Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Roanoke

The Country Swing is a dynamic spot dance with partners in constant, electrifying motion. Couples tear up the floor with looping arms, thrilling dips and barrel-roll spins! Along with the Two-Step, Swing is one of the easiest and most essential dances with which to begin your country dance journey.

The Two-Step is the most popular Country Western partner dance, a staple in any country bar. Dancers follow a counter-clockwise line of dance, effortlessly spinning and weaving between other couples. Characterized by a straightforward rhythm and smooth, linear movement, this dance showcases exciting partner styling and rapid spins, reminiscent of a cowboy wielding his rope. Steps like the Lasso and the Lariat pay homage to the Western roots of this dance.

We teach a range of Country Western partner dances. The most popular of these are the Two-Step and the Swing, along with the Waltz and the Shuffle. So, let’s hit the hardwood and dance! Yeehaw!

Milonga is a term used for both a social tango gathering, as well as the faster version of the Tango itself. With lightning-fast footwork and playful movements, advanced Milonga dancers put the thrilling musical rhythm at center stage. Beginners can enjoy the Milonga by simply walking to the beat of the music!

Taking inspiration from the waltzes of Vienna, Tango musicians began around 1910 to compose songs with a swaying 3/4 rhythm. The Tango Vals is accompanied by a strong underlying pulse and exciting musical rhythms. Dancers incorporate sweeping elegant movements, inspired by the Viennese Waltz. With a basic knowledge of Argentine Tango, newcomer Tango Vals dancers can have fun with classic Tango patterns, such as Salida and Ochos.

With its exact origins shrouded to this day in mystery, the Argentine Tango blazed out of 19th century Buenos Aires, to become a global phenomenon. To the unique music of the bandoneon, a type of accordion, dancers move to the "Ritmo del Corazon", the Rhythm of the Heart. Partners glide across the floor, blending slow sensual movements with hypnotizing shapes and leg styling. Although a wonderful dance for beginners, true Tango mastery becomes for many a lifelong pursuit.

When the music slows down, "Westies" step up, executing smooth, precise movements with a laid-back swagger that defines the quintessential cool of West Coast Swing. Originating from California in the 1940s and dubbed "Sophisticated Swing", this dance stands in elegant contrast to the riotous Lindy Hop.

Named in honor of aviator Charles "Lucky Lindy" Lindbergh, this dance is highly revered by enthusiasts, especially those who have a deep appreciation of the history and culture of Swing dancing. Accompanied by fast-tempo music, the Lindy Hop dazzles with syncopated shuffles and energetic kicks, showcasing a thrilling blend of agility and flair, stylishly inspired by the Charleston.

At Arthur Murray Dance Studios, we focus on three main styles of Swing: East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and West Coast Swing. When New York big bands began to swing in the 1920s, dancers took to their feet, creating iconic styles such as the Charleston, the Balboa and the Lindy Hop.

Calling all Partygoers! Merengue is the easiest Latin dance to learn. Its steady marching beat makes learning new steps or practicing Latin hip action a breeze! Just keep marching and dance this dance with ANYONE, regardless of skill level or experience.

With its slower tempo and sultry feel, this “slow” salsa dance is taking nightclubs by storm (often having its own room). Great for learning body rhythm, the bachata features spins, ripples, and sexy lines and dips.

The most popular style danced in the United States: "LA Style" Salsa is known for staying in a line (or slot) while changing places with your partner. Typically breaking on counts 1 and 5, with its simple steps and fast-paced tempo, salsa is a great dance for learning spins, face loops, and fast hand changes.

Whether you're looking for a Waltz, Swing, or Foxtrot, or maybe a Salsa, Tango or Country Two-Step; with over 30 styles of dance to choose from, we've got you covered. No matter the occasion.

Whether you're looking for a Waltz, Swing, or Foxtrot, or maybe a Salsa, Tango or Country Two-Step; with over 30 styles of dance to choose from, we've got you covered. No matter the occasion.

Never miss out on another dancing opportunity again! Whether you just want to survive on the dance floor or stand out in the crowd, learning to dance has never been easier. Believe it or not, most students start as total beginners.

