E & B Dance Academy · Hudson Valley, New York
Group and private lessons, dinner dances, parties and weddings — for singles and couples of every age and every level. Come dance with us.
What we do
This Month
Class fees vary depending on the sponsoring organization. For help choosing, call Esther at 845-635-3341.
Dinner dances, tea dances and parties across Dutchess County. We reserve tables so you can enjoy the company of your dancing friends — and make new ones. Singles & couples always welcome.
Join us
The BLDCHV is more than forty years old and still going strong. The Club gathers for monthly dinner dances and tea dances — usually with live bands — and for our beloved annual garden gala, Dancing Under the Stars.
Our story
Dr. Esther Kando Odescalchi began ballroom dancing at age twelve in her native Hungary. She earned a Ph.D. in communications in the United States, is the author of numerous dance-related articles and a play, and holds a certificate from the Dance Masters of America. For more than two decades she performed and taught alongside her partner, Dance Master Brenden “Ben” Murtha, as E & B Dance Academy — appearing on television, leading musicals such as Guys and Dolls and The Sound of Music, and dancing with philharmonic and chamber orchestras.
Today Esther dances and teaches with Mark, and the tradition continues — the same warmth, elegance and good humor, for a whole new generation of dancers.
“Ballroom dancing looks easy when it’s done by Ben Murtha and Esther Odescalchi.”— New Chronicle, Pawling
“Megawatts are generated when the two dance together!”— Tea Ball, Middletown
“Dance for her is not a profession but a love affair.”— Nemzeti Sport, Budapest
“Excellent, very fun and energetic instructors — elegant style, personable and informative!”— Dutchess Community College
Esther’s well-researched, humorous “illustrated lectures” on the history of ballroom dancing — from half-hour fillers to full two-hour productions for clubs, resorts and academic audiences, with live pas-de-deux demonstrations.
Since 1993 we have danced our way through Austria, Hungary, Italy, Croatia and more — formal balls, operettas, river cruises and the hot spas of Budapest. Custom-designed tours for dancers and non-dancers alike.
Four professionally produced volumes covering fourteen ballroom dances — a demonstration of each dance followed by basic, intermediate and advanced patterns. DVDs $30 each; 10% off the full collection. Ask Esther to order.
A few happy moments from our parties, galas and — yes — a few trips down the aisle.
Come dance with us
Questions about a class, an event, a wedding dance, or joining the Dance Club? Esther would love to hear from you. New dancers are always welcome — no partner required.