So you’re thinking about trying ballroom dance but you’re not sure if it’s for you. Despite many myths, you don’t need prior dance experience and you don’t have to be in a specific age group. Step into Arthur Murray Royal Oak and you’ll see a wide age range of dancers gliding, twirling and cha-chaing across the floor. Partners may have years between them, but their common ground is a love of movement!

In recent years, ballroom has become a cultural phenomenon. The premiere of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” in 2005 helped propel ballroom into the limelight in the U.S. Varied styles such as tango, fox trot and rumba became household terms. We saw our favorite TV icons and celebrities (young and not-so-young) performing traditional dances to current Top 40 songs. Some stumbled and some took home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, but all were in for a good time.

The dancers in our studio range from students to young professionals to retirees. See those shiny, happy people in our videos and photos? Those are not stock images — they are actual students. Some may come once a week, while others show up to dance a few times a week. All are here to have fun and try something new! No matter their age, they show up willing to learn, and we show up willing to teach.

One of our dedicated students is Aman Rastogi, a 23-year-old engineer from the local Royal Oak area. “I started dancing for fun as a kid and got introduced to ballroom in college,” he said. In search of more personalized training, Aman reached out to our studio a little over a year ago.

“Arthur Murray really provided that 45-minute, one-on-one aspect that really helped me grow and achieve what I want; that skill and confidence as a dancer,” he said. “I’m kind of uncomfortable around new people and dancing has helped a lot with that.” With his private lessons and group lessons, Aman feels more secure in social situations now.

“When I go out with friends I have made, it’s always me dancing with the girls because I now know how to dance,” he said. “It helps me get everyone active and I can teach people how to dance.”

With his growing ballroom skills and love for performing, Aman plans to keep dancing well into marriage. “I have a feeling I’m going to continue doing this with whomever I marry,” he said. “It’s a lifelong thing and will be a shared hobby.”

Aman advises newbies to take a free lesson at Arthur Murray. “I think whenever you feel like you want to dance, whenever the time is right, just do it,” he said. “Try it out and learn a couple of moves.”

If you think you’re too old for the dancefloor, we’re here to tell you that it’s never too late to try anything! Colonel Sanders didn’t launch Kentucky Fried Chicken until he was at the ripe age of 40. Another fun fact: 100-year-old Orville Rogers of Texas has set many running records and only started racing at the age of 50.

If you feel you might be too young to try ballroom, consider the new Netflix show “Ballroom Babies,” which showcases champions who can’t even call themselves preteens yet!

If we all pondered whether we’re too “this” or too “that” to start something new, we may never start anything at all! Is there a “right” age to start shaving, finish college or open a retirement fund, for example? We think not J The right time to dance is the time when you are ready to dive into a new adventure, meet some new friends, gain some exercise and have fun. If you need a little encouragement before joining us, try these fear-busting tips then give us a call at (248) 548-4770 or click here so we can meet you in the studio.