Ready To Rumba

Latin dance lessons heat up Town Square

By Wensdy Von Buskirk

Dancin’ in the Ville steps back into Town Square this summer with a Latin flair. The free dance lessons, sponsored by MJ Diamonds and Arthur Murray Northville Studio, meet 7-9 p.m. Wednesday evenings.

Classes are led by Arthur Murray instructors and the public is welcome solo or with a partner. Lessons cover rumba, cha cha, and popular line dancing along with “the big three,” salsa, bachata and merengue.

Latin dance is having a moment, according to Arthur Murray Studio Manager Lauren Hayley.

“There’s a huge uproar with young people getting into swing dancing, partner dancing, and especially Latin dancing,” Hayley says. “All partner dancing is good but Latin is the most social.”

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Latin music sales surged 24 percent last year, the second year of double-digit growth and a bigger jump than any other music genre. The craze, fueled by TikTok dance challenges and hit songs like Despacito and Gasolina, has Millenials and Gen Z flocking to places like the Hub Stadium in Novi for Latin Dance Saturdays.

Latin dance works with pop songs by artists like Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, and Britney Spears. Slower dances like the rumba make it versatile for weddings and events.

It’s also accessible.

“A lot of the footwork itself is decently simple so it allows you to learn really fun spins and

“We’ll work on leading or following the moves they know with a variety of partners making them stronger on the dance floor being able to dance with anyone instead of just who they’re used to working with,” Hayley says.

Professional Latin dance clothing is all about strappy heels and sparkle, but the Northville classes are a casual affair. Dress for hot weather and wear sneakers or other shoes you can move in.

All levels are welcome.

“The classes are meant for people who have never done these dances before. Of course, people who do have some experience I guarantee will be able to have a good time,” Hayley says.

Joshua Shoemaker, 28, of Plymouth, rearranged his schedule so he can attend Dancin’ in the Ville throughout the summer.

A year ago he tried Arthur Murray on a whim and now is a regular at the studio and Hub Stadium. He especially enjoys Latin dances.

“They are more active and faster paced, more of a workout,” he says.

Shoemaker recommends anyone looking for a new, active hobby give the free classes a spin.

“I would definitely

This year’s free music series in downtown Northville is “bigger” than ever. Live music takes the stage nearly every weekend through September, while “big bands” (in size, not style of music) are booked the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

“The feedback we have received from the community has been very positive,” says Lori Ward, Director of Northville’s Downtown Development Authority. “Downtown visitors love the big band music and energy that it creates.”

Here’s the upcoming schedule:

July 28: Nate Jones

July 29: Zang

Aug. 4: Maria Rose

Aug. 5: Steve Taylor

Aug. 11: Dan Tilery

Aug. 12: Shawn Riley Band

Aug. 18: Mike Bass

Aug. 19: Alex Mandenall

Aug. 25: The Soulshiners

Aug. 26: Randy Brock Group

Sept. 1: Billy Brandt & Elanine Schoendorf

Sept. 2: Nick & Keelan

Sept. 8: Phoebe Holmes

Sept. 9: The Ones and Twos

Sept. 15: Ken Mobley

Sept. 16: Lisa Mary

Sept. 29: Jarrod Champion

Sept. 30: The Further Adventures of Fat Boy & Jive Turkey recommend at least trying it out. Starting dance is the best decision I ever made in my life,” he says.

Dancin’ in the Ville takes place 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays through August for free dance lessons. The schedule is as follows:

Aug. 2: Cha Cha

Aug. 9: Popular Line Dancing

Aug. 16: Salsa

Aug. 23: Bachata

Aug. 30: Merengue

No registration is required. Raffle prizes will be drawn each week.

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