By ALESHA CAPONE
ANDREW and Francesca Lorenzo have encouraged would-be dancers to step up and put their best foot forward at the new Arthur Murray Dance Center in Tullamarine.
Along with their pet dog Peppy – the studio’s unofficial mascot – the married couple welcome anyone who wants to learn ballroom or Latin American dancing, although they specialise in social and bridal couples.
Mr Lorenzo said he first started working for Arthur Murray – a famous worldwide dance franchise, as seen in the iconic film ‘Dirty Dancing’ – at age 17 after a career in musical theatre.
“Basically, for one of my shows I had to do ballroom dancing and I fell in love with it and I took to it very quickly,” he said.
Five years later, accompanying students to an Arthur Murray dance competition in Italy, he met his future wife – and Australian dance instructor -Francesca.
Up until recently, the pair taught dance at Arthur Murray in Melbourne’s CBD before setting up their own studio.
“We focus mainly on adults 18 plus, but we also encourage the kids to come along,” Mr Lorenzo said.
“Probably, three out of every five new students say they have two left feet, but Francesca and I have never met someone we couldn’t teach.
“If you can walk, you can dance and there is absolutely nothing stopping you from being the best you can be.
“From Francesca’s point of view as well, the best moment is when a student is not getting something and when we figure out a way to help with one of our methods and they suddenly get it.”
The Arthur Murray Dance Center in Tullamarine will hold their grand opening on Friday from 7-9.30pm at 23 Gladstone Park Drive. Cost: $10 or free for present students. Contact 8307 5641 or see www.arthurmurray.com.au for more information.
