Longest Day

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, the longest day of the year and summer solstice, thousands of people joined together to show their love for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Arthur Murray Schools of Dance in the Puget Sound is proud to support the endeavors of the Alzheimer’s Association in The Longest Day. We know Alzheimer’s tremendously affects those who have the disease as well as their loved ones. We were delighted to participate in the organization’s goal of eliminating the disease through research as well as providing care and support for all who are affected.

“Music is The Last to Leave”

Our Arthur Murray Dance Studios in the Puget Sound put together a variety of exciting opportunities to get involved and support the fundraising efforts of The Longest Day.

Overall, Arthur Murray Schools of Dance around the world contributed a total of $138,078.00 to the fundraiser.

Our six Arthur Murray Dance Schools in the Puget Sound helped raise the following amounts:

Arthur Murray North Seattle – $4,350

Arthur Murray Bellevue – $3,260

Arthur Murray Seattle – $2,470

Arthur Murray Everett – $695

Arthur Murray Seattle – $300

Arthur Murray Seattle – $100

If you missed an opportunity to donate and still would like to contribute to the cause, there is still time to do so!

Visit the team pages here to donate.

Battlefield to Ballroom

Arthur Murray Schools of Dance in the Puget Sound are proud to support the endeavors of Retired Colonel Debbie Simpson as she seeks to provide a unique form of treatment for former or current military personnel with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Having experienced the benefits of ballroom dance for herself, Debbie decided to begin studying the activity for it’s ability to help develop the brains response to anxiety as well as improving memory. Her studies led to the inception of her non-profit organization known as Battlefield to Ballroom.

Having taken lessons for several years at our Arthur Murray studios in Seattle and Seattle, the partnership was a natural fit. Since the inception of Battlefield to Ballroom, we provided lessons to multiple active duty and retired military and have seen the affects of their PTSD reduced even in a short period of time. During the first year, we even hosted a competition between members of the 4 branches in which candidates trained for several weeks to perform to special selections of music. The lessons and events provided the opportunity for improved social anxiety handling as well as boosting confidence and self-esteem.

To read more about her career in Military Medicine as well as the Battlefield to Ballroom organization, or to make a donation in support, visit Debbie Simpson’s website here.

If you are or know of a candidate you consider to be a good fit for this program, please reach out to us at our Bellevue studio!  1-425-747-6611

Special Olympics

Arthur Murray Schools of Dance in the Puget Sound have partnered with Special Olympics in Washington to provide an exciting opportunity to allow students with special needs to participate in ballroom dance lessons in Bellevue!

Kelly Peters, our new student director, has a passion for working with the community and helping to bring the benefits of ballroom dance to the lives of everyone. 2017 marked the beginning of our partnership with Special Olympics in Bellevue.  Every Saturday, she teaches lessons to all ages of students with special needs to provide a fun outlet for learning to dance, socialization, and laughter.

Scroll down to read their testimonies of success!

If you have a child or relative with special needs, or know someone who would be interested in this opportunity, please reach out to Kelly at our Bellevue dance studio to get connected! 425.747.6611

Special Olympics Testimonies

What has been the greatest positive change you’ve seen in your child since they started ballroom dancing through Arthur Murray?

“- More willing to take a risk with people she doesn’t know”

“- Learning directions – left/right – practical”

Has it helped in other areas in their life? If so, which ones?

“Joy. In unloading the dishwasher or other group chores, she is willing to do them, ‘with a spring in her step’ and enjoys it.”

Would you recommend this program to other families and athletes?

“It’s always good to have physical activity and appreciate immensely the opportunity for her to be involved in a physical activity that does [not] involve a ball to enjoy and have fun. Also – gross motor activity will always strengthen motor planning for physical therapy in disguise.”

– Elana’s Mom

What has been the greatest positive change you’ve seen in your child since they started ballroom dancing through Arthur Murray?

“Kevin enjoys dancing and ballroom dance class is one thing he always looks forward to.”

Would you recommend this program to other families and athletes?

“Yes, it is a good opportunity to socialize, practice movement, and learn body awareness.”

– Kevin’s mom

What has been the greatest positive change you’ve seen in your child since they started ballroom dancing through Arthur Murray?

“My son is so eager to get here. He looks forward to it every week. I don’t have to talk him into going. He loves the fun and positive attitude in the room. He loves getting to know all the instructors and how he can work the room. He loves to start the music and the positive reenforcement he receives from the group. It makes him feel important and expert.”

Has it helped in other areas in their life? If so, which ones?

“It has helped him develop his leadership skills and also interpersonal skills. Also, having to switch dance partners quickly during class has help[ed] with staying flexible to change!”

Would you recommend this program to other families and athletes?

“Absolutely! Thank you.”

– Kian’s mom

What has been the greatest positive change you’ve seen in your child since they started ballroom dancing through Arthur Murray?

“They are more comfortable dancing in multiple environments; they have more confidence on the dance floor.”

 Would you recommend this program to other families and athletes?

“Absolutely! There are so many way[s] to use their skills and they have such fun at class. Kelly is amazing at breaking dances down to clear steps and helping all students master the moves. Way too much laughing and fun!”

– Steven’s mom

What has been the greatest positive change you’ve seen in your child since they started ballroom dancing through Arthur Murray?

“My son Jason loves to dance, and he loves the dance class. This is the first time he has participated in the dance class (2017-2018 class) and has liked it from the start. He looks forward to going every Saturday morning. Since the fall of 2017 Jason has become much better in greeting other people when he sees them in both public and private settings, such as while walking on a hiking path or when encountering a waiter or waitress in a restaurant.”

“I believe this is at least in part due to all the one-on-one interactions that occur during each dance class. Each dance class includes significant portions where each kiddo is paired off with another volunteer and is thus one-on-one with the volunteer. I think this has been very helpful for Jason in acknowledging and interacting with people as he has always been reticent to do so, which of course is not uncommon of course for kiddos on the spectrum.”

Has it helped in other areas in their life? If so, which ones?

“See above answer.  I believe the class has helped Jason in greeting and interacting with people.”

Would you recommend this program to other families and athletes?

“Yes. I would and have recommended this program to other families with special needs children. It is a wonderful program, particularly for kids on the Autism spectrum.”

– Jason’s dad