Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Roanoke, Virginia

I have always wanted to learn how to ballroom dance, and one day in January 2008, I called Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Roanoke, Virginia and signed up to take a lesson. After my first lesson, I was hooked! After a year, it has become more than just a place to dance, but a second family.

One of the things I love about the studio is the variety. You can learn dances such as the cha cha and salsa, to the waltz and foxtrot, different kinds of swing, and of course the seductive tango. The great thing is you can choose which dances to focus on.

There are three different kinds of lessons to help you learn ballroom dancing. You get a private lesson with your instructor, which allows you one-on-one time to learn at your own pace. There are also group lessons for the different skill levels. That way, you can practice steps (you may have learned in your private lessons) with other students in a class setting. Dancing with different people also helps men learn to lead better and women learn to follow better. The third element (which is probably my favorite) is the practice party. Every Friday night we have a dance party at the studio. It's a great way to let loose and just have fun while practicing what you know. Sometimes more advanced students will ask me to dance, and they like to throw in steps I don't know, just to see if I can follow it. Sometimes I'm successful, sometimes not, but we all have a great time in the process!

In addition to lessons, we have events called Spotlights and Showcases. Many students like to work on a routine (or two or three) to perform at these events. With the Spotlight, it's more informal and held at the studio. It gives newer students a chance to show part of the routine they're working on, but in the comfort of the studio. They're usually held twice a year. The Showcase is more formal and has been held at the Hotel Roanoke the times I've done it. We all dress up in our finest, get our hair and makeup done - think Dancing with the Stars! Friends and family can come watch as we perform our routines. A judge comes to critique our performance and gives us a score, as well as things to improve upon. We also get to eat really good dinner and party the night away.

Also twice a year, we have festival. We compete against other Arthur Murray schools - not with performances, but with points. There's one in the spring and one in the fall, and they last about 6 weeks each. Every time we go to a lesson, sign up for lessons, or meet the point challenge of the week, we get points. Our points help our instructors compete against other instructors, and also help ourselves. The top 5 people get prizes. The really fun thing is the themes. It's like Halloween because many people dress up. For example, last fall each week was a different decade. We had the Roaring 20s, the 50s, the 70s, and the 80s. It's fun seeing people get into it!

Since I started dancing at the studio, the place has become like family. Not only the students, but the instructors too. It's also great to see how people progress as they learn more about dancing. People also open up a lot more. I'm usually a pretty shy person, but at the studio I'm pretty outgoing! I'm not afraid to ask a man to dance on a Friday night (not afraid to admit it either!)

There are a couple of downsides. The lessons can be expensive... however, they really work with you and your situation, whatever it may be. Another disadvantage is the lack of men! There are many couples, and many single women, but not many single men. It can be frustrating when you want to dance your favorite dance and you have to sit it out because all the men are taken! I've learned to deal with it, but I wish I knew single men so the numbers could be more even!

I love Arthur Murray and the people there, and wish everyone would try ballroom dancing! It's so much fun, a great workout, and a stress reliever too!