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Various doctoral dissertations, published articles and first-hand testimony from her clients at Arthur Murray Grande Ballroom of Greenwich support Georgopulo’s statement.
As we head into Valentine’s Day, Georgopulo believes couples can re-establish their connection through dance.
“By the end of six or eight lessons, I’ve had couples come to me and say that dancing saved their marriage,” she said. Georgopulo feels that in concert with time spent at a marriage and family therapist, couples can augment and compliment their sessions with time spent on the dance floor.
Ballroom dancing helps couples rediscover the spark that drew them together in the first place, Georgopulo says.
“Dancing is a heart, mind, body and soul connection,'' she said. “When couples are dancing they’re in a place that’s filled with positive energy and music. They become a team again relying on each other for the lead and follow of dance and of life. More importantly, we make sure they laugh and have fun."
Georgopulo said dancers get more than instruction at the ballroom.
"It's our job to understand the couple’s dynamic and help them to find each other again, additionally, dance gives them a hobby they can share together and a skill they can use in any social situation. For the 45 minutes they are there, it can fly by or it can feel like three days -- its up to them. Most times, at the end of the lesson, they’re in each other’s arms again, remembering why they fell in love in the first place.”
With a degree in psychology, a career in real estate development and having been an Arthur Murray student, Georgopulo finds all her experiences come together in what can only be described as an intricate choreography of help, change and growth.
Psychology has helped her to understand people, and real estate development allowed her to change the fabric of a dysfunctional area and leave in its stead something new and beautiful in which people can live and work. The benefits of dance allow her to get to the heart of the dance student and witness how their lives grow and change for the better.
Georgopulo said other activities are certainly worthwhile, but dance offers some unique benefits. “Dancing is social,’’ she said. “It’s very engaging, and we make sure everybody learns and laughs. From the minute you step on the floor, it’s all about you. It’s not about your kids or friends, or your career. Dancing puts a bright white positive light inside you. You feel better about you.”
She had long wanted to be a dancer, but found herself in real estate before taking over as the owner of the Greenwich dance studio in 2011. She has developed a range of dance classes, for singles, corporate team building, seniors, men, ladies night, kids, couples, weddings and competitive dance. Helping couples is her greatest thrill.
“It’s still a business. I still have 50 million errands to do a day, but when somebody thanks me for giving them back their life, and soul, and helping them regain happiness, it brings me to tears and it’s the high point of my day.”
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