Old School Dance School

Earlier this year, the Gene Murray Dance School on Essex Street in Salem closed its doors after 36 years of providing the area with some of the best training available. Murray taught dance for the love of dance – no recitals, costumes, picture days or competitions. Just tap and ballet so pure that dance teachers filled his classrooms to get their own technical pointers.

The school closed in June. Early this morning, I walked past the shuttered dance studio, which is currently listed for purchase by Sotherby’s. The sign has been damaged with some sort of blood or red paint, and the building is so silent. It’s downright sad.

The Salem News did a wistful story and video in May as Murray set to close his school. I wish I had gotten the chance to take at least a class there. Happy Retirement, Mr. Murray, and thanks to all you have done for the arts on the North Shore.