Arthur Murray: Dancing on Main Street Danbury

Business: Arthur Murray Dance Studio
Owners: Nicole Almeida
Website: www.arthurmurrayofdanbury.com
Address: 345 Main Street, Danbury

How did you come up with the name?
It's a franchise!

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
This business has been on Main Street for 35 years. Main Street is the heart of Danbury!

Briefly, what business are you in?
Ballroom Dancing

What's the most difficult moment or challenge you've faced as a business owner?
The most difficult challenge has been showing the public that dancing is fun, easy, and simple. Many people automatically assume that it's hard.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
At times I have questioned it yes — running a small business is not easy! There have been transitions in ownership that made it difficult as well as the economy crash six months after I took over the studio.

What's been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Making it through the first 5 years, which can be a make or break it time for businesses. I also was just awarded a studio excellence award from Arthur Murray International for 2013! Big accomplishment for us.

What's the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
We are working on a pre natal movement class for expecting mothers! We have a teacher who is pregnant and it has shown her how much the movement of dancing has increased her energy and stamina. We want to share that with other expectant parents!

How do you deal with difficult customers?
We always come from a place of trying to educate them on our systems, and through our passion of trying to change people's lives through dancing we always try to accommodate to everyone.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
We do dancing with the stars charity events, donate dance lessons for live and silent auctions, as well as teach free dance classes throughout the community.

This article is part of Patch's series highlighting local businesses in our community. Learn more about the series, and if you're a small business, fill out the form to be included, by checking out this link.