Search - Arthur Murray :: Fabulous Ballroom Collection

This is the best for latin balroom dancing !!!!!!

John R. Baker & Carol McGinn | Rockledge, FL United States | 12/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best CD for ballroom dancing, and especially for latin (cha cha, tango, rumba, merengue, samba, mambo). These sections are from two old Arthur Murray records by Ray Carter and Bill Stagmeyer. All sections are strict tempo. The latins are fabulous, with the right feeling and tempo. There is over an hour of music on this CD. The two "rock and roll" tunes are awful, in my opinon, but danceable triple swing and good for beginners. Get a Glenn Miller CD for good swing. There is also a waltz that I don't like, which for Viennese. I paid $20 for this years ago and was glad to get it. The one weakness is only 5 Fox Trot, Waltz and Swing, and conversely the strength of this CD is 19 Latins."

Historic, danceable, and a bargain!

J. Wakefield | SLC, Utah | 04/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Arthur Murray (born Moses Teichman in 1895) became a franchising legend in the 30s and 40s as he sold rights to teach his "footstep" dance patterns across the United States. He opened his first franchised dance studio in 1938, and these numbered more than 3,500 at their peak. Following the Second World War, he put heavy emphasis on the "Latin American" dance steps that he adapted from several long visits to Cuba. Part of his genius was borrowing the "strict-tempo" dance rhythm ideas he heard from Victor Silvester and the best of the British dance bands. With the exception of a slight retard at the end of the song, a strict tempo made it easier for men to count their steps and help their partners look better.



The tempos - appropriate in 1960 - tend to be a little faster than current DanceSport preferences. With due respect to other esteemed reviewers, tracks 8 and 18 need not be labeled rock-n-roll. Try dancing West Coast Swing to track 8 and Lindy-hop to track 18 and your feet will feel oh so good! This collection is indeed a "fabulous" bargain at $11.99.



Please click on "See all my reviews" for reviews of more than 100 ballroom dance albums."

Great for practice!

D. C. Fraunfelter | Hagerstown, MD | 12/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My wife & I are ballroom beginners, and we have found this to have lots of tunes that are great for practice. The single waltz is too fast for beginners, and swings should be supplemented by anything Glen Miller. See "Let's Dance: The Best of Ballroom" for some really great foxtrots and waltzes."