Whether you're looking for a Waltz, Swing, or Foxtrot, or maybe a Salsa, Tango or Country Two-Step; with over 30 styles of dance to choose from, we've got you covered. No matter the occasion. Get started with ballroom dance lessons in Roanoke today and see what dancing can do for you!

Looking for ballroom dance lessons in Roanoke? Look no further! Located in beautiful Roanoke, VA, not far from The Hatch and the Six and Sky Rooftop Grille, we teach dance lessons for the greater Roanoke metropolitan area. Arthur Murray has been a staple in the community for many years, and we look forward to teaching Roanoke to dance for many more years to come.

Whether you just want to survive on the dance floor or stand out in the crowd, learning to dance has never been easier. Believe it or not, most students start as total beginners. By using our proven method, our team of certified instructors will help get you on the dance floor in no time. You’ll even be dancing on your very first lesson!

While you're likely to have heard of the Country Two-Step , there are actually several types of Country Western dances that exist! One for each of the rhythms found in country music. Not only do we teach several styles of two-step including the Progressive, Texas, and Santa Fe, but we also teach Country Western Three-Step, Shuffle, Cha Cha, Swing , and Waltz. Whether you’d like to dance to legends like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to contemporaries like Darius Rucker and Carrie Underwood, we’ve got you covered!

Featured in movies like 'Saturday Night Fever' and 'Thank God It’s Friday', in the 1970s, disco became all the rage. Shortly after, a new form developed called “Touch Disco”, the partnered Hustle we know today. This high-energy dance features lots of spins, turns, and wraps and is not only danced to hits from the Bee Gees but today’s artists like Bruno Mars and Maroon 5.

Although not developed until the 1980s, this social dance gained popularity among nightclubs across the country. Its relaxed hold and slow to medium tempo make it perfect for social occasions. Famous songs include Chris de Burgh’s “Lady In Red” and Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)”.

Including styles of Lindy, Charleston, Shag, and Balboa, the Lindy Hop is the classic Swing dance that gets its name from the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh who “hopped the Atlantic.” This dance style is fun, fast-paced, and very athletic making it the ideal dance for exercise to Big Band music like Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing”.

Differing from the high-energy, highly-rotational, and bouncy East Coast Swing, the West Coast Swing is a slinky slot-style dance. While music for this style can vary greatly, it is traditionally danced to rock ‘n roll in more of a Blues style. The West Coast Swing is great for learning connections, improvisation, and musical expression.

Sometimes known as the Jitterbug, the Swing is one of the most popular American dances. With its single, double, and triple-time rhythms, the Swing is highly versatile across decades of music. It can be danced to anything from Glenn Miller's “In the Mood” to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock n Roll”, from Wham!’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” to Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass”.

The latest Latin dance craze, this Brazilian social dance is full of body rolls, dynamic rhythms, and tilted turns. Recently, Zouk has incorporated R’n’B, pop, and Hip Hop music and is a great dance for creativity and improvisation. From traditional sounding Zouk songs like Jocelyne Labylle’s “J’ai déposé les clés” to more contemporary R’n’B style like Beyoncé’s “Partition”, Zouk dancers have quite an array of music choices.

The ultimate party dance , Merengue was said to be invented in the Domincan Republic by General Maringie, who returned from war and danced on an injured leg. The Merengue is the a latin dance that can be picked up quickly and is great for popular songs with a strong consistent beat such as Pitbull’s “Fireball” and Elvis Crespo’s “Suavemente”.

Made famous by Carmen Miranda, the Samba is often referred to as the “Brazilian Waltz”. This fun, upbeat dance is excellent exercise. It’s great for tightening up the core and learning different rhythms. Famous Sambas include Sergio Mendes “Magalenha” and Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita”. If you’re looking for a street style Samba, we also offer lessons in Samba de Gafieira.

Slower than the rumba, Bolero is a very smooth, sophisticated dance. It teaches good balance, strong leg lines, and a great attention to your partner. Perhaps the most intimate of the latin dances, Bolero is a great challenge for taking your dancing to the next level. Popular Bolero songs include Celine Dion’s “Falling Into You” and Paul Carrack’s “Satisfy My Soul”.

The foundation of Salsa and Cha Cha, the Mambo remains a popular Latin dance for those who love a challenge. This dance had its beginnings in the 1940s when American Jazz and Afro-cuban beats combined. The mambo is seen in famous films such as 'Dirty Dancing' and 'West Side Story'.

