Our Boston Superama team was recognized in Dance Beat magazine for their ‘giant hat with little hats inside’. Take a look at the video.
Manchester and Randolph Egyptian Gala Party
December 2nd, 2010The annual Tournament of Champions has always been an exciting time in the Manchester Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Games, raffle tickets, theme parties and, of course, lots of dancing have made our studio the place to be. This year, we had an exciting addition to our Tournament of Champions celebration.
On Friday, November 19th, we were joined at our Egyptian Gala theme party by the staff and students of the Randolph Arthur Murray Dance Studio as well as Mark & Nancy. We were truly flattered by their willingness to make the more than an hour drive to celebrate with us here in Manchester. Their enthusiasm for their dancing is truly outstanding!
The students of the Manchester Arthur Murray went all out to welcome the students and staff from Randolph. Our Egyptian Gala team, David & Karen Kelly, Kathy Metivier, Ed Shank, Tory Smith and Jean Pinard, provided all of our refreshments and most of the decorations for our fantastic evening of dancing. The amount of time and effort they contributed to the evening was truly astounding.
The staff and students came prepared to share all of their best. Brett, Gabby and the students from Randolph taught the Manchester students and staff an energetic new line dance. Steve led three teams of students in a humorous round of Ancient Egyptian trivia which ended in a two-way tie. Brett and Margery danced two professional showcases, Tango and Waltz, for their combined student body. The students and staff from both studios mixed, mingled and danced the night away!
It was certainly a party we won’t soon forget! We hope that the Randolph Studio will join us again next year!
Supporting Dance for a Cure of Prostate Cancer
August 30th, 2010When notified on August 30 that my ticket had been selected as one of the winning tickets in “Dance for the Cure” raffle to raise money for prostate cancer research, I was pleasantly surprised.
When first seeing the posters for “Dance for the Cure” at the Dance O Rama in New York City I thought to myself—wow, someone is finally recognizing that prostate cancer in men is a serious problem and needs funding to increase research and to develop effective treatments. Having gone through much of the current recommended protocol for detection and treatment of this disease I can personally relate to many of the points listed on the AdMeTech Foundation web site. The disease is unrecognized, it is more prevalent in men than breast cancer is in women, current screening modalities are highly questionable, and recommended treatment highly uncertain.
I would strongly urge that every guy make a contribution to this cause. It may contribute to your future quality of life as well as your longevity.
It was my pleasure to contribute.
John
Manchester Studio Cruises Lake Winnipesauke
August 30th, 2010On Saturday, August 28th the grand prize winners of our “International Dance Festival” enjoyed a Dinner Dance Cruise aboard the “Mount Washington”.
It was the perfect evening for it…warm weather greeted us as we departed the Manchester Studio in a giant van. Steve was manning the wheel and Mark Lightner played co-pilot. Nancy Hamblet helped with directions from the rear. Also joining our expedition to Weirs Beach was: Margery Patten, Jose Saucedo, Neil and Linda Philcrantz, Martine Silbermann, Trudy, Dorianne, Tory and Cody Smith and Dean Damico. Marc and Kathy Metivier joined us there.
First we had our picture taken and then we were escorted to our reserved tables. The ships staff was expecting us and made us feel welcome and comfortable. Then we settled in for a delicious dinner of Prime Rib and Seafood with all the fixings!
After dinner the band started. There were two dance floors…one upstairs and one down. Lots of fun to wander around dance a little…go on up to the next dance floor and start again. When we got too warm we stepped outside to the deck to enjoy the beautiful scenery and a cool breeze. The night was clear and the big dipper was clearly visible from the top deck. All in all a wonderful outing was enjoyed by all.
Steve
Willard’s Last Wish
June 24th, 2010In early April I received a phone call that I would have never expected could be such a life changing experience. A woman by the name of Celeste Mansfield (ironic – same last name as myself, already a connection) called and asked if our studio would be willing to assist them in fulfilling a gentleman’s last wish. My first reaction was yes! Yes! Yes! Without even knowing any of the details, my instincts naturally told me that this was one of those opportunities that would be a once in a lifetime moment! I discussed with Celeste the details about their program. Care Alternatives Dreamcatchers is an organization funded strictly by contributions for the purpose of granting wishes to terminally ill adults in their final days of life. She then proceeded to tell me about Willard Jackson, a gentleman who resides at the Concord Health Care Center. His last wish was to ballroom dance! Celeste told me that Willard’s favorite song/dance was the Anniversary Waltz and his favorite singer was Patti Page. She told me he just loved dancing in general and he and his late wife were avid ballroom dancers, including foxtrot, waltz and the jitterbug. His last and final wish was to have one more memory of dancing.
I got chills just hearing Willard’s story and was thrilled that our time together was scheduled for Friday May 7th at 10 am. I was joined by my colleague, Mark. We planned to do a short performance to entertain Willard and his family after he and I had danced together.
When Willard entered the room that day equipped with his walker, my breath was taken away and there were no words to describe the feeling I had. I was a little overwhelmed that I be the one who would dance with Willard one last time. I believe that he did much more for me than I ever could have done for him. I had been told that Willard was a bit frail and probably would only be able to tolerate one dance or so, but with a couple of rest breaks, six or seven dances later Willard was to still dancing! He was the most endearing man and when he got up and heard the music boy could he move! He was a great leader and had amazing rhythm.
Mark & I danced to the Anniversary Waltz for Willard and his family. I knew this meant a lot to Willard and his daughter when their eyes welled up with tears. In all the years that I have been with Arthur Murrays this was truly a defining moment. I know that what we do has a great impact on people’s lives. This truly was a dream “caught” for Willard and also for me.
Linda
For more about our day of dancing and the Dreamcatchers program, please read the article in the Boston Globe – Click Here