Arthur Murray Dance Studio Guilford

First Lesson Essentials:
Everything You Need to Know
Before You Dance Through Our Door

Congratulations -- you did it. You made the call. You took the leap. Whether dancing has been on your bucket list for years or the idea popped into your head yesterday and you just went for it, that first step is the one that matters most and you already took it.

So now what? Let's get you ready.

"Wait...Do I Need a Tutu?"

Starting something new is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. You might be wondering: What will I actually have to dance? Do I need special clothes? What if I have two left feet?

B r e a t h e. We've got you covered. Here's everything you need — and everything you need to know — to walk in feeling confident and ready for the ride.

What to Bring

Your "Night Out" Shoes

Yes, there are official dance shoes —and yes, they're fabulous— but for your first lesson, just bring whatever you'd wear for a fun night out. Chances are, you already own the perfect pair. (That said, if you're looking for an excuse to go shoe shopping... consider this your permission slip.)
Your "Night Out" Outfit

No leotards required. No spandex. No tutus. (We promise.) The dancing you'll be learning is the kind that actually shows up in real life — weddings, date nights, concerts, spontaneous kitchen dance parties. So dress like yourself, headed out for a great evening.
A Bottle of Water

You might work up a sweat — and that's a good thing. Come prepared! (And if you forget, your teacher has you covered.)
Your Calendar

This might be the most important item on the list. You've made a decision to do something amazing for yourself. Honor it. Students who commit to showing up consistently are always the ones who look back and say it was one of the best things they ever did. We want that to be you.

What to Expect When You Arrive

A Warm Welcome

The moment you walk in, our receptionist will greet you, get you settled, and guide you through a quick registration. First-day nerves? Totally normal. We see them all the time — and they usually disappear within the first five minutes.
A Quick Chat

Before you hit the floor, you'll meet our New Student Director, who will ask a few questions about what you're hoping to get out of dancing, walk you through how we teach, and then — the moment you've been waiting for — introduce you to your instructor.
"Oh Wow, I'm Actually Doing This"

Your instructor's one goal for your first lesson? Show you that learning to dance is fun, fast, and completely within your reach. You'll learn the core building blocks that connect every dance style — and it'll start clicking faster than you think.
Moving to Music -- For Real

Here it comes: the music turns on, your body starts moving, and somewhere in the middle of it all... the doubts just fade. This is the moment people talk about. It's real, and it's coming for you.
The Only "Requirement": An Open Mind

For many students, this is the first time in their lives they've truly moved to music with confidence. That feeling? Unforgettable. So shake off the self-consciousness as best you can, trust the process, and let yourself have fun with it.