Dance Advice for Humans

This One Visit Could Save Your Dance Hobby

Written by Chris Lynam | Aug 18, 2015 4:02:00 AM

At some point you learned, even the hard way.

Maybe it took a tow truck, new transmission, or public transportation to learn the lesson - but you learned it, none the same. 

That "Check Engine" light means business.

It could be a similar story with your dancing. In fact, you could be headed for a breakdown, and there isn't a light to let you know.

The solution: A tune up.  We just call it a Progress Check. 

This One Visit Could Save Your Dance Hobby

A progress check is as important as an oil change, diagnostics check, and scheduled service for your automobile. For your dance lessons to stay interesting, and your progress to stay consistent, we recommend a progress check once every 6-8 weeks, depending on the frequency of your appointments.  
So what is a Progress Check? We stick with the automotive theme to break it down, peel back a few layers, and shed some light on why this could save your Arthur Murray dance hobby.

How Do I Know If My "Check Engine" Light Is On?

The Awkward Use stage is the villian in your learning-to-dance autobiography.  Sometimes it can hold onto you long enough to bring your momentum to a grinding, "Check Engine" light, halt. Although this is a natural part of your progression as a dance student, we want to be aware of the following signs:

  • Loss of motivation for lessons or studio activities
  • Limited communication with your teacher or management
  • Feeling like you've hit a dance plateau for an extended period of time

4 Things To Remember

"Technician" = Supervisor

Quick Description:  The Supervisor, or Manager, in your Arthur Murray Dance Studio will join your lesson to check your progress. This is incredibly effective because they are:

  • Responsible for training the staff - so they know their stuff
  • Will be an advocate for you, your progress, and the plan you're on - think of them like a coach
  • They will validate what you have heard, and also unlock an idea that you haven't
  • Act as an outlet to express any concerns or frustration you may be having

"Diagnostics Check" = Progress Check

Quick Description:  You've got goals that are important for you to achieve.  The Supervisor is going to check a variety of dance vital signs to make sure that things are moving in the right direction. 
To Do That, The Supervisor Will:
  • Take a look at a few dances that you and your teacher select
  • Jot down, and share, feedback about your progress
  • Ask you some questions about your dance program and goals

Change Of Filter = Your Goals

Quick Description:  Just like engine filters, your goals need to be serviced and upgraded as your dancing grows. In most cases, you're the last one to realize you've made dance progress, or achieved a goal. That's where this visit truly pays dividends.  

The Supervisor will:

  • Determine how close you are to your goals
  • Upgrade your goals to match your abilities and help stimulate growth
  • Help you and your teacher target some dance events and deadlines to reach your next dance milestones.

Scheduled Service = Follow Up Appointment

Quick Description:  What good would this service be if it was a one time thing?  Just like a tune up, the manager will schedule your next visit together (usually every 6-8 weeks).  In addition, they may give you and your teacher a "Dance Assignment".  This will help kick start the momentum as you move up the next rung of your dance journey. 

  • Schedule a follow up appointment
  • Give you a Dance assignment
  • Clarify the path and boost your dance momentum

What Is A Dance Assignment?

Think of this as a fun homework assignment.  Your goals are important, and making the next few lessons angle towrads those goals is even more important.  The Dance Assignment is a scripted and measurable plan for you and your teacher to execute over a short period of time.  

This should include:

  • Follow up visits from the Supervisor
  • An exercise to practice a certain dance technique to develop dance progress
  • A pattern or two associated with the desired dance skill to develop dance progress

Final Thought

It's not the actual "Check Engine" light that is the problem. The real problem is not noticing when it is on.  Fortunately, at Arthur Murray, that's why you have a professional dance instructor or two, plus a manager (or two), and even an office manager that are looking out for you and your dance goals. 

Arthur Murray is a service based business. 
For you to get the most mileage out of your dance program, it’s important that we continue to service it, improve it, and teach you to the point that these visits are streamlining your learning instead of rescuing your hobby. 

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