Honored Dance Family Buys
Local Arthur Murray Studio

This Family Comes From Generations of Dancers and
They are Out to Win Ballroom Dancers From the Area

TEQUESTA -- The quest is to get people to “Walk in and Dance Out.” That’s the principal concept of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio franchises throughout the country, and certainly is within the realm of the Elsbury family which recently acquired the local studio at 130 N. U. S. Highway One.

Originally from Europe, where all four partners were recognized as champion ballroom dancers, the Elsburys are quite knowledge about all forms of dancing and are confident they can attract local and area residents to their studio to learn the basic concepts of dance - and the benefits derived from this activity.

Having owned and operated dance studios in Europe and several other businesses, including a construction company in the Dominican Republic, the Elsburys actually came to Florida from that country. “We wanted to be in America and get back into the dance business,” partner Craig Elsbury told The Beacon. “My father, John, is a personal friend of the John Timmons, the president of Arthur Murray, and had learned about the availability of the Tequesta franchise through him. We decided to take it and closed on the deal on November 15, 2009, and are now working to build a new clientele and attract students from the former studio, which had been operating for two and one-half years, as well.”

With the new owners in a fledgling state, the Arthur Murray Studio has had little time to market their new venture, although the word is spreading , and “it is not necessarily all local,” Craig pointed out. “We’re attracting students from Palm City to Delray Beach, but we are pleased with the locals that are coming in and the return of many of the former studio’s clients.”

The principals in the new franchise are John and Olga Elsbury and Craig and Lesley Elsbury. All have strong dance backgrounds. For instance, Craig began dancing at age four and competed much of the time until he married and the couple began to start a family. By the time Craig was 12, he was a World and British champion having captained the British Dance team twice. By the time he was a teen, he had not only won championships in all continents of the world, but he had the honor of dancing for both the Queen of England and The Royal Family. He has been featured in television shows and various documentaries following his progress in the United Kingdom. He is excited to bring his dance expertise to the United States.

Craig's father, John, has had a long career in dance as a competitor and instructor. He was an All England Professional Modern and Latin American finalist. He has lectured in 27 countries, written a book on ballroom dancing and was selected as the English judge at seven World and European Championships. He has been dance advisor to the Briish Youth Theatre and lectured in dance at Cambridge University. Now, his full attention is to student needs within the Arthur Murray Tequesta school.

John’s wife, Olga, has represented Russia in international dance competition around the world and has been a finalist in both ballroom and Latin styles at major international events. Olga is also an international lecturer and judge with Grade “A” status (qualified to judge World Championships). She has 14 years teaching experience specializing in her family’s school in Moscow, and studied for a degree in dance choreography at Moscow University. She will use this expertise in teaching at the local studio.

Craig’s wife, Lesley, has an extensive history of dance experience, having started as a young girl in social dance activity. She quickly progressed to a competitive standard and as a teenager made several national and international championships Grand Finals, and was considered to be one of the hottest young dance talents in the United Kingdom. She retired from competition early in order to concentrate on honing her teaching skills at her mother’s studio in the U. K. She is now a valued member of the United Kingdom Alliance of Professional Teachers of Dancing and will use her talents many ways at Arthur Murray.

The local studio offers training in all areas of dancing, from ballroom to Latin and beyond. Those who may want to learn dancing will be interested to know that Arthur Murray is open Monday-Friday, 1:00pm to 10:00pm. The hours have been set to accommodate students who may be busy during the work day, and to attract others who may be free during the day. Beginning this month, the studio will be featuring open social dances on the first and third Saturdays of each month. This activity will be be beneficial to all who take advantage of it.

Also, the Elsburys are planning an Open House February 22-26. During that week, anybody who has not been a student before will get a free lesson and will receive a substantial discount on various dance packages available.

“There are many health benefits associated with dancing,” Craig advised. “Many don’t realize it, but dancing is a workout. Not only it it a good physical activity, but dancing builds confidence in individuals and provides an avenue to achieve self esteem. It is fun, helps to relieve stress and makes you feel better - so, it is a winwin situation.”

To learn more about opportunities at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, call (561) 741-2899, or go to their website: www.arthurmurraytequesta.com. Sign up and you, too, will soon be “walking in and dancing out.”

The management team at Arthur Murray’s
is family. Pictured left are John and Olga
Elsbury. Their son, Craig and
daughter-inlaw, Lesley, are at right.

Couples enjoy dancing at
Arthur Murray Studio.

Dancing is fun, social and a
healthy activity.