Here is the Group Class and Event Calendar for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Plano, Texas.
For a downloadable PDF version of the calendar, please click this link: http://bit.ly/1juO3vp
Gold Night Out Is Coming…
13 years ago
Monday, February 24, 2014
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Plano March Group Class and Event Calendar
Here is the Group Class and Event Calendar for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Plano, Texas.
For a downloadable PDF version of the calendar, please click this link: http://bit.ly/1juO3vp
Friday, February 7, 2014
Manager's Forum: We asked the executives at Arthur Murray Dallas and Plano "What are the benefits of working with a team of teachers?"
One of our core philosophies at Arthur Murray Dance Studios of Dallas and Plano is that students benefit from working with multiple instructors. We asked our executives to explain why we feel this is so beneficial.
Ian: Who wouldn't love having people fight over your time and attention, and clamoring to work with you? That's exactly what students get by working with multiple teachers! Plus students get to benefit from different perspectives and teaching styles. The teachers, working as a well oiled unit, teach the same material, but in very different ways depending on their personalities and experience. Everyone of us has something wonderful to offer all of the students, so why would you limit yourself to just one instructor?
Sarah: Having multiple teachers is the best way to learn for a multitude of reasons! A few of my favorites are;
Lindsey: There are numerous benefits to working with multiple instructors and this method is what has helped Arthur Murray produce some of the best dancers in the world. Learning anything new is much more powerful when it comes from multiple sources because everyone processes information differently and learns by a variety of styles. I'm all about analogies for this one and I have two ideas I relate to for this topic.
#1) I relate this method much to that of college education. When you're in school, you typically have two types of classes: lectures and labs. One teacher may be amazing at explaining the theory and concepts in a strategic way so that comprehension is easy and effective. While the other teaches you how to practically apply the information for real life scenarios. This produces a harmonious blend of understanding and helps the information to stick effectively. Both styles allow for those "ah hah!" moments and help the student to master the whole topic of the course. In dancing, your teachers are well versed and certified in all topics. In some cases, your teaching team may take turns being each style of educator and as a team, always help you to learn each dance effectively.
#2) My second analogy relates to the relationship of a doctor to his/her patient. You have your regular doctor who knows your history, but occasionally calls on a specialist for a second opinion or to meet a specific need at that current moment. This is much like having a coaching lesson. The coach comes in to assist in a specific need like: needing a 3rd set of eyes, choreography for a special routine, or even introducing a higher level technique. Both the teacher and the coach are all working toward the same goal which is "what's in the best interest of this patient right now?"
Either way you look at it, the teaching team and the coaches are all here to serve the needs of the students and help them achieve their dancing goals to the fullest.
Amy: Aside from all of the very important reasons listed above, there is a more practical reason for working with multiple instructors and it is all about your progress! One of the best things about learning to dance at an Arthur Murray studio is the total continuity among not only all the teachers, but also all the studios. You are here to learn a skill, and we feel that your learning shouldn't have to suffer or be put on hold if your teacher is unavailable for some reason. Maybe they're sick, maybe they had a flat, maybe they inadvertently double booked themselves...whatever happened, at Arthur Murray, any of our instructors can pick up your syllabus and see right where you are and pick up where your other teacher left off. You'll get to continue your learning without delay, AND you'll get the added benefit of getting another viewpoint or an alternative explanation. We never have to cancel your lesson because your teacher is ill, so we can keep your schedule running smoothly, and we never have to cancel a group class because there is always someone who can fill in.
Team teaching allows you to learn faster because you are hearing the information explained in several ways. I can't even begin to tell you how often a student has looked at me after a coaching or exchange lesson and said "How come you never told me that?" It's a moment that tests the resolve of every teacher...to not just laugh out loud! Because, guess what? We have said it before, probably multiple times. But, it wasn't until you were ready to hear it, until it was said in a way that made complete sense to you, that you were able to really learn the concept. It's like when a mom tells the kids to clean their rooms over and over again, and they don't do it, but then dad comes home and says the exact same thing, and it gets done. A different voice, a different twist, a different viewpoint is sometimes all it takes to drive it home!
