What are the different levels of dancing at Arthur Murray?

With over 270 studios worldwide, Arthur Murray hasn't become the world leaders in dance instruction by mistake. It's the method of instruction that sets us apart from others.

Our dance programs are the key to this success. They have been designed over a number of years by the world’s top dancers and dance board members. Every program has been divided into different standards on a step-by-step basis, allowing for differing levels of perfection along your dancing journey.

Bronze is the first of these programs and is designed to make students “dancers” as opposed to people who can dance. This can be compared to a high school level of education. 

Associate bronze is the mid-way point. Here you will learn all the basics, such as footwork, dance positions, styling and poise. The Bronze 1 level gives you the opportunity to experience exams for the first time and to feel a sense of achievement.

By the time you move through Bronze 2, 3 and 4, there really is no need to say you have to “learn to dance”, meaning you have now achieved the highest level of social dancing. You know everything there is available to learn at a social level; motion, floor craft, technique, style, confidence, and probably have more patterns in your brain than you can remember!

But is enough really ever enough? 

Silver is the standard for those that wish to take their dancing to a University level. Meaning, you don’t need to “learn to dance” but are seeking that extra knowledge and level of perfection usually reserved for the large dance floor.

Those students that can’t dream of not dancing, or having their weekly lessons continue on to Silver more as a hobby rather than learning how to dance.

The finer points of showmanship and performance, advance materials and styling give those students the qualities that start to rival those on the pro-circuit. I know from personal experience, that guests at DOR can have a hard time figuring out who is the teacher and who is the student, when watching these couples on the floor. 

Gold is pure hobbyist. Reserved mainly for those that have made dancing a permanent part of their lives, enjoying their one-on-one time with their instructors, and becoming the best they can be at what they love to do best. Let’s face it, there’s not a lot of people to socially dance Gold material with, so when you see this standard, it’s one of fusion and complete unity as these couples move effortlessly as one on the dance floor. 

However far you wish to take your dancing, however many steps, patterns or techniques you're looking to learn, there's a program for you, and we're always here to challenge you, push you and guide you along every step of the way.

Where do I go from here?

I’ve been teaching students for over 30 years and I've found that every student always needs to have a goal. Without them, things go stale and enthusiasm and progress tend to dwindle. Why? Because we all need to be challenged, it keeps life interesting and keeps us interested in what we’re doing. Dancing is an art form, there really is no end to the learning experience… Da Vinci never stopped striving for perfection.  

It never ceases to amaze me how much more I can learn about dancing. Just as I think I’ve got a handle on some particular aspect, someone comes along and shares information with me that totally blows my mind and sets a spark alight that gives me the drive for continual personal development, both as a teacher and a dancer. Students need this as well.  

Here are some tips that will ensure you maintain that motivation and excitement about your dance progress.

1. Always set new goals
Short-term goals can be preparing for something special for that next match competition or adding new dances to your program. Medium-term goals could be preparing for your next exam, performing a solo or participating in a Showcase. Long-term goals could involve attending a national or international DOR, or preparing for a final exam. 

2. Exchange lessons!
Your teacher is there for you, to teach you and guide you towards your goals, but that doesn’t mean they know everything you might need. Exchange lessons can help give you a different perspective on certain techniques or concepts. Try some styling lessons, or enrol in a small number of lessons with another instructor on a dance you don’t currently learn.

3. Coaching sessions and dance camps
Through your Area Chairperson, your studios have the means of providing you with some of the best professionals in our organisation, if not, the best in the dance industry. These coaches and travelling consultants can really boost your learning through one-on-one coaching sessions, designed to give you and your teacher things to work on for months to come. Dance camps are another way of getting that specialised instruction in a group situation, all the while having your teacher there as your partner. 

And most importantly...

Remember that learning never stops in any area of life and dancing is no different. So always push yourself, ask questions, take risks, step out of your comfort zone and you will reap the benefits on the dance floor!