I first started dancing at Arthur Murray so that I could do something I enjoyed that got me out of the house. 

Little did I know that a year later I would be there almost everyday because it became something more than just an activity I enjoyed...it became an obsession. 

And even though I'm there everyday, it never gets old.  They are always teaching something new and exciting! 

My first time coming to the studio, I was so nervous.  Before, I had never tried anything new, so going into a dance studio alone was terrifying for me.  But with the first lesson, I felt very comfortable.  All the instructors and staff are friendly; they make the studio very welcoming.  They have become more like a family to me then anything else. 

Also, dancing has helped me step outside my comfort zone.  I'm no longer the shy girl that sits in the corner trying to be invisible.  I go and I ask others to dance.  I feel better about not only my inside but my outside as well.  Since starting Arthur Murray's, I've lost 50 pounds...and I'm still losing!  My family has commented on how much I've grown (and shrunk) as a person. 

Starting Arthur Murray's is possibly the best thing I could have done for myself.

"I AIN'T NO SISSY!"  That used to be my opinion, when my wife would ask me to take her to dance lessons.  I'm a big guy and the last thing on my mind was gliding around the dance floor.  But, let me tell you,

I have come to learn that there is nothing "SISSY" about ballroom dancing. 

On our last anniversary, after 12 years of begging, I finally gave in to my wife's request for lessons.  I purchased an introductory package from Arthur Murray's Dance Studio in Carmichael, as an anniversary gift for my wife.  I still wasn't very excited about the idea, but I quickly learned the benefits of dance. 

Not only has it strengthend my relationship with my wife, but it has also given us a great exercise program.

The instructors are great and the people we have met are wonderful.  Arthur Murray's takes pride in planning each lesson to fit our needs and desires. Plus, it is a lot of fun.

I would highly recommend Arthur Murray's toany couple or individual that is looking to spice up their lives.  And this is coming from a guy that can proudly say that

"I STILL AIN'T NO SISSY".

My name is Jennifer Garcia, and I am an ordained chaplain, teacher and counselor, and also hold a PhD in Educational Leadership.  I am an educational therapist and curriculum and program developer for students with learning disabilities, all of which I lost in April of 2003, when

I experienced a traumatic accident, which caused extensive injuries to both of my legs.

My right ankle was badly damaged.  There was a spiral break in my right fibula, and fractures to the tarsus.  My left ankle was badly sprained, with torn tendons and ligaments.  It was later discovered that my femur partially dislocated from the pelvis.

After ten horrific days in the hospital, a metal plate and multiple staples and screws inserted into my lower right leg, I was sent home with orders of no weight bearing on my right leg for several months, reqiring a wheel chair, crutches, or a walker, and exclusive use of my "good" left leg.  I was unable to stand, walk, or drive a car.  Living in a 3 story house,

I had to crawl up the stairs on my hands and knees to get upstairs to bed.

When my bones sufficiently healed, I had to relearn to walk normally.  After a few months, I started experiencing severe pain in my left hip and leg, and was unable to walk more than a few feet with the aid of a walker, and returned to a wheel chair for the next 2 years.  Due to the original trauma, cortisone injections, and continual overuse of my left leg, the cartilage in my left hip had deteriorated and bone was rubbing on bone.  I needed heavy pain medication in order to sleep, and my ability to function was becoming more and more challenging.

Anyone that has lived a long time with chronic pain, and impaired mobility has to deal with depression along the way.  But nothing compared to the pain of losing my darling husband of 30 years, who died suddenly from pancreatic cancer in 2005.  My heart was broken.  The grief was paralyzing; the sense of loss indescribable. 

My life consisted of constant pain of body and soul; debilitating depression encompassed me, and I was no stranger to anxiety.

Finally, in June of 2007 my insurance company approved a total hip replacement surgery.  A very difficult and painful recovery followed.  All during my ordeal, when having to use a belt to lift my leg off of the bed in order to get to a chair, and coping with very painful physical therapy, I would tell myself and my therapist,

"You wait.  I'm going to SALSA!"  I pictured myself dancing, in order to get through all of the pain and frustration. 

Ten months later, when I first came to Arthur Murray Studio, I had to rely on my cane to walk, was struggling with my coordination and balance, and I had a strong fear of falling and reinjuring my hip.  Learning to dance seemed like a huge challenge and a distant vision, but I had promised myself I was going to Salsa.  That promise is what I had clung to when I was so overwhelmed with pain and weakness in my legs.  So, there I was, depressed, cane in hand, a pronounced limp, and my confidence level was leaning on the side of low.

By the way, one of the things you don't learn in physical therapy is how to walk backwards.  As a lady, one of the things you do most in ballroom dancing is going backwards!  The first few times I had to step back on my left leg, I thought I was going to fall for sure.  Having been such a long time since I was able to walk normally, I felt so uncoordinated and overwhelmed.  The encouragement from the staff was such a blessing and heped me to keep going and not give up. 

After 3 months of dancing, I can walk backward without a hitch, and no fear of falling. 

I can actually get through a Bronze 1-2 class, and a practice party, and a private lesson and walk to my car, all in one evening! 

I even follow that up with some swimming on hot days.  All things considered, my recovery has been remarkable.  I may never be a great dancer, but in case walking forward ever becomes unpopular, I am set!  More importantly,

dancing has helped lift my spirit, and getting to know all of the wonderful peole at this studio has contributed greatly to helping my broken heart to heal.