Ian: Who wouldn't love having people fight over your time and attention, and clamoring to work with you? That's exactly what students get by working with multiple teachers! Plus students get to benefit from different perspectives and teaching styles. The teachers, working as a well oiled unit, teach the same material, but in very different ways depending on their personalities and experience. Everyone of us has something wonderful to offer all of the students, so why would you limit yourself to just one instructor?
Sarah: Having multiple teachers is the best way to learn for a multitude of reasons! A few of my favorites are;
1) Everyone communicates differently and receives information differently. It's best to hear things from different people.
2) When learning to social dance it is important to be able to "drive many types or cars". So when you get to practice leading different people who can help guide you, you'll be a better social dancer than if you only know how to adjust to one "car".
3) Have you heard the phrase, " two heads are better than one" ? Well, from a teacher perspective, we can provide better quality and service to our students when we have more than one dance-nerd-brain working on a program.
One of my favorite things about Arthur Murray instructors, is how committed they are to adjusting to the specific needs of each individual student. It makes learning and teaching fun and easy!!
Lindsey: There are numerous benefits to working with multiple instructors and this method is what has helped Arthur Murray produce some of the best dancers in the world. Learning anything new is much more powerful when it comes from multiple sources because everyone processes information differently and learns by a variety of styles. I'm all about analogies for this one and I have two ideas I relate to for this topic.
#1) I relate this method much to that of college education. When you're in school, you typically have two types of classes: lectures and labs. One teacher may be amazing at explaining the theory and concepts in a strategic way so that comprehension is easy and effective. While the other teaches you how to practically apply the information for real life scenarios. This produces a harmonious blend of understanding and helps the information to stick effectively. Both styles allow for those "ah hah!" moments and help the student to master the whole topic of the course. In dancing, your teachers are well versed and certified in all topics. In some cases, your teaching team may take turns being each style of educator and as a team, always help you to learn each dance effectively.
#2) My second analogy relates to the relationship of a doctor to his/her patient. You have your regular doctor who knows your history, but occasionally calls on a specialist for a second opinion or to meet a specific need at that current moment. This is much like having a coaching lesson. The coach comes in to assist in a specific need like: needing a 3rd set of eyes, choreography for a special routine, or even introducing a higher level technique. Both the teacher and the coach are all working toward the same goal which is "what's in the best interest of this patient right now?"
Either way you look at it, the teaching team and the coaches are all here to serve the needs of the students and help them achieve their dancing goals to the fullest.
Amy: Aside from all of the very important reasons listed above, there is a more practical reason for working with multiple instructors and it is all about your progress! One of the best things about learning to dance at an Arthur Murray studio is the total continuity among not only all the teachers, but also all the studios. You are here to learn a skill, and we feel that your learning shouldn't have to suffer or be put on hold if your teacher is unavailable for some reason. Maybe they're sick, maybe they had a flat, maybe they inadvertently double booked themselves...whatever happened, at Arthur Murray, any of our instructors can pick up your syllabus and see right where you are and pick up where your other teacher left off. You'll get to continue your learning without delay, AND you'll get the added benefit of getting another viewpoint or an alternative explanation. We never have to cancel your lesson because your teacher is ill, so we can keep your schedule running smoothly, and we never have to cancel a group class because there is always someone who can fill in.
Team teaching allows you to learn faster because you are hearing the information explained in several ways. I can't even begin to tell you how often a student has looked at me after a coaching or exchange lesson and said "How come you never told me that?" It's a moment that tests the resolve of every teacher...to not just laugh out loud! Because, guess what? We have said it before, probably multiple times. But, it wasn't until you were ready to hear it, until it was said in a way that made complete sense to you, that you were able to really learn the concept. It's like when a mom tells the kids to clean their rooms over and over again, and they don't do it, but then dad comes home and says the exact same thing, and it gets done. A different voice, a different twist, a different viewpoint is sometimes all it takes to drive it home!
