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[RIBBONSTART]s-boc.place1.jpg[RIBBONEND]1. ARTHUR MURRAY
1601 E. Lincoln Ave., Suite 200, Orange, 714-283-9119;
1640 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa, 714-689-2222;
24302 Swartz Drive, Lake Forest, 949-855-3161
arthurmurraystudios.com
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- Simple, basic elements of dance.
- Private or group lessons.
- Practice parties in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
- Social or competition styles.
- Classes for teens to those over 70.
Why they’re No. 1: Say the name “Arthur Murray,” and you know it’s all about dancing. Arthur Murray studios are also about having confidence in social situations, learning skills and having fun.
Claim to fame: Learn popular styles like swing, salsa, hustle, Argentine tango, quick step, country western and ballroom.
Inside scoop: “Arthur Murray is known for developing social dancers, but we do teach competitive dancing as well. Most people don’t want to be competitive, they just want to get the benefits of learning to dance, meeting people, enjoying good exercise and having fun. With teens and men, you have to drag them in and then you have to drag them out. It’s a family atmosphere, with a huge social network.” – Steve Platt, studio owner
Fan favorite: “My wife and I go together; the instructors are attuned to our capabilities. It’s good exercise and something we can do together.” – Charles Gibney, Lake Forest
Fun fact: Engaged couples often enroll at to get ready for their wedding day.
– Lois Evezich
[RIBBONSTART]s-boc.place2.jpg[RIBBONEND]2. LADERA RANCH DANCE ACADEMY
27602 Antonio Parkway, Suite G1, Ladera Ranch
949-812-1156
laderaranchdance.com
- Classes in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, competition teams and boys only.
- Broadway Babies class for children ages 3 and up.
- Class size limited to 10 to 15 students.
- Instructors are professional dancers, choreographers.
Claim to fame: It’s never too early to learn to dance. That’s what brings parents and small children to the Ladera Ranch Dance Academy. Most students are younger than 7, but there is an all-boys teen hip hop class.
Inside scoop: “We teach movements with music, and they’re good listeners. We have strong teachers; we’re fortunate with that. Children usually take two classes a week. We have 400 enrolled now.” – Chris Molloy, owner
Fan favorite: “I have three daughters, ages 12, 10 and 7, who dance there. My girls are getting excellent dance instruction.” – Sandi Gentry, Ladera Ranch
Fun fact: Ladera Ranch Dance Academy is starting two new performing teams, one for 5-year-olds, the other for 6- to 8-year-olds.
– Lois Evezich
[RIBBONSTART]s-boc.place3.jpg[RIBBONEND]3. LAGUNA DANCE THEATRE
23854 Via Fabricante, Suite F3, Mission Viejo
949-855-4702
lagunadancetheatre.com
- Ballet school with pre-professional training.
- Ages 3 and up.
- Founded 1985.
Claim to fame: The Laguna Dance Theatre teaches classical ballet, but also offers classes in jazz, tap and lyrical dance. Each individual student is placed according to ability and age.
Inside scoop: “We provide the best dance education for the aspiring professional or for those who simply want to dance for fun, develop discipline, raise self-esteem and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. – Shery Gilbert, artistic director and owner
Fan favorite: “At this studio they don’t push students to pay a lot of money on costumes. It’s classical training; it’s more about understanding music” – Carole Fiore, Mission Viejo
Fun fact: Students will perform in the “The Nutcracker” at Saddleback College from Dec. 17-20.
– Lois Evezich
