Arthur Murray's Let's Dance

By Arthur Murray

This early work provides a detailed descriptive account of ballroom dancing that is thoroughly recommended for the dance enthusiast or historians shelf. Illustrated with step diagrams. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Read Books Ltd.
• Release date: Dec 5, 2011
• ISBN: 9781447498186

Book preview

Samba

Why a Good Dancer Always Gets More Fun Out of Life

THOUSANDS of men and women have learned to dance in our studios. It has been a wonderful satisfaction to find that they have become excellent dancers and have gained new health and happiness as well. They have found that dancing is a stimulating exercise besides being a gay pastime and good fun.

Grace, poise and confidence are yours in return for learning to dance correctly. For ballroom dancing coordinates the muscular action that is needed for a graceful, dignified appearance. This muscular control brings poise and self-confidence that will be reflected not only in your dancing, but also in the way you carry yourself in daily life.

As you learn to dance you will get your full share of the pleasure and satisfaction which dancing offers. Your partners will find that same enjoyable satisfaction in dancing with you.

Anyone can now learn to dance. Children, youth, middle age—even those in their seventies and eighties—are dancing, are feeling better, happier, gayer—are finding their way to greater happiness and popularity. With very little effort you, too, can become a beautiful dancer and gain for yourself the happiness and popularity which the good dancer enjoys.

But remember—you can’t learn to dance by snapping your fingers. You’ll have to work at it. So don’t just skim through these pages. Get each step well under control before you go on to the next.

First, learn to do each routine slowly, without music, dancing alone. When you can do it easily and with perfect confidence, try it to slow music. After an hour’s practice, try the step to fast music. Do not attempt dancing with a partner until you can do your own part in time to fast music and with complete ease.

Take advantage of the fact that you can, without obligation, visit your nearest Arthur Murray Dance Studio for any personal help you may want.

The Magic Step to Popularity

Remember! The first two steps are done slowly, the last two quickly. Practice this alone for 30 minutes, singing as you dance until your feet seem to know it.

BEFORE learning any of the Magic Step variations in the Fox Trot, it is necessary to master this basic Magic Step. Practice forward and backward until you can do it easily, comfortably, in time to slow or fast Fox Trot music.

Practice this step for at least 30 minutes moving forward around the room counter clockwise.

Magic Step? Why magic? Because 75% of all popular Fox Trot steps are simply variations of this one very easy pattern. Learn it well—you have to master the step itself before you can do any variation.

LEARN TO DANCE IN THE LINE OF DIRECTION

THE LINE OF DIRECTION is the direction dancers should follow in their progress around the room.