Friday, January 31, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Manager's Forum: "Tips for Couples Learning to Ballroom Dance"
Our Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Dallas and Plano management team has years of experience teaching couples to dance together. We asked them what their top tips would be for couples who are learning or want to learn to dance! Here is what they recommended:
Justin: Couples experience both unique challenges and rewards during their dance journey. It is important to
keep in mind some of those ideas to avoid unnecessary stress in the process. For instance, we view couples as "3" separate students. The needs and learning styles of the man, the woman, and the couple may all be different. So it's valuable to address those needs in different ways. Also, the learning curves are often not parallel. Aside from the general rate that the man or woman may absorb and apply the material, they usually feel success at opposite points in the learning process. A woman is usually engaged and enjoying the challenging part of learning, and is bored at the plateau. On the other hand, men are often frustrated while they are learning the new material, but feel success when they reach the point that they can repeat the movement or concept consistently.
The last thing to share is an anecdote ("The Tango Story") that I hope will allow some of you to avoid running into the same tree I did. To make a long story short, I was in a situation where I did the typical guy thing of puffing up in front of another guy/dancer that I thought was "trying to show me up." As a result... let's just say my partner did not appreciate being pushed around by my overzealous efforts. What Nikki had to explain to me is that women don't usually care how us guys dance, only that we are dancing with them. What I learned about myself (and have learned is an extremely common guy thing) is that guys tend to try harder with those who are most important to us- i.e. spouse, girlfriend, etc. The problem is that the harder we try, the more we get in our own way, and it usually is counterproductive. On the flip side, what can be even more frustrating is that it will seem like we dance better with everyone else but her. It is because we "don't care" about their opinion that we don't try too hard, and often have better success. The best solution to all of this is to remember your priorities. Most likely, you are both here to enjoy dancing with each other. Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself to be perfect. Lady's, be as encouraging and positive as possible, and guys, just remember she's happy you're holding her in your arms.
Sarah: Tip # 1: Be THANKFUL your other half is learning something with you - News Flash! We all are frustrating at times and none of us are perfect, especially when we are learning something new.
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Tip # 3: Be TRUSTING to your other half! ESPECIALLY WOMEN! Stop trying to control and "help" him...Give him the chance to do it, he WILL mess up but that is the only way to learn. He's got this! You'll enjoy dancing with him much more in the long run if you do this.
Ian: Learning to dance as a couple definitely presents it's own set of challenges and rewards. First of all, the couple has to openly communicate both with each other and with their teachers. They're going to have different priorities and different views on things. So, to make sure that dancing stays fun and exciting, they need to make sure they can honestly say what they think as an individual to help the overall couples experience be as positive as possible. Also, patience is paramount. As they progress at different paces, they need to make sure that they're not holding the other person responsible for being where they are as an individual. Lastly, they need to make sure it's all about fun. It's not about being the best, the flashiest, or the most advanced. They came to Arthur Murray looking for something fun to do to help them grow and progress as a couple, and ballroom dancing is fun! So, they need to let us worry about the teaching, and they can just relax and enjoy spending time together that they more than likely wouldn't get outside of the studio.
Nikki: Couples learning together are really special students to teach... But they can also be the most challenging for a teacher. The reason being is because so much more is at stake. What I mean by that is, when a single person comes in for lessons, they expect to be uncomfortable, to make mistakes, and to maybe not look so cool while learning. And all that is ok for them because nobody that they really care about is there with them to point out those things. For a couple, however, there is someone right there to potentially show you all your shortcomings... As a teacher, I believe my job is to not only teach dance, but to act as a translator while the couple is learning, so that everyone has a great experience.
