Not meeting Bobby Gonzalez is the equivalent to not meeting your waiter after an hour at a five-star restaurant. If you’ve been part of the Arthur Murray community for any length of time, Bobby’s name has likely come up. His reputation as a sought-after consultant, talent developer, and unofficial Arthur Murray spokesman precedes him everywhere he goes.

In this interview, we explore Bobby’s journey from Ohio teenager to Dance Board member, his approach to developing talent, and the insights that have made him one of the most respected figures in the Arthur Murray organization.

Early Career and Origins

How did you start at Arthur Murray?

Bobby began working at Arthur Murray while still in high school during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. His path to dance wasn’t planned—like many in the industry, he stumbled into something that became his life’s work.

After starting at a studio in Akron, Ohio during brutal winter conditions, he relocated to California and found his footing at the Arthur Murray Hayward studio on Foothill Boulevard. The change of scenery proved transformative, allowing him to develop the skills and connections that would define his career.

What kept you in the industry?

The combination of creative expression, human connection, and continuous challenge keeps dance professionals engaged for decades. Bobby found that the work never became routine—each student presents unique challenges, each event offers new opportunities, and the art form itself continues evolving.

Developing Talent: The Chris Lynam Story

Tell us about training Chris Lynam

Bobby’s approach to talent development shows clearly in his recollection of working with Chris Lynam, who would become a significant figure in Arthur Murray himself.

When Chris insisted on wearing heavy Kenneth Cole shoes rather than proper dance shoes, claiming they were “cool” and what swing dancers wore, Bobby demonstrated his coaching philosophy: “I let him do it his way a lot, and he’d fall on his face, but he always learned from it.”

This approach—allowing students to experience consequences rather than simply dictating corrections—reflects Bobby’s deeper philosophy about learning and growth.

What makes a great dance teacher?

According to Bobby, great dance teachers balance several qualities:

• Technical expertise to identify and correct issues
• Patience to allow students their own discovery process
• Intuition to recognize when intervention is necessary
• Humility to acknowledge that each student learns differently

The Daisey Partnership

Bobby paired Chris with Daisey, another talented Hayward instructor, creating what became a successful dance partnership. He attributed this partly to luck and observation of their complementary abilities.

Recognizing which students work well together requires seeing beyond surface skill levels to compatible learning styles, personalities, and growth trajectories.

Professional Achievements

Writing the Salsa Syllabus

Bobby wrote the salsa syllabus for Arthur Murray—a significant contribution that standardized how the organization teaches this popular dance style. Creating syllabus material requires deep understanding of both the dance and how to break it into teachable components. If you’re curious about learning salsa, see our answers to 3 salsa dancing questions people are afraid to ask.

Dance Board Appointment

Bobby’s accomplishments, including two dance development awards and extensive judging experience, led to his appointment to the Arthur Murray Dance Board. This position recognizes exceptional contribution to the organization and provides influence over dance standards and development.

Consulting Work

As a consultant, Bobby travels to studios providing coaching, evaluation, and guidance. This role allows him to impact dancers far beyond any single location while continuing his own development through exposure to diverse teaching approaches.

Personal Preferences and Favorites

Musical Influences

Bobby cited the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack and Barry White’s greatest hits as foundational musical influences. Both offer the strong rhythms and emotional depth that translate well to partner dancing.

Ideal Food

His ideal bribe? His aunt’s Puerto Rican cooking or soul food from San Rafael, paired with a nice Malbec wine. The combination of cultural heritage and refined taste reflects Bobby’s personality—grounded in tradition while appreciating quality.

Entertainment

His favorite TV series is LOST, appreciating its complex storytelling and character development. His favorite movie villain is Hannibal Lecter—a choice that suggests appreciation for intelligent antagonists who operate by their own consistent logic.

Motivational Philosophy

Bobby’s guiding quote: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This sentiment underlies his approach to teaching, consulting, and relationship building throughout his career.

Lessons from Bobby’s Career

On Patience

Bobby’s approach to student development emphasizes patience. Allowing students to experience natural consequences of their choices—like Chris Lynam’s heavy shoes—creates deeper learning than immediate correction.

On Connection

The quote Bobby lives by emphasizes relationship over expertise. Technical knowledge matters, but students must first trust that their teacher genuinely cares about their development.

On Continuous Learning

Reading “People Buy You” for the third time demonstrates commitment to ongoing development. Even experienced professionals benefit from revisiting foundational concepts and seeking new perspectives.

On Heritage

Bobby’s appreciation for his aunt’s Puerto Rican cooking and his contributions to the salsa syllabus reflect how cultural heritage enriches professional work. Dance draws from diverse traditions, and personal connection to these traditions enhances teaching authenticity.

The Bobby Gonzalez Impact

Bobby’s influence extends through multiple channels:

• Direct instruction of countless students over decades
• Syllabus development that standardizes teaching organization-wide
• Consultant work that improves studios beyond his home location
• Dance Board participation that shapes organizational direction
• Mentorship of instructors who carry forward his approaches

The cumulative impact of a career spanning from Reagan-era Ohio through contemporary California represents thousands of dancers influenced and improved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get coaching from Bobby Gonzalez?

Bobby travels to studios as a consultant. Ask your studio about upcoming consultant visits and coaching opportunities.

What’s the best way to prepare for a coaching session?

Identify specific challenges you want to address. Come prepared with questions. Be open to feedback that might differ from previous instruction.

How did Bobby develop his teaching philosophy?

Through decades of experience, observation of what works, and continuous refinement. Great teaching philosophies evolve through practice, not theoretical development.

What distinguishes great consultants from good ones?

Great consultants see patterns across multiple studios and students, bringing broader perspective than instructors working in single locations. They also communicate effectively with both students and teachers.

Connect With the Community

Bobby Gonzalez represents one voice in a community of dedicated professionals committed to dance education. His journey from Ohio teenager to Dance Board member demonstrates what’s possible for those who commit fully to this art form.

Whether you encounter Bobby directly or simply benefit from his contributions to syllabus and standards, you’re part of the community he’s helped build.

Schedule your next lesson and begin your own dance story—who knows where the journey might lead.