Below is an interview that Wexford, PA Arthur Murray owner Mario Cardinali did with RSVP Publications, a leading print advertiser.
Interviewer:
Welcome everyone, I’m here with Mario Cardinali of Arthur Murray Dance studio in Wexford, PA. I just watched my first class – I loved it.
First question for you Mario is.. Who is a typical Arthur Murray dance student. By looking at the class I definitely couldn’t tell?
Mario Cardinali:
Agreed! It is hard to tell just who our students are. They are as diverse age wise as they are background wise. We have students who come in for their first wedding dance, as well as students who are empty nesters. While students come to the studio for a variety of reasons, they stay for the many benefits that dancing offers. People stay because they find themselves losing weight, making new friends, mental relaxation, gaining confidence. All our students gain some or all of these benefits and more. I think that’s why we have such a diverse student body; dancing transcends age and background and the benefits are what we all have in common.
Interviewer:
Okay, yeah that makes sense. Now while watching the class, it looked like everyone was having fun… But I’ve got two left feet, I couldn’t do that.. What about guys like me?
Mario Cardinali:
Everyone who hasn’t danced before thinks that they have “two left feet” or that they have “no rhythm.” This is just not true! Anyone and everyone can learn to dance. This is what we specialize in – teaching beginners to social dance. Our system of teaching has been developed over the last 100 years. We make learning fun and easy.
Interviewer:
Okay, now as a guy with no rhythm and no clue about any of the classic dances like the cha cha, tango etc. How would I get started with you?
Mario Cardinali:
Well first of all we find out if you’re coming in by yourself or with a partner. If you’re coming in by yourself, then we’d assign you a female instructor that will be responsible for your progress. On this first introductory lesson your instructor will sit down with you and find out about the type of music you listen to, if you are doing this for fun or a special occasion, etc. You’ll then have a lesson working on the basics of a slow dance and a fast dance. You’ll be dancing to music on this first lesson! At the end of the lesson your instructor will explain the school in detail, give you a tour, and schedule your next lesson for a time that works best for you. It’s that easy!
Interviewer:
Wow. That’s great, you’ll work with my schedule and I don’t need any background or any clue about the dances. That helps!
Mario Cardinali:
Yes! 90 % of our students have never danced before, so you’ll be learning in a comfortable atmosphere with others just like you!
Now Let me ask you a question: you keep talking about your two left feet and no rhythm. When was that last time you danced?
Interviewer:
Well, to be frank.. I’m the guy who hits the bathroom when everyone hits the dance floor, whether it be at a wedding, club, or bar. My wife is always wanting to dance but I just avoid it.. It’s probably been about ten years.
Mario Cardinali:
I hear that a lot and this is where the confidence that dancing gives you will help. It’s no use learning if you’re still going to hide in the bathroom or grab a drink when the music starts. We are teaching you to first of all identify the timings in the music, so you will know when a song comes on what dance or dances you can do to it. You’ll then be able to get onto a crowded, small dance floor (even between bar stools) and dance comfortably to anything that’s playing. You’ll also develop your lead to where you can ask a lady to dance without caring if she can or can’t dance. You’ll know you can lead her through the basics without difficulty, so that’s our primary objective. Being able to identify what dances go with which songs, being able to dance with anyone, and finally being able to dance anywhere – even between bar stools and crowded dance floors.
Interviewer:
I’d love that! I actually get a little nervous when I see our friends start to dance, because I know they’ll be dragging me on the dance floor any minute.
Mario Cardinali:
Yep.. I understand.. We can 100% change that!!
Interviewer:
Okay… Now I’ve looked at some reviews from your customers and one thing stood out. Many people mentioned that on Friday Nights they would have a dinner date then head to the studio for a dance party. If I could pull that off my wife would be thrilled. How does that work?
Mario Cardinali:
Yes, on Mondays and Fridays we have supervised “dance parties,” which are really fun practice sessions. We provide hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, but more importantly we have all the instructors there helping to provide a controlled atmosphere. We announce the songs before we play them so you can start to identify the difference between a swing and a cha cha for example. On Monday nights we even demonstrate and review each dance so you can recall the basics of that dance if you are forgetting it or if you just haven’t learned that dance yet. It also helps you learn how to maneuver on a crowded floor. Lots of our students use these as a date night or even a workout! This is what’s so unique and wonderful about what dancing does. Plenty of benefits all at once!
Interviewer:
Wow.. So I could really do this???
Mario Cardinali:
Yes of course you can, the hardest thing about dancing is getting in the door, you’ll be kicking yourself for not doing it sooner!
Interviewer:
Okay.. Well thanks again Mario! I really enjoyed talking to you and to your students. One thing seems clear: your students love you guys. You must make it fun…
Mario Cardinali:
We sure do. Dancing isn’t just about learning. It builds confidence and relationships. It’s communicating without talking. It’s exercise and fashion. It’s simply having fun many different ways all the while learning a skill that will last a lifetime!
