Hello,

Andrew here. I recently made the decision (for several reasons) to learn how to dance. After some foundation level courses, I signed up for a full instruction package at what appeared to be the best choice available to me in terms of location and availability: Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

It's been a blast so far. I've improved my posture, body language, and social confidence, all great things to experience. I fear, however, that the "honeymoon" may be over. Among other things, I just found out that the Hustle I've been practicing for just over a month actually consists of placeholder moves that are apparently much better suited to swing dancing than the actual Hustle.

I found out last week when they started teaching me that actual moves that are making the placeholders obsolete. It didn't seem like a big deal at first, but the more I think it over, the more frustrating and deceptive this practice seems to me.

I love the cadre at Arthur Murray, but I entered into an agreement with the understanding that I was being taught the correct moves for the dances I would learn. Is it common for beginners to be taught in this manner? If I were to seek out a different studio or instructor am I likely to encounter this with them as well?

I'll definitely be taking this up with the studio in question, but as a neophyte dancer I need to know what I ought to realistically be expecting from my selected course of instruction. I was only barely comfortable with such an expensive agreement in the first place. This new development may tip the scales against continuing my lessons here.

Thanks!

I have been dancing for 10 years and working in a studio for 5 and I have never heard of 'placeholder' moves. We teach the steps needed to dance around the room either socially or competitively. We also emphasize technique, footwork and posture. Could you tell me what exactly a placeholder move is?

I really feel bad for you.... another person suckered into an overpriced Arthur Murray contract. If you have not already figured out, most of the instuctors there are undertrained/have no indept knowledge of what they are teaching.

My advice....... find an independant school that has teachers with credentials(istd), someone who is or has been a competitor(And Arthur Murray sactioned competitions don't count.)

This will save you a lot of frustration/dissapointment/ and money.



All the best to you.