The Many Benefits of Dancing It is almost impossible to convey the many benefits that Arthur Murray students have received as a result of their dance lessons. Many singles and couples find that it has created more romance in their lives. Others rave about losing weight and all the health benefits. And still, others enjoy how fashionable they look and feel when out on the social dance floor.

	Donna Moore- Syracuse, NY I started in the dance world about 10 years ago, with the Irondequiot studio in Rochester, New York as a telemarketer trying to spread the great news of ballroom dancing. I quickly moved from the phones and to the front door to become the receptionist. After about one year of being behind the desk, I knew I wanted to be part of the action on the floor! I had the privilege of working primarily with couples for over 3 years and the most important lesson I learned was that there is little time in this fast paced world; so my job was to make sure during the 45 min I was able to work with my couples, that they were kissing and hugging, smiling, holding hands, all the little things we take for granted on a daily basis. I encourage this behavior to all couples =) Four years ago, I was given the opportunity to move to Syracuse and run the school here. Many of you won't believe this but Syracuse has so many opportunities and places to go out dancing. Our studio (staff and students) is like a very big, close family who loves to have fun. And of course, we create and host the happiest couples in town!!!

	Heather Diesti- Syracuse, NY My first experience with dance happened when I was very young. Not with ballroom but ballet, jazz, modern, theatre choreography and gymnastics definitely helped. Ballroom was a new challenge I wanted to try. I always wanted to help people I just didn't know how I would. Dance became the means. I have been working here for about two and a half years. My way of teaching will make you learn no matter if you have two left feet or not. But, remember this: “Presence” is something that so many people no longer have. Dancing is that very thing that gives you a statement wherever you may go. A wedding, a party, in your home or my personal favorite is wherever you happen to be (including the aisles in stores). It makes you feel like the Audrey Hepburn or Cary Grant of the ball. Anyone can; yes, CAN DANCE. My favorite part of my job is making woman feel beautiful as themselves and making men feel comfortable on a dance floor. Dancing will give everyone something. It may be more time with the one you love, help you find a love, give you exercise or help you expand your learning. No matter what though it will give YOU presence...
	Joshua Diesti- Syracuse, NY Dancing is ideal in so many ways. It is art, but by adding the movement of the body, it makes a rigorous sport. The best dancer is the person with the most awareness of his body, and his partners. I have been dancing for many years. However, the days that go by always provide many new things to learn. I have been working for Arthur Murray for eight years in various studios. I have also had the opportunity to work with and learn from some great coaches and performers, such as John Clark, Daniel Heroux, Bob and Julia Powers, and Bill Sparks.
	Rachel Lewis, NY New Student/Wedding Specialist

Wedding Dance Tips

It wasn't so long ago that a couple's first dance as man and wife, as special as it was, was only an effervescent memory - a fact that was no small blessing for couples who happened to be poor dancers. With the advent of home video, a newlywed couple's first dance is almost always recorded on tape, available down through the years for all of posterity to see.

That's why prospective brides and grooms who want to give a polished and graceful performance on the their big day are increasingly opting to take dance lessons to help prepare for what may be the performance of their lifetimes. Wedding programs are designed to help ease the pressure of that "first dance."

If you are planning to get married, here are a few tips from the experts on learning to dance in preparation for your wedding:

Don't wait until the last minute. Remember that your schedule will get very hectic as your wedding day approaches. Dance instructors recommend starting four to six months earlier to allow more time for practice, especially if you are a newcomer to dancing.
Remember that dance lessons can actually be a stress reliever. Dancing is good exercise. And lessons pull you out of the hustle and bustle of the day to spend an hour or so with your intended, having fun and working together productively at the same time. Dancing together can become a rewarding lifelong activity.
Besides the Waltz and other traditional dances, the Mambo, Salsa, Swing and even the Hustle are all popular at weddings today. If you plan to dance to a special song at your reception, feel free to bring a recording of it to your dance lessons so you can work on it with your instructor. (And don't forget to coordinate with your wedding videographer to the best "coverage" of your special dance.)

Learning to dance for your wedding is a special gift that you and your spouse-to-be can give to each other. Feeling confident and poised when you dance together will ensure that your very first dance as husband and wife will be a memory you will cherish forever. Call us now to schedule an appointment with one of our expert instructors. We can help get you started and plan a wedding program that will prepare you for your big day