One of the first things I teach my couples is that they are only allowed to speak positively to each other. That does not mean saying, "I'm positive you messed that up!" People learning to dance together do have to learn to communicate what is working and what isn't working, BUT in the beginning, those things are often miscommunicated. For example, the follower may say, "You are pushing on me!" The truth about this statement is, the leader's hands are behind the follower in dance frame, so how can the leader really be pushing? They aren't. What the teacher has to translate from that statement,and help the couple understand is, that when the leader's center of gravity is too far forward, over the follower, it FEELS like there is pushing. But without that understanding, the leader will probably just over compensate and turn into a light lead... That in turn would then elicit a new response of, "I can't feel you!" Now we have a frustrated couple. SO... When there IS something that we need to correct with one person or the other, ONLY tell the teacher. That way the correct translation can be made, and we can continue to have a couple that WANTS to dance together.
Justin: Couples experience both unique challenges and rewards during their dance journey. It is important to
Another important consideration is that in a couple, both are learning- when an individual student dances with a teacher, the teacher can compensate for the student's shortcomings along the way, allowing for success more quickly/often. When an amateur couple dances with each other, they aren't usually able to compensate for each other, so that feeling of success may be much more elusive. It is so important for couples to remember that it may take 3-6 months or more to feel like they can dance with each other without a teacher calling things out along the way. Be patient and give yourselves a chance before deciding you can't learn this dancing thing.
The last thing to share is an anecdote ("The Tango Story") that I hope will allow some of you to avoid running into the same tree I did. To make a long story short, I was in a situation where I did the typical guy thing of puffing up in front of another guy/dancer that I thought was "trying to show me up." As a result... let's just say my partner did not appreciate being pushed around by my overzealous efforts. What Nikki had to explain to me is that women don't usually care how us guys dance, only that we are dancing with them. What I learned about myself (and have learned is an extremely common guy thing) is that guys tend to try harder with those who are most important to us- i.e. spouse, girlfriend, etc. The problem is that the harder we try, the more we get in our own way, and it usually is counterproductive. On the flip side, what can be even more frustrating is that it will seem like we dance better with everyone else but her. It is because we "don't care" about their opinion that we don't try too hard, and often have better success. The best solution to all of this is to remember your priorities. Most likely, you are both here to enjoy dancing with each other. Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself to be perfect. Lady's, be as encouraging and positive as possible, and guys, just remember she's happy you're holding her in your arms.
P.S.- The best advice I ever received was to not fix each other. Either get a third party, objective perspective involved, or at least use this formula to bring up a point of feedback. "It feels like this (figure, technique, etc.) isn't working. What can I do to help/fix it?" It can keep your partner from becoming instantly defensive from finger pointing ;-)
Sarah: Tip # 1: Be THANKFUL your other half is learning something with you - News Flash! We all are frustrating at times and none of us are perfect, especially when we are learning something new.
Tip # 2: Be PATIENT because everyone learns at different speeds and in different ways. Refer to Tip # 1.
Tip # 3: Be TRUSTING to your other half! ESPECIALLY WOMEN! Stop trying to control and "help" him...Give him the chance to do it, he WILL mess up but that is the only way to learn. He's got this! You'll enjoy dancing with him much more in the long run if you do this.
Tip # 4: Look for COMIC RELIEF during the frustrating lessons! Dancing is not Brain surgery, no one is going to die if you mess up. So remember why you wanted to spend more time with your other half and find it in you to laugh a lot. (Yes at each other but also at yourself!)
Tip # 5: Get INVOLVED in all the studio functions you possibly can TOGETHER. Group Classes will only make you better for each other. Parties will give you a chance to practice and have a fun date night. And all of our Events are a great way to have a dance-vacation without having to leave your home town. And what couple wouldn't benefit from a romantic weekend in Hawaii, Argentina or some place exotic and romantic!?
Tip # 6: Always COMMUNICATE the positive things to your other half when they do something well and ASK FOR HELP from your teacher if you are struggling with something. NEVER EVER CORRECT EACH OTHER! You came to learn form a professional for a reason... Best to keep it that way. :-)
Ian: Learning to dance as a couple definitely presents it's own set of challenges and rewards. First of all, the couple has to openly communicate both with each other and with their teachers. They're going to have different priorities and different views on things. So, to make sure that dancing stays fun and exciting, they need to make sure they can honestly say what they think as an individual to help the overall couples experience be as positive as possible. Also, patience is paramount. As they progress at different paces, they need to make sure that they're not holding the other person responsible for being where they are as an individual. Lastly, they need to make sure it's all about fun. It's not about being the best, the flashiest, or the most advanced. They came to Arthur Murray looking for something fun to do to help them grow and progress as a couple, and ballroom dancing is fun! So, they need to let us worry about the teaching, and they can just relax and enjoy spending time together that they more than likely wouldn't get outside of the studio.
