By Mary O’KEEFE

There are so many ways to get in and stay in shape especially in Southern California. CVW has recognized January as its Healthy Living month. Each week we will look at ways to begin the year in a healthy way but we want to go beyond the gyms and early morning runs. This month we want to look at the healthy being not just the healthy body.

So we begin with the healthy choice of dance. For many this is an activity that one participated in while at school or when going to clubs or, for a couple of times a year, at a swing dance where the Crescenta Valley High School Jazz Band performed. But there is a new place in town that is giving people a reason to put on their dancing shoes and, for maybe a few moments, become Fred or Ginger to have a blast – with or without their top hats.

“I just put my feet in the air and move them around.” Fred Astaire

That simplified explanation may not cover the technical side of ballroom dancing but it does capture the fun.

Arthur Murray began teaching dance in the early 1900s. In 1925 he and his wife Kathryn opened their first dance studio. Since then the Murrays danced their way through history and ended up offering franchises throughout the world. One of those Arthur Murray Dance Centers has opened in Montrose at 2260 Honolulu Ave. Recently owners Katie and Erick Padilla had a holiday celebration that included some of their dance students sharing what they do best … dance.

“I had always heard about [Arthur Murray Studios] and liked and admired ballroom dancing so I said, ‘One day I am going to do that.’ So one day I did,” said Karen Stern, a student who travels from Sherman Oaks to the Montrose studio. “I signed up and I love it. Basically it is everything that is good for you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It encompasses all health benefits.”

Hagop Injeyan, from Crescenta Valley, has been with the center since October 2016 when it opened. He too followed his love of dance to the studio door.

“When I was in college … many years ago … I did a little bit of ballroom dancing. There was a student club there and it got me hooked,” Injeyan said.

He hadn’t danced for years before he began taking classes at the center this fall. He and his wife, Nora, are taking classes together.

“It’s a wonderful hobby for us, it beats sitting home and watching TV,” he said. “I also enjoy the camaraderie with other dancers. It is a really wonderful atmosphere here.”

That was a theme heard throughout those interviewed for this article – health, activity and fun.

“It is a great way to stay healthy. It teaches you to be graceful and teaches you social skills. It’s just wonderful,” he added.

It seems that this is also a healthy activity that couples can enjoy together.

“We come here on Saturdays for our lesson and we have dinner and continue our date,” said Andrea Simon.

She and husband Jody decided to take lessons at the Arthur Murray Dance Center about nine years ago as a way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, and to maintain a healthy marriage. Their sessions turned into their date night.

“We were always going to do [dance lessons] before our wedding and we weren’t able to,” Jody said.

Then life happened. But when their kids got a little older they decided it was time. Jody gave dance lessons to Andrea for her birthday.

“And so we started taking lessons together,” Andrea said.

They really got involved and started competing.

“I enjoyed the competition more than Jody,” Andrea said.

They continued to compete until their son went to college and then, for financial and time reasons, stopped competing but continued with lessons.

“For me it is better than going to the gym,” Andrea said.

She added that it is a time for her to let the issues of the day disappear when she takes to the dance floor. For Jody, this fits his lifestyle better than a gym.

“Everybody here is happy. It may not be as aerobic as walking a treadmill. It’s a left brain/right brain thing,” he said.

Remembering patterns and counting steps has to fit seamlessly with the physical part of dance, he said.

Dance brings grace into your life, he added.

“We were given the market area of Glendale and, as we did our search, we saw several areas,” Katie said. “When we walked through Montrose we said this is it.”

Erick said they fell in love with Montrose but at the time the location availability had been put on hold.

“It got pushed back a year and so we looked at other locations for a year but didn’t find anything we wanted,” he said.

Then this location became available.

“It was meant to be,” Erick said.

The couple truly loves what they are doing. They work with beginners and with those who have taken lessons in the past.

Katie said many times people come in with goals – to either lose weight, become more flexible or are just curious to what this dance style is all about.  She has seen some remarkable reactions to dance.

“I have had students who have gotten off pain medication because of dance,” she added.

In the end it is about the music and movement, and having a good time.

  Mary Okeefe