Marblehead School of Ballet Spotlights Ballroom Dance Instructor Nancy Murphy on 18th Anniversary

The Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB) salutes instructor Nancy Murphy on her 18th anniversary teaching ballroom dance at the school. The MSB recognizes Ms. Murphy for her dedication to teaching and commitment to the art form.

As many of the MSB staff, Murphy has studied a range of dance forms and performed with several companies, including the Maine State Ballet, the Connecticut Ballet, and the Mandala Folk Dance Ensemble. A lifelong dancer, she is proficient in several partner dance styles, including the ballroom forms of the waltz and foxtrot; the Latin forms of rumba, cha-cha-cha, and salsa; and swing and Argentine tango.

“Nancy Murphy is a terrific teacher. She enjoys and excels in several dance forms and brings real life dance experiences to her teaching that students appreciate and understand. We are very fortunate to have her at MSB during our 44th anniversary year,” says Paula K. Shiff, Director of MSB.

When not teaching in the studio, Murphy may be seen hitting the dance floor at various milonga and swing dance clubs or performing with the inter-generational dance company Back Pocket Dancers. This hands-on dance floor experience applies directly to her teaching. She has trained many Boston area dancers and teachers.

“I can’t believe so much time has gone by since I started teaching at MSB. I am lucky to have been part of the school all these years and look forward to my next 18 years. Anybody can learn to dance. It’s never too late to start!” exclaims Murphy.

Benefits of Ballroom and Latin Dancing

Why should someone take a waltz, foxtrot, tango, swing or other ballroom or Latin dance class? “It is fun. You challenge both your brain and body,” says Murphy. “A social element is added when interacting with another person on the dance floor. After sitting at a job all day, moving the body is especially nice.”

People of all ages study ballroom or salsa for various reasons. “Couples take classes and private lesson to prepare for their own wedding or for their children’s wedding. For couples whose children are grown, they have a little more free time and discover dancing and learning to dance is a wonderful thing to do together. Homeschooled children study ballroom dancing, as extracurricular learning outside the home and to provide some social interaction, too,” she explains.

Another couple received dance classes as a gift. “The gift giver went the whole nine yards. Not only did the couple get dance lessons, but the giver also arranged a baby sitter, as well. Friday nights became date nights. First, they danced and learned something new. Then, they had a leisurely dinner. This was a perfect night out, and a lovely break in their daily routine,” says Murphy.

New Ballroom and Salsa Series

New ballroom and salsa series classes begin in the coming weeks. The MSB’s new ballroom dance series runs from Friday, October 23 to Friday, December 11, and a salsa series gets underway Monday, November 9 and continues to Monday, December 14. Drop-ins and new students are welcome to attend a class. Classes are taught at the school’s studio, located at 115 Pleasant Street, in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

With a motto of quality education, individual attention and working with people to reach their goals, seasoned dancers, avocational, and aspiring dancers -- men, women, girls, and boys of all ages enjoy dancing ballroom, fox trot, swing, Latin, Argentine Tango and salsa. Private lessons are also available for dancers preparing for a special event or seeking additional instruction.

For a class schedule and further information, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail, or visit the organization online.