Nikki: Couples learning together are really special students to teach... But they can also be the most challenging for a teacher. The reason being is because so much more is at stake. What I mean by that is, when a single person comes in for lessons, they expect to be uncomfortable, to make mistakes, and to maybe not look so cool while learning. And all that is ok for them because nobody that they really care about is there with them to point out those things. For a couple, however, there is someone right there to potentially show you all your shortcomings... As a teacher, I believe my job is to not only teach dance, but to act as a translator while the couple is learning, so that everyone has a great experience.
The next thing I want all couples to understand is that, they will always dance better with someone else, than with each other, and it is unfair (and unwise) to say, "It works when I dance with..." The reason for this is, when in a relationship, we care about what the other person thinks about us, and what we are doing. The LAST thing we want is for our partner to think we aren't good enough for them, or to let them down in anyway. Because of that, we often put SO much pressure on ourselves to be perfect for our partner, and we forget to just ENJOY the dancing. To give an example of this, I only have to look at my husband and myself... We are both professionals, both hold several advanced degrees in dancing and teaching, were competitive partners for YEARS before we were dating, etc. You would THINK that if ever there was a couple that could learn together, it would be us. However... As soon as we did start dating, it was like we had never danced together before. All of the sudden nothing worked. We fought, we pushed and shoved, we stepped on each other, we looked at each other like the other one was TRYING to make our lives difficult... Too make it worse, when I had to step out of the competitive ring, and he took on a new partner, everything worked perfectly for them! We can laugh about it now, but we had to figure out WHY things worked when he danced with his new partner, and why things suddenly didn't work with us. Here's what we realized: because he now cared about his image (though subconsciously) with me, but not with her, he felt freer to make mistakes with her. So... What can you learn from our story? Things will always work better, when learning, with someone that you aren't romantically involved with. Give each other a break. And don't think that your partner is the problem when things work with someone else.
We all look at the little old couple that moves together on the floor and think to ourselves, "I want to be like that when we get older!" You can, I promise! If, when you are learning with your other half, you can keep those two things in mind, you will find learning to dance together incredibly rewarding!
Friday, January 17, 2014
Did You Know? Featuring Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Plano instructor, Charlie Dee!
All About Charlie
Charlie has been with us in the Plano studio since 2011, but his experience with dance goes way back! He has taught for everything from cotillion to beauty pageants in his years of dancing. Charlie's laugh and warm smile make him fun to learn from! He relocated from sunny Florida to work at our studios and has quickly made Texas his new home!
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Italian
Favorite Movie(s): Avengers, The Color Purple, Titanic
Favorite Dance: Swing
Charlie started dancing when he was just 7 years old. But he wasn't a dance teacher right from the start! His first job was as a stock boy at his father's auto parts store in New York. He also put in time as a server before finding his calling as a dance teacher. He says that what he loves most about teaching people is making people smile and showing them they can have fun while learning. He says if he were to do any other job he would be a Life Coach or a Counselor.
He enjoys traveling, gardening, and visiting the park. Spring is his favorite season because of all the beautiful colors and the weather. He enjoys being around people with a good sense of humor. He says that he is inspired by music, his family, friends, and church. He is scared of Gina yelling in his ear! :) And he gets teary eyed when he feels homesick or when he sees someone get an award for a good deed.
If he could go anywhere in the world he would visit Africa. The funniest thing that has ever happened to him was that he used to fall down a lot in front of people. (Random Gravity Checks) The bravest thing he ever did was save a lady and her purse from a purse-snatcher! Way to go, Charlie!
His quote to live by is...
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| He's not Italian or anything! |
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