This dance, originally from the Dominican Republic, has swept its way through the world and is often viewed in Salsa clubs as the “slow dance” . Although most commonly danced to artists like Aventura and Prince Royce, the Bachata is a great party dance that can also be done to most Top 40 and Rock ‘n Roll music.

Known for its fast-paced tempo and spins, this quintessential Latin dance is often seen at clubs, family parties, and anytime there is Latin music. As Salsa differs in style across the world (i.e., LA style, Mambo, Cumbia) we stay up-to-date on differing trends so that, no matter where you go, you can dance. Artists like Marc Anthony and Celia Cruz have made this dance a staple.

Often referred to as “the kitchen dance”, as it takes up so little room you can dance it in your kitchen, the Rumba is the ultimate slow dance. Famous for its Latin hip movements, called Cuban Motion, it's idealized for its romantic look and feel. The Rumba is the perfect slow dance everyone can enjoy. Examples of Rumba songs include “Besame Mucho” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”.

Originally called the Triple Mambo, the Cha Cha first became popular in the 1950s. This fun, carefree dance is still one of the most popular Latin dances today. With its characteristic “two-three cha-cha-cha” rhythm, the Cha Cha can be danced to a variety of music from Santana to Michael Jackson and everything in between.

This fast-paced, ballroom dance features hops, skips, and runs down the floor without ever leaving a dance hold. While most commonly done for show or competition, the Quickstep is a great dance for exercise and agility. Famous songs include Bobby Darin's “I’m Sittin’ On Top Of The World” and Nat King Cole's “Let’s Face The Music And Dance”.

The most romantic of all the ballroom styles, the Viennese Waltz originated in Vienna, Austria. It’s fast, whirling movements make it the picture of elegance as dancers move gracefully across the floor. While commonly danced in competition to the music style of Johann Strauss, some of the most famous love ballads such as Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” are Viennese Waltzes.

Danced most commonly to Jazz standards and Big Band music, the Foxtrot is a great dance for beginners. Its moderate pace allows for easy conversation and a great social dance for weddings and cruises. Notable artists include Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and Michael Bublé.

Milonga is a term used for both a social tango gathering, as well as the faster version of the Tango itself. With lightning-fast footwork and playful movements, advanced Milonga dancers put the thrilling musical rhythm at center stage. Beginners can enjoy the Milonga by simply walking to the beat of the music!

Taking inspiration from the waltzes of Vienna, Tango musicians began around 1910 to compose songs with a swaying 3/4 rhythm. The Tango Vals is accompanied by a strong underlying pulse and exciting musical rhythms. Dancers incorporate sweeping elegant movements, inspired by the Viennese Waltz. With a basic knowledge of Argentine Tango, newcomer Tango Vals dancers can have fun with classic Tango patterns, such as Salida and Ochos.

Originating in Buenos Aires, Tango is the romantic icon for passion, intensity, and skill. Including the styles of Argentine Tango, Tango Vals & Milonga, these dances are great for learning beautiful foot and leg action and great lead and follow skills. Films such as 'Scent of a Woman' and 'True Lies' feature this beautiful style.

Considered the mother of all ballroom dances, Waltz is a timeless dance featuring the classic “box” step. Danced to music in ¾ time, the Waltz is an elegant dance to enjoy at any occasion. Famous Waltz songs include Journey’s “Open Arms” and Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me”.

Your wedding dance is a memory you'll cherish forever, wedding dance lessons can help make it even more special. Whether you want it simple and sweet or a full-blown YouTube sensation, the choice is yours. Let us take the stress out of planning your wedding dance; no matter what you're looking for, we've got you covered!

Redefining date night with dance lessons for couples in Roanoke. Never miss out on another dancing opportunity again! Whether you just want to survive on the dance floor or stand out in the crowd, learning to dance has never been easier.

Dance lessons for singles in Roanoke. Never miss out on another dancing opportunity again! Whether you just want to survive on the dance floor or stand out in the crowd, learning to dance has never been easier. Believe it or not, most students start as total beginners. By using our proven method, our team of certified instructors will help get you on the dance floor in no time. You’ll even be dancing on your very first lesson!