Vol 3 No 10, October 25, 2009
© 2009, Salt Lake Vienna Waltz Association
"If there exists a form of music that is a direct expression of sensuality, it is the Viennese Waltz..."
Max Graf
Greetings Waltzers,
We've met many dancers in the years we've been Viennese Waltzing, and quite a number of them are adamant about
their choice of an instructor. So many unhesitatingly choose Ed Crane.
We first met Ed a couple of years ago during a tango lesson at Murray Arts Center, one of Ed's principal teaching
locations. His style is relaxed, involves a comfortable amount of humor, and makes dance fun.
So, this month Salt Lake Vienna Waltz Association interviews Ed Crane.
SLVWA: What got you started dancing?
Ed: I just started wanting to dance, trying to pick up stuff as I saw people dance. In 1960, I learned ballroom dancing.
SLVWA: When did you turn professional?
Ed: In 1960.
SLVWA: Where have you danced competitively?
Ed: All over the United States.
SLVWA: What makes a good partner?
Ed: A woman that dances, when you lead her, she feels like a feather.
SLVWA: Where have you taught?
Ed: All over the country. I’ve taught everyone from beginners to professional competitors.
SLVWA: What is your teaching philosophy?
Ed: Dancing lessons have got to be fun, and they have to be easy. Most teachers are too serious when they teach;
they’re just ridiculous. I try to make people feel like I’m one of them.
I’m not a prima dona or any of that garbage.
SLVWA: What is the most difficult thing to teach a beginner?
Ed: To keep their frame, their dance position.
SLVWA: What is the most difficult dance to teach?
Ed: Probably Viennese Waltz, because it’s very fast. Quick Step is hard in the beginning too, because it’s also pretty
fast. Mambo and Samba... It’s not the steps that are hard, it’s the characteristic of the dance.
SLVWA: Do you dance by yourself when no one is watching?
Ed: I used to when I was practicing. It’s always good to study in front of a mirror.
SLVWA: Who is your all-time favorite dancer?
Ed: Donald O’Conner! He’s better than Gene Kelly or Fred Astaire, but he never gets much recognition.
SLVWA: Really?!
Ed: Oh yeah, Donald O’Conner helped Gene Kelly with a lot of his routines.
SLVWA: If you could only dance one dance, what would it be?
Ed: International tango! That and Bolero are my two favorites. Tango’s dramatic and Bolero’s sexy!
SLVWA: Thank you! Ed can be contacted for dance lessons at Murray Arts Center, 801-269-1400, or at 801-792-
3217. You will enjoy lessons with Ed.