Lori and I had our first Arthur Murray party tonight. We showed up about 15 minutes late and things were in full swing (actually full Salsa). they were celebrating Mexican Independance Day, so there was a Mexican flag, some streamers, and a table of spicy dips. Most of the dances were of the Latin type: Merengue, Salsa, Cha-Cha. Each of the instructors welcomed us at some point in the evening and most of them dragged us to a “safe corner†and had us Box-Step. We were doing very well with our three Box Step moves by the end of the night. A random student even started teaching me to Salsa. I did alright until she started moving her arms and I told her, “Whoa, too many body parts moving!†We mostly watched the other students to see where our lessons could lead, and had a lot more fun than we thought we would.
The instructors used a bit of reverse psychology at the first party. They told us that we wouldn’t have to dance if we didn’t want to, and that if we did decide to dance to only do the Box Step. Of course, this is to encourage frightened students to attend the party (Hey! We don’t even have to dance! We can just watch!). Once we got there, all of the instructors had us dance, but a little ways away from the main floor. Also, telling us to only do the Box Step will make us defy their advice and get us out there for a couple of the other dances we have learned. Although the ruse did not slip by me, I think it’s an excellent technique to get new students (especially wary husbands) to the party and dancing.
