Celebrate National Dance Week at the Marblehead School of Ballet

The Marblehead School of Ballet (MSB) celebrates National Dance Week from Friday, February 24 through Sunday, March 5. To thank the public for its support for 45 years, MSB is offering special discounts throughout the week and beginning the winter salsa and partner dance series.

"During National Dance Week, MSB takes pride in joining other organizations across the country in celebrating and spotlighting the importance of dance in our society. We want to introduce people of all ages -- children, teenagers, adults, and seniors -- to the school's programs. This is an opportunity to learn and have fun with dance in its many styles, including ballet, salsa, Argentine tango, swing, ballroom, and other forms," said Artistic Director Paula K. Shiff, recipient of Salem State University's 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts.

To celebrate the occasion, MSB has exclusive offers available only from February 24 through March 5. "This is the time to try something different or revisit a dance style people may have learned and want to explore further. During National Dance Week, new students may attend any class for only $5 with advanced registration, or they may watch a class and learn about the school's dance events and activities taking place throughout the year," explained Shiff.

Students currently enrolled in the school may bring a friend to any class for a reduced fee of $5. They may attend classes in ballet, pilates, stretch and strength, creative movement, ballroom, Argentine tango, swing, salsa and more. Newcomers to the school are invited to arrange a complimentary consultation with Ms. Shiff to discuss their dance future. Guests must register in advance.

Winter Salsa and Partner Dance Series

During National Dance Week, MSB's new winter salsa and partner dance class series begins. Dancers of all levels and ages, from teenagers to adults, will enjoy the new partner dance program featuring fox trot, swing, Latin, Argentine Tango and salsa at this dance oasis on the North Shore.

The winter salsa series runs from Monday, February 27 through Monday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. The partner dance series spans Friday, March 3 to Friday, March 31 with Teenage Ballroom at 5:30 p.m., Argentine tango at 6:30 p.m., ballroom and Latin at 7:30 p.m. and swing at 8:30 p.m. Couples, singles, drop-ins and new students are welcome to attend a class.

People of all ages study ballroom or salsa as a night out, in preparation for special events such as proms, weddings, graduations, galas, parties, and other activities. "Parents of the bride and groom or the wedding couple take classes and private lesson to prepare for the reception. For couples whose children are grown, they discover dancing and learning to dance is a wonderful thing to do together. In our classes, they learn the dances, the technique, and develop their self-confidence," said MSB's ballroom instructor Nancy Murphy, who will observe her twentieth anniversary at the studio in the fall.

The teen ballroom program is especially suited to youngsters who want another form of exercise, are looking for an extracurricular activity not available in their schools, or developing their college applications and want to show they are well-rounded. "They challenge both their brain and body. For example, homeschooled children study ballroom dancing, as extracurricular learning outside the home and to provide some social interaction," explained Murphy.

Classes are taught at the school's studio, located at 115 Pleasant Street, in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Private lessons are available for dancers requiring additional instruction. For a class schedule, information about private lessons and other details, call 781-631-6262, send an e-mail to msb@havetodance.com or visit www.marbleheadschoolofballet. Register for the new class series at marbleheadschoolofballet.com/the-school/registration/.