In fact, you probably have a paranoid uncle that thinks you've joined a cult. Well, fret not. The solution is to become a "Dance Samaritan".
Explaining all the incredible things about Arthur Murray to your friends is like trying to explain Avatar to your grandmother, stuff just gets lost in the translation. They have to see it, to believe it. Think of the positives if you could bring them in for a lesson...
1. They really enjoy themselves
2. You have a "dance buddy"
3. They don't think you're crazy
So here are some ideas for bridging the gap between "you're crazy" and "thank you, I am indebted to you forever":
1. The Red Cross Treatment - Think for a second of anything positive that has happened to you because of your dance lessons. Maybe you've lost some weight, you're standing up straighter, or you finally got the courage to go out dancing on a friday night. Now, think for a second, of anyone you know that could really use one of those things. It could be anyone - friend, relative, co-worker, or your pilates instructor. This prevents you from just looking for "another dancer" to bring in. Instead, you can look for people that would get a lot of value from their dancing lessons.
2. Assistant Wedding Planner - How many more weddings can you go to if you keep seeing that same "bear-hug" wedding dance time and time again? So become an assistant wedding planner. Recommend that they take some dance lessons. Keep in mind, they don't have to swing across the chandeliers to make a big impact for their wedding (we'll save that move for your next routine).
3. Stay Neutral! - Meet up for coffee before heading to the studio. This allows your guest to start in safe, neutral territory. The alternative is to have them meet you in the center of the dance floor at a studio they've never been to before. Sounds fun? Yeah, well save that one for people that used to steal your lunch money.
4. Don't rule people out - OK, quick, think of two people who were absolutely stunned to hear that you've been taking dance lessons at Arthur Murray. So if you didn't seem like the dancer-type, then that's exactly the reason why you should consider any of your friends or co-workers - not just the ones who come in with pirate shirts, rhinestones, or fake tan.
5. If all else fails - Don't worry about whether they can, should, or will continue with their dance lessons after the guest program. Leave that up to them. You may have a friend who falls in love with dance lessons, like you have, or maybe they just finish the guest program. If anything else, the people closest to you will have a better idea of why you love this so much.
So give it a try. You know your dentist is always uptight. Think of how much smoother things would go if you could talk Tango instead of just the torture. So what are you waiting for? Be a "Dance Samaritan" and, before long, your boss will be asking your advice on Foxtrot music and your weird uncle will keep forgetting to give back your latin heels.
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