Sould you dance at Arthur Murray? Well, it depends. AM is a different. FA is different. Independants are different. They are all of the fruit group, but some are apples, some are oranges. It just comes down to what you prefer. AM focuses on teaching the regular guy/gal how to social dance, and that sells the regular guy/gal. Some AMs are great, some stink. From what I see, most of the folks posting, want to compete. If that is your goal, some AMs arn't gonna give you what you want. But the same is true of other studios. Every studio either sells or stinks. It's the one that you connect with that you need to stick with. Dancing is about having fun. If the AM you go to is not fun, it says nothing about the rest of the AMs. Same for the FAs and independants. If your lucky enough to have a choice of different studios, try different studios. You will always get what you pay for. It is true of all aspects of life. Dance lessons, too.

Gosh, I love going through the posts here because I find them so informative! I attend AM. My father was a silver level instructor for them back in the late 1950's. He used to dance me around the living room floor when I was little so now that I'm much bigger, I want to dance around the floor again! I agree that the franchise studios are a great way to get your feet wet, but I'm not sure it's the way I would go for competition level. Right now I'm more interested in developing basics, being comfortable with changing partners and enjoying myself. If down the road I decide to go for the "black belt" so to speak, I'll go private instructor and see if I can find a partner.

Hi,

This is my first post on this site but this thread actually intrests me quite alot. I've been taking classes in latin for about a year now.I started out at Arthur Murray here in Egypt and was also asked to pay a ridiculous price for 45 classes when I finished the Beginner Course. At first I was tempted to because I really enjoyed the atmosphere and lessons at Arthur Murray. But when I looked around I actually across a better instructor (or at least in my opinion) that charges way less and per lesson. SO my advice to you would be to look around.

Samira

Well, I do have to say AM has a very aggressive sales pitch, but its not so bad if you simply tune them out. I have even found some instructors uncomfortable about "pushing" more lessons. The big thing that I have found about AM is the groups and the parties themselves are a great relaxed enviroment to practice with people of all levels somewhere no one will get on you for messing up. Not teachers or other students for that matter. I have not found this to be the case at other venues. Not to say they don't exist. What I suggest is that if you are new to dancing AM does indeed provide a good starting off point, but take advantage of the groups and practice sessions. I would only take 1 lesson every week or so. There is so much to learn at the beginning, your money is better spent not on private lessons, but on simply going to the groups, so by taking a lesson every other week, you can extend the first package out pretty far. Of course they will say you can move along faster etc...with more private lessons, but just ignore it or make up an excuse. They are not going to throw you out for taking too little amount of lessons. After a few months you will learn the beginnings this way without spending a lot of money and it will be fun. Then should you want to continue on, another studio or maybe just 1 lesson a week at AM would be the way to go. The key here is practice every chance you get. At home, by yourself, etc... b/c no matter how good a teacher everyone learns at there own pace and you are only limited by what you put into it.

LovetoDance

I agree with Guest Three about the group lessons. When you're just learning steps, why spend loads of money you may not really have when you can learn them in group lessons?
Here's another idea: if you are looking for more inexpensive group lessons, look at your local university dance team. Often times you do not need to be a student to join, and it's usually a fantastic deal. I know for fact that the USC team let's anyone on their team, and they have classes for complete beginners to intermediate dancers. It's a nice, upbeat environment too.

I took some lessons with AM Seattle. I almost felt as if I were getting sold a used car. The pressure tatics etc are not my style and I will never pay AM money again. I will find some other way to dance.

This is a message for the general dance lesson consumer. I teach at an AM studio. I want to address some things; 1. Competetive instruction at our school has proven to be just as effective as the local independents. Our students have won awards at several independent comps as well as chains. As a matter of fact, our students take less lessons.

2. All of us teachers have rent, lights, gas, etc. to pay monthly, so if we do not sell lessons we do not eat. I agree some studios feel harder pressed than others and may try too hard to feed themselves. The point is, not all AM studios share the same approach to keeping you dancing. If you ever feel unsure of the plan your teacher has created for you, then enroll for what makes you happy and comfortable.

3. The idea of group instruction verses private instruction should be no contest. Private instruction should be tailored to fit an individual, whereas group is to teach the slowest learner in the class. If you use them together you will maximize your training, but one without the other is like trying to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich without bread.

I hope this message does not sound too defensive. I just want to help add perspective. I do however feel this discussion should continue for things will keep changing.

Regarding AM vs. FA sales practices (mentioned in this thread).... Personally, I have found that FA was far more aggressive in their sales tactics than the AM. Before swearing off ballroom altogether after my miserable FA experience, I explored the AM in my area and was pleasantly surpised. (And, no, I do not work for AM).

I agree with guest 15. I was dragged to an FA studio by a girlfriend doing an exhibition where I saw another student and teacher perform a beautiful bolero that made me actually cry. I was astounded and signed up immediately. However, after 3 lessons, the used car salesman pitch began and I quickly ran to the AM studio in town. I have been with AM now for a couple of months and I think the prices are well worth the quality of the instruction, the social aspect of it alla nd the warm ooey-gooey feeling I get after a great workout! I think it just depends on the studio -- mine just happens to rock!!

I am a current AM (single male) student in the Bronze 4 program. I have nothing but wonderful things to say of all the professional instructors at my studio here in Carmel, Indiana (Indianapolis), and most especially my instructor. I began in June 2005, and have spent much time and money to get to where I am in only 8 months. But because of the high cost/45min private lesson, the cost to become good enough to be competetive through AM instruction would be prohibitive. To become competetive, or even just highly competent, at ballroom dancing requires a significant investment in instruction and especially practice time. It would not be financially feasible to attain this level at AM, as every minute that I dance with my instructor in a private lesson costs me about $3 (I know, I also get a group lesson and a Friday nite party, but these are not where I learn most from). I love my AM instructor and my personal experiences at the studio. But I have always been a hard worker and committed much time to the things I have wanted to excel at in my life. I have learned much and have had a wonderful eye-opening experience so far with AM, but in the end, it will eventually be another studio that charges less where I become truly accomplished at ballroom dancing.