A Decade Of Dancing in Merrick

You have to crawl before you walk, the saying goes.

Before you can dance, you have to walk, logic dictates.

Once you can dance, well, the skies the limit in terms of any type of skill one may need in the future requiring coordination.  That was my initial thought after spending a night on the dance floor of the Arthur Murray Studio in Merrick.  I came through with my pride intact, and even picked up a move or two.

Before I tell the tale of my dancing debut, I'll tango around the keyboard a bit, and perhaps sway you to pay a visit to Arthur Murray, which this year will celebrate its 10th anniversary in Merrick.

Why Dance?

Perhaps you're thinking you'll never need to learn to dance.  Even if an appearance on 'Dancing With The Stars' isn't in the offing, there are still benefits, according to James West, manager of the Merrick studio.

"For individuals, it increases social confidence.  When they go out dancing, if they're a guy, they want to be able to move people around the floor comfortably, and not feel self conscious about it," West says.  "As a lady, I'd want to go out and enjoy myself no matter who I'm going to go dancing with."

The studio teaches dozens of dances.  Old standards like the waltz and fox trot remain popular, and dances such as the rumba and samba are gaining steam, as Latin clubs continue to open around the tri-state area.

"Argentine tango has really been finding its way up in the last couple of years...people like the sensuality of it, we've noticed a couple of [those] clubs popping up in the city, and I think they're trying to get them out here [to L.I.]," West says.

One of the most common reasons people give for wanting to learn to dance: their upcoming wedding.  The studio recommends couples come in 4-6 months before the big day, pick a song, and make their first dance as man and wife a memorable one.

For others, it's a fun alternative to the gym.

"I get a lot of that," West says.  "People don't like the monotony of the gym, they want to do something more exciting...physical fitness through dance has become quite popular."

Known the World Over

The Arthur Murray system dates back to 1912, when Murray himself first started teaching dance.  He sold dance lessons by mail, one step at a time.  The first franchised dance school opened in Minneapolis in 1938, and locations started springing up across the country.

In the 1950s, the 'Arthur Murray Dance Party' debuted on television, leading to increased business at the studios.  A group of franchisees purchased the company in the 1960s, and today there are 180 locations around the globe.

"We're the Nordstrom's of the industry," West says.

The Studio utilizes a three-tier system to teach dance.  First comes one-on-one lessons with an instructor.  Then group classes are held, where various moves are reviewed and reinforced.  The group next heads to the main dance floor for 'party practice', meant to simulate a social outing.  The lights are dimmed, the strobe lights are turned on.  Every few minutes a different dance is practiced, with West acting as DJ, keeping the action moving, just like in a club.

Arthur Murray also has students use a medal system to determine how far they want to go.  Those looking for a solid core of moves look to earn a bronze medal.  Learning more elaborate moves can earn you a silver, and for those looking to enter competitions, its the gold.

Learn From the Best

Arthur Murray instructors are held to a gold standard. Prosepective teachers are tested as vigorously as a student would be.

One teacher who's earned her stripes is Genene Piciullo of Smithtown.  At age 3, she saw a photo of her friend in a ballet outfit, and the image stuck.  She's been dancing ever since, even earning a dance scholarship to Adelphi.  It was a proud moment for Piciullo, who dealt with a learning disability growing up.  She says dance made her realize everyone is gifted in their own way.

"I have a rocket scientist, an attorney, a plethora of doctors," Piciullo says of her students.  "They come in, we're on the same playing field when they're in my ballroom - it's a really rewarding thing that I can teach a radiologist how to dance."

For James West, his love of dance began when he saw the reruns of the 'Dance Party' show, and he remembers his mother putting him on her feet and teaching him moves.  He frequented clubs growing up, and performed with a dance company in Boston.  He studied the Arthur Murray method in Germany, and has been with the company 24 years.

Time to Hit the Floor

Arthur Murray instructors have taught their method to stars of stage and screen for decades.  John Travolta's disco moves in Saturday Night Fever.  Patrick Swayze's sensual steps in Dirty Dancing.  Al Pacino's blind tango in Scent of a Woman.  All guided by the Arthur Murray way.

But can this world renowned system teach a reporter to fox trot?  I put down my pen, and head to a group lesson.  Time to find a partner.  I'm the newcomer, so I get to work with instructor Mary Cornetta.  I can't lead, so we simply hold hands, much like a five-year-old does when forced to dance with his cousin.

Lead with the left, two steps forward, then a slide to the left.  Slow, slow, quick.  Slow, slow, quick.  I'll be hearing it in my sleep.

I slowly get the hang of it, to the point where I actually get to lead Mary, along with Genene, who works with me on a couple of swing moves.  Around the floor we go, trying not to bump into the other couples.  I emerge unscathed except for my ego, which is a little bruised around the edges.  Watch yourself on video dancing for the first time, and you'll see what I mean.

Soon it's time for the practice party.  In between taking notes, Vicki Fuller of East Rockaway brings me on to the floor for my first merengue lesson.  Fuller has been coming to Merrick to dance for over five years.  Her lessons have given her an added benefit.

"I had osteoporosis when I started five years ago, and my latest bone density shows zero," she says.

In the end, I picked up a few dance moves to build on, but the brain can only process so much.  Hopefully, I won't forget how to walk.

The Arthur Murray Studio is at 1617 Merrick Rd. in Merrick.  Call them at 223-9820 and ask about a free introductory lesson.  Visit them online at www.arthurmurrayli.com.

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