A good way to become more active, and relaxed, in the New Year is to visit Dance Murfreesboro, owned and run by Becky and Steve Lanham at their Murfreesboro studio and event space, The Warehouse.

“We started Dance Murfreesboro in 2010 as a place for people to come socialize, dance and take classes and just learn ballroom dancing,” said Becky Lanham. “Ballroom dancing was something I was enjoying doing as a student and I wanted a place where people could come and do it affordably.”

This month, the studio is running a special called “Swinging for the New Year” where participants can attend a class on each of the four Mondays for $20. The first two weeks will cover single-step swing followed by two weeks of salsa. The first two classes cost $10 each and then attendees receive a punch card good for the last two classes, where they’ll learn the basics of the dances plus a little more to get them out on the dance floor, Lanham said.

For those who want to dance more, Dance Murfreesboro offers classes three nights a week with social dancing after the lessons on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Monday nights usually have a beginner class from 6–7 p.m. and on every other week there is a line dance class from 7–8 p.m. In the line dance class series, Dance Murfreesboro alternates many styles of line dance, from a country dance to hip-hop dance and even a smooth-styled line dance more similar to ballroom style dancing.

“We mix it up and do a little bit of something for everyone,” Lanham said.

On Wednesday nights, the establishment offers a beginner and intermediate class in a different dance style each week, followed by an open dance. One week, they might teach waltz or foxtrot, then salsa or samba, then some East Coast swing or country two-step. You can come with or without a dance partner; the classes are designed for singles and couples alike.

Tuesday night is West Coast swing night at Dance Murfreesboro. West Coast swing is popular among dancers because it can be adapted to several kinds of music and tempos—including the blues, R&B and contemporary music—and it allows dancers the versatility to improvise that many other dances do not.

It is also one of the most difficult dances taught at Dance Murfreesboro because of the variety of basic steps, so beginners should come to the classes repeatedly to learn it.

Tuesdays begin with a free beginners class from 6:30–7 p.m. followed by an intermediate class for more experienced dancers. The social dance is from 8–10 p.m.

West-coast swing class is taught by Brooklyn Lanham and Keith Penu.

“We have been working hard to build our dance community,” Brooklyn said. “Our hope is to create a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere for people to express themselves through dance.”

Penu said dancing has improved his confidence and has been a great way to connect with people from all over.

Another dancer explained, “It’s been great. I got back into dancing after 25 years, and my son is just starting and is obsessed. It’s great to do something with your 13-year-old son, when most parents can’t even get them to say one word to them. It’s really helped his self-confidence, also. Dance Murfreesboro is a great, family-friendly place.”

Janis Cromer, who is in her 70s, says she is learning ballroom, Latin, country, swing and line dance—and she can’t wait for her next lesson.

“Come and start with group lessons for $10 a night and then when you find your passion for one dance, try private lessons for 25 or 50 minutes,” she said. “Learn whatever you want at your speed without contracts.”

Cromer said she used to feel awkward on the dance floor and didn’t know what to do with her feet. Dance Murfreesboro taught her how to walk on the dance floor; after all, she said, dancing is just walking to the music.

“Whether you are an experienced dancer or, like me, a former dance-a-phobe, you will find what you need at Dance Murfreesboro,” said Elliot Cotto, who came to Dance Murfreesboro three years ago. “Dancing will change your life. I know, because it has changed mine.”

For more information, including a calendar of events and classes, visit dancemurfreesboro.com.

The Warehouse is located at 730-A Middle Tennessee Blvd., Suite 14, Murfreesboro.