Johnny Gonzales and MJ Kirchhoff tango Saturday afternoon at Arthur Murray Dance Center in Temple. The studio opened in June 2021 and is celebrating its first year of business with a free Ice Cream Social & Sock Hop from 6-9 p.m. June 24. Johnny and MJ are both instructors at the studio. David Stone photo

DAVID STONE | June 19, 2022

The first year in business can have more ups and downs than the latest dance steps, and Arthur Murray Dance Center in Temple is no exception. But the studio has survived — even thrived — and now it’s time to celebrate.

“It’s been an interesting first year,” said MJ Kirchhoff, owner of the studio. “When we opened in June 2021, there was a lot of interest. But school started and things slowed down.”

“We had a surge in November — I think people were learning to dance before going to holiday parties,” she said. “They liked it and many are still coming.”

The Temple dance studio will celebrate its first year of business with a big Ice Cream Social & Sock Hop from 6-9 p.m. on June 24.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” MJ said. “We will have a preset 1950s playlist with a variety of dance styles. At 6:30 we’re having a group dance lesson.”

“It’s totally free and open to the public,” added MJ’s partner and co-instructor Johnny Gonzales.

MJ said several customers who first came through the doors last summer are now regulars. Along with Gonzales, she teaches classes and private lessons Tuesday through Saturday.

“I’m on the dance floor about four straight hours a day,” she said. “We are having so much fun, and it’s always great to see new faces.”

MJ’s studio provides instruction for about 38 dances that are popular worldwide. So what moves are the most requested?

“We specialize in ballroom and partner social dancing such as salsa, samba, swing, polka, classic ballroom, the tango, the rumba and country dancing — including the two-step and three-step,” she said. “Arthur Murray is an international franchise and they have a syllabus for the most popular dances around the world.”

“They don’t have a syllabus for regional dances, but that doesn’t mean we can’t teach it. The Shag, for instance, is huge in the Carolinas. Arthur Murray doesn’t have a syllabus for that dance, but I’m pretty sure they teach it there.”

In Temple, MJ has received regional requests for the Cumbia, a Tejano-style dance.

With a year of experience under her belt, MJ has big plans to grow her staff and her business.

“I hope to bring in a third instructor by the end of this year and maybe another one in 2023,” she said. “I would eventually like to be open on Monday and maybe expand our hours. Right now we are open from 1 p.m. to about 10.”

Another possibility is expanding into dance fitness with the addition of Zumba and CoreRhythms workouts.

“We already doing a Saturday morning Barre class,” she said. “My background is in ballet, so that’s a natural fit. Dancing — all kinds of dancing — is a great way to exercise. Barre was designed to help dancers develop specific muscles to help them perform.”

MJ and Johnny have been dancing together for several years for fun and in competitions.

“We met through community theater in Killeen,” Johnny said. “We were both involved in West Side Story, and we started dancing together. We’re both from right here in Central Texas.”

For additional information on dance classes, email MJ and Johnny at arthurmurraytemple@gmail.com or visit www.arthurmurraytemple.com.

today’s best bets

• Dad Joke Open Mic at Corkys, Signup at 2:30, show at 3. Margarita Madness from 2 to 6 p.m.

• Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.

• Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m. Chris Beall live at 4 p.m. Barrow Brewing Co.

Monday’s best bets

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Trash to Treasure Totes, Sammons Community Center. 1 p.m. Go green and create a unique tote bag from plastic bags! Becca Bash will be teaching this fun and creative way to recycle and reuse those endless plastic grocery bags that get stashed away to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bag that could have a variety of uses. Watch that bag evolve into your own creation. Knowledge of basic crochet stitch is encouraged. A size K crochet hook is recommended. For more information, call 254.298.5403. 

Tuesday’s best bets

• Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. Using special breathing techniques and slow, precise physical movements, Tai Chi can help curtail arthritis, respiratory disease, and high blood pressure. Regular practice of this “Moving Meditation” also provides health benefits of stress reduction, mental alertness, and increased energy. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Tuesday on the Trails. 8:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson “KP” each Tuesday as she leads you on a different trail with a different challenge! One winner per week. Walking not only promotes physical activity and prevents stiffness, but it also stimulates your brain and aids in weight management. See you on the trails! Call 254.298.5403 or stop by for a trail schedule.

• World Music Day at Corky’s. Come jam to a variety of music. 4 to 10 p.m.

Wednesday’s best bets

• Comedy Open Mic at Corky’s. Sign up at 7:30, show at 8.

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Temple Coyotes FC soccer at Woodson Field. Fun starts at 6, game starts at 7:30 p.m.

• Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter.

Thursday’s best bets

• Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Country & Western Dance at Sammons Community Center. 6-9 p.m. Take a whirl around the dance floor! Come scoot your boots and tap your feet to the lively music of local country and western bands on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Coffee and punch provided. Bring a finger food or dish to share during intermission. Singles and couples are all welcomed. 18+ 2nd and 4th Thursday

• Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.

• Holy Trinity Catholic High School will be hosting a Blood Drive from 10 am - 3 pm.  Schedule your appointment to donate at https://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/133466.  Walk-ins welcomed too. Unfortunately, the need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for patients with blood disorders, trauma victims, and those experiencing difficult childbirths. A little of your time could make a life difference for someone.

• Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.

• Spin Night at Corky’s. Spin to win specials, 4 to 10 p.m.

Friday’s best bets

• Karaoke night at Corky’s. First song at 8 p.m.

• Bob Appel live at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Summer Sounds Free Concert Series at West Temple Park featuring Jean Pierre & The Zydeco Angels. 7:30 p.m.

• First Anniversary Party at Arthur Murray Dance Center in Temple. 1950s ice cream social and sock hop! Open to the public and FREE! 6-9 p.m., group dance lesson at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (254) 721-9524.

• The Yard Food Truck Plaza will come to life with sounds of Astron 55 and the aroma of a melting pot of cuisines. In addition to great food, there will be axe throwing and yard games. The celebration is part of National Food Truck Day.

• Megan Brucker live at Fire Base Brewing.

• Glenn Collins Big Band live at Barrow Brewing Co. 7:30 p.m.  Royal Street Art Walk begins at 6 p.m.

Saturday’s best bets

• Meg Groves live at 11 a.m. at Barrow Brewing Co. Anna Larson live at 7 p.m.

• Name That Tune Bingo Mixtape 80s & 90s at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Comedy Showcase at Corky’s. 8 p.m. show.

• Y’all Means All PRIDE at FoxDog. Bands include Kady Rain, Martian Folk, Lilly Milford, Jordan Valentin, Harper Rynearson. Noon until 10 p.m. This is a FREE event.

• Downtown Belton Street Party. 5 p.m.  Family fun to kick-off 4th of July in Belton! Food Trucks, Local Brewers, Kids Activities & More! For more info visit beltonchamber.com

• Flower Power: God Bless the USA at Precious Memories Florist & Gift Shop. Program to include simple clever ideas to decorate your home with a patriotic flare. Celebrate our Nation’s birthday by creating your own fresh arrangement with a patriotic theme for your home, office, or giving as a gift. Enjoy a shopping discount during the class and the always fun Precious Memories Swag Bag. For more information or to register call 254.298.5690.

• Temple College Mobile Distribution. 9 a.m. Need help with food? Visit us our mobile food pantry distribution for FREE food on the fourth Saturday of each month at Temple College. Be sure to leave space in your trunk before you arrive.

• Broken Arrow live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com

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