At Arthur Murray Dance Studio, you can find a wide variety of dances to learn, from traditional ballroom styles to modern-day favorites. Once you’ve mastered one, there’s always another waiting to be explored. Our instructors are constantly learning and adjusting the curriculum based on dances coming in and out of style, so there are options available for virtually every type of dancer. If you’re considering trying your hand at a specialty dance, you can learn a little more about each of the styles we teach below. If there’s one you’re interested in learning, just contact your local studio to set your schedule.
Nightclub Two-Step
As the name implies, this dance is perfect for dancing at clubs, weddings and more. It’s a popular choice among students because it goes perfectly with a lot of modern pop and R&B hits from artists like Beyonce, Maroon 5 and more. While it originated back in the Disco days, it’s still very popular today.
Argentine Tango
Many dancers who are looking to expand their repertoire turn towards Argentine Tango. It’s a natural extension of traditional Tango with similar figures and movements. However, the theme tends to be more melancholic with sudden dynamic changes. In class, you’ll learn how to dance with both an open hold and a chest-to-chest hold as you move counterclockwise around the floor.
Milonga
If you love Tango but are in the mood for something a little more relaxed, we recommend Milonga. Milonga, which also hails from South American origins, is a fun, fast-paced dance that keeps you on your toes. This style is known for its casual lower-body movements as opposed to the stiff, more dramatic legs of the Tango, and is widely popular among dancers throughout Argentina and here in the U.S.
Tango Vals
Tango Vals offers the best of both worlds: Waltz and Tango. This smooth dance has flowing movements (no staccato) and features a lot of circular, arcing moves. In class, you’ll get to learn about them all, from the calesita to giros and beyond.
Zouk
Originating from Brazil, Zouk was influenced by 1980s Lambada. It typically follows a slow-quick-quick rhythm and often features body rolls, extensions, body isolations, fast spins, and even some moves inspired by ballet and contemporary. As this dance continues to evolve, there’s always something new to learn in class.
Samba de Gafieira
Samba de Gafieira is always a fun, passionate dance to learn for people of all ages. It comes from working-class dancers who used to frequent dance halls in Brazil, eventually becoming so popular that people enjoy it here in the U.S. today. While learning this dance, you’ll notice it has a lot of similarities to Salsa and Argentina Tango.
Master a Specialty Dance at Arthur Murray
When you’re in the studio learning a specialty dance, you’re learning much more than just steps. You’re learning a culture, a time period, a people. You’re learning how to express yourself in new ways and how to grow as a dancer. So whether you’re an existing student looking to try something new or you’re a first-time student hoping to jump into the studio, you’re welcome to sign up for classes. Just give us a call to let us know you’re interested or stop into your local Arthur Murray Dance Studio. We have locations in both Montclair, NJ and Princeton, NJ.
