely drained. I would dance for an hour or two and when I left, I was less worried. Nothing else I’ve ever done had that effect!”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“Ask lots of questions and don’t hesitate for help, your instructors want to make sure you’re not feeling stuck or confused. For leaders, specifically there is a quote I saw in a movie once: “everything is hard before it’s easy.” Learning to lead is like learning to drive a car. You’re thinking about multiple things at once & learning how to react to obstacles & minor mistakes. But just like driving, if you do it enough it eventually becomes instinctive. Leading in ballroom is no different. Just hang in there and eventually it will click. Above all else, have fun! You’re doing something most people dream about doing!”

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“For me, fate! When I got off sea duty, I decided one of the things I wanted to learn was how to dance. For years I drove down Virginia Beach Blvd and would look up at the studio & see people dancing. I didn’t know where to start so I figured I’d start here! Luckily, I found the right place off the at, so I didn’t have to ‘shop around.’ Arthur Murray presents a fun, low stress atmosphere that provides individual attention & a personal program tailored to your goals.”

How has dancing impacted your life?

“Since I have found ballroom dancing; I have become more confident. I stand taller, I am aware of my posture even when I am not dancing. Dancing for me is such good exercise and after my lessons I feel so good & positive about myself.”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“Just try ballroom dancing, you’ll be hooked. It is not just dancing it’s also a way to connect with a lot of great and interesting people.”

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“I chose Arthur Murray because the Arthur Murray family is so talented at what they do. Everyone at the studio is very welcoming, helpful, & they make you feel like you are apart of the Arthur Murray family. A true sense of belonging.”

How has dancing impacted your life?

“One of the greatest benefits I have found in dancing is pushing me outside of my comfort zone. It’s something I had zero experience or interest in, & I knew I had no skill or rhythm in this arena. However, through opening myself up to learning a skill that I knew nothing about, has allowed me to stretch & grow in new & at times unexpected ways. Dancing has not only allowed me to stretch outside of my physical limits, but also stretch & grow in social & interpersonal growth. However, one of the greatest benefits of dancing has been the grounding nature of it. The combination of physical & cognitive challenge forces me to be in the moment & forget all of the things that I sometimes worry or think about. When I dance, I feel less stressed, more energized, & happier.”

What advice would you give to someone new that is interested in learning to dance?

“I would tell others who are interested in learning to dance that no one is actually watching or judging you. Most of us are instinctively self-conscious when we dance, especially when we start. Recognizing that people are far less aware of what you are doing, & even less likely to notice mistakes, can free you from your own fear of judgement. People are far more self-involved than we realize & much more likely, when they do notice you dancing, to simply be impressed that you know how to dance at all.”

Why Arthur Murray Virginia Beach

“I was invited to a free lesson, which I begrudgingly attended. By the end of the 1st lesson, I realized that it was much more fun than I had given it credit for, & I was willing to give it more of a chance that I had initially planned. What kept me coming back was the environment, the people, & sense of community that the Arthur Murray team has fostered. I am not just there for my own learning and growth, but I have been able to make friends & watch their successes & growth as well through my time with Arthur Murray.”