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Arts and Culture

New Ballroom Dance Studio Open in Woodland Hills
By Crystal Heidemann

Before the recent boom of dance competition television, the average American may have labeled the art of ballroom dancing as "old-fashioned." However, now that celebrities and sports stars are waltzing their way across the screen, suddenly, we see how glamorous it can be. If you've been watching these programs and daydreaming about busting out a sexy salsa or a tantalizing tango the next time you are out on the town, you'll want to check out the new Arthur Murray Dance Studio in the Woodland Hills Westfield Promenade.

This upscale studio is the place to learn all the fundamentals of ballroom dance. From the Cha-Cha and the Fox Trot to Samba and the Rumba, Arthur Murray provides students with professional, yet fun instruction taught by certified teachers in a relaxed environment. You'll learn a new skill that will surely add some spice to your social life, while turning some heads as well. The studio is part of the Arthur Murray Franchise, the second oldest American franchise organization. With over 230 studios worldwide, Arthur Murray offers a variety of programs for those who just want to have some fun, to those who want to dance professionally.

But why choose a franchise over other studios?

For 97 years, the Arthur Murray studios have been recognized throughout the entertainment industry. Their instructors have been involved with choreographing popular movies and television ads. They've been behind projects such as Dirty Dancing, Flash Dance, Saturday Night Fever, and the popular GAP Khaki Swing commercials. They have designed a specific training program for their instructors, so students know that they are being taught the proper technique and style. Not just anyone can own a franchise, owners come from a history of Arthur Murray training; they work their way up from student to owner. They have a sincere passion for dance and the company. Being such a powerhouse in the dance industry, Arthur Murray is involved with various dance competitions and events. When involved with their studios, opportunities to expand on your training or dance career are made more accessible than they would be with less known studios.

The studio in Woodland Hills, owned by Robert and Christy Melgoza, is a gorgeous facility in a convenient location. The studio is inviting and unintimidating. Students will participate in group classes, private instruction, as well as coaching lessons. Practice parties are held weekly, where students can intermingle and try out their new dances. Students can also choose to participate in Match Competitions, where dancers from other Arthur Murray Studios in the area compete, as a way to practice their performance skills.

Other optional events include Showcases and Dance-O-Ramas. At the Showcase, students travel to a hotel for a day of choreographed routines, competitive heats, general dancing, and professional shows. Dance-O-Ramas take place all over the world, and give students the option to combine vacation with their love for dance. Students participating in Dance-O-Ramas get to mix sightseeing outings with competitions, banquets, cocktail parties, and shows.

It seems that Arthur Murray Studios is more than just a dance studio… it's a community - a place where friends get together and dance out the day's stress. The studio encourages singles to take classes, as dancing is a great way to get out and meet people. Couples are often switching partners in-group classes anyway, so there is no reason for singles to feel uncomfortable by coming solo. Ballroom dancing is a sophisticated hobby that can be used throughout life and one that is a great source of exercise. With flexible schedules, Arthur Murray in Woodland Hills makes it convenient to fit classes into your day.

Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Woodland Hills is located inside the Westfield Promenade at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 2210A ~ (818) 225-8000