What to Know Before Your First Group Class!

Your first group class can feel like a step outside your comfort zone - our goal through this article is to change that!

We’d like to give you a clear expectation to eliminate any worries you might have before walking into this new activity. So let’s explore the point of group classes, ditch the myths and get you to your first Arthur Murray Group Class with clear expectations so you can get to having fun dancing!

1. What will I need?

Good news! You don’t need to dress in special clothes or bring anything with you for your group class. Whether you’re coming straight from work, the gym or about to head out o the town - you can come as you are for your dance class.

Every beginner class is designed to be specifically for students just starting out so no need to have any dance shoes either, though you’re welcome to bring them along if you’ve already got them!

2.  When should I get there?

It's a great idea to arrive early. 

This will give your teacher a chance to connect with you and get you acclimated.  You might even get a chance to meet another student or two that are starting out just like you are.  

3.  How does it start?

Your teacher for the group class will most likely spot you walking in and introduce themselves to you personally. If they’re coming straight from a lesson, they’ll also make an announcement to invite everyone joining the group onto the floor to begin - no different than a host announcing that your dinner reservation is ready.  

The students participating will then follow the teacher onto the dance floor to a designated teaching area.  

Most classes will begin with a brief overview and welcome by the teacher.  There will be a quick preview of what to expect, introductions of the staff or students, and some useful information on the dance itself.  

4.  What will I learn?

Group classes at Arthur Murray are designed to back up your learning in private lessons, add more steps to your repertoire and give you dance tips from a tango of teachers so you can find the things that click for you.

This cycle (private + group + practice party) is referred to as an Arthur Murray unit and it is the formula for becoming a well rounded dancer.  

5.  Do I have to change partners?

As social dancers, we want to be able to dance with a range of dancers.

By rotating partners in the group class will help you learn to adjust more to each person and develop your general leading and following skills.

The great thing is, its new for everyone! Both leading and following are learned skills so everyone is there to practice and there is zero pressure to nail it the first time.

This gives you a chance to try out what you are learning with different students and teachers, but, most importantly, it helps you adapt from partner to partner. 

If you’re a couple and you’d rather stay with your special someone, not to worry - just let the teacher know and they’ll be sure to keep you lovebirds together.

6.  What’s the point?

Your group class is not to take the place of your private lessons, but to refresh something you’ve learned before, show you a little something new and connect you to your studio community.

If you don’t nail the step perfectly that day, no worries - it is all good practice and will lead you further on the path toward your dance goals!

Final Thought

New experiences can be tricky for the best of us. 

Often, it is simply the not knowing that can loom before us with all sorts of worst case scenarios coming to mind!

Think of those times when you were determined to never ride a rollercoaster at a theme park, to go on a blind date, or try a certain type of food as a kid - the only thing that could change that feeling was, ironically, the experience of trying it.  

Group Classes can feel a bit like that, but as soon as you come to one you’ll soon realise that they are lots of fun, beginner friendly, very welcoming and great for your learning!