Here at the Woodland Hills Arthur Murray Dance School, we offer various ways and opportunities for you to be part of our ballroom family. Our primary instruction consists of private lessons, group classes and practice sessions, which are described below. We also have several multi-studio activities throughout the year, such as Match Competitions, Showcases, and Dance-O-Ramas, also described below.
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Practice Parties
- Coaching Lessons
- Medal Ball
- Match Competition
- Showcase
- Dance-O-Rama
- Festivals
During a studentís one-on-one private lesson, they will receive personalized instruction the will help achieve their goals in dancing. The instructor will spend the time necessary on technique, styling, and general dance improvement. An up-to-date record of everything the student has learned will also be kept as part of their instruction.
Group lessons are an important addendum to a studentís private instruction. Groups give students the opportunity to dance with a variety of partners, develop good dance habits, and meet other students in the studio. Group lessons emphasize technique and variation of patterns. Students may be taught materials that their regular instructor has not introduced yet. Additionally, material that has been introduced will be reviewed and practiced for improvement.
The studio holds scheduled dance parties (practice sessions) for all of our students. These practice parties are held on a weekly or semi-monthly basis. Students have fun dancing with the instructors and other students in a relaxed and comfortable environment. These sessions give students the opportunity to practice and try out all the new dance skills that they have learned during Private and Group lessons.
In all sport related activities, a third pair of eyes is very important. At times, what feels good does not necessarily look good. A Traveling Consultant (coach) has years of experience and knows shortcuts for greater results. A coaching lesson can give the instructor a wealth of information that will make all future lessons very productive.
These concentrated lessons are not geared only to the experienced student it is useful and productive for all students. While all dancing relates to posture and movement, footwork, timing and communication, a new student will be coached at a newer lever and an experienced student at a higher level. Traveling Dance Consultants are available for appointments on a monthly basis.
Throughout the world, dance schools use medal standards because students with goals become better, more polished dancer in less time. Arthur Murray provides students the opportunity to graduate from the various levels they have achieved throughout the year. Medal Balls are banquets for our students moving onto the next level in their dancing however, students who are new to their Medalist program, or not graduating yet, are invited to attend as well. Join us for a day of social dancing in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Match Comp is one of the best learning tools Arthur Murray studios have to offer. Match is a friendly one day event with between 3-10 schools. The key to Match Comp is the students must use the standard, leadable steps they would dance socially. In light of this theme, no choreography or costumes are allowed. Match Comp is designed to reflect each student’s proficiency at a social, practical level.
This is a one-day event held 2-3 times a year. The studio travels to a nearby hotel for an incredible day of choreographed routines, general dancing, competitive heats, and beautifully costumed professional shows. A choreographed routine makes an exciting addition to a student’s Medalist program because it allows them to develop showmanship and musical expression along with their social dance skills. As always, students who are not participating are welcome to join our cheering section and purchase a Spectator Dinner Ticket.
Dance-O-Ramas are competitive events that are held all over the world and bring students together from many different Arthur Murray studios. These special weekends include all three types of competitive entries (open, closed, and solo routine) as well as themed evening banquets, cocktail parties, and professional shows. Some Dance-O-Ramas even include outings for sightseeing, making the whole event like a vacation! Miami, Las Vegas, Italy, Hawaii…where do you want to go?
Festivals are the most exciting time of the year at Arthur Murray studios! These festivals are an activities contest between all the Arthur Murray studios worldwide. During the two six week events, students earn points for all of their participation which is added to their teacher’s total, and studio grand total. Teachers earn recognition and awards for those who rank in the top. As thanks for a student’s sponsorship of their instructor, the studio during this time throws special festival parties. Themes with food, fun and dancing, festival is the best time of year to gain program bonuses, prizes, and build studio spirit!







