I have never taken a lesson at a franchise, so I don't know if people are gullible or the advertising that enticing.

Most indy studios that I know of are pay-as-you-go but there are some that charge $50-$60 upfront for a series of 4-5 lessons. I think they do that for cashflow management more than trying to hook people in for long terms.

I much prefer pay-as-you-go, but even if I have a bad experience at pay-up-front place, $50 isn't a terribly hurtful sum of money to have "wasted".

Guestanon's post was from 8 months ago. Wonder how things turned out.

I went to AM for a consultation and was not happy myself. They are very persistent in trying to get you to join. I did not join because I was not impressed. The instructor seemed like he was more social dancing than ballroom dancing. I've gone to Fred Astaire and they were less persuasive to try to get you to sign up after the consultation. But they did seem more professional as they corrected and showed you the posture on the professional ballroom floor. I did not sign up with them because they are very expensive.

Alan from the UK, I'm from NYC and have been taking Mambo for 3 years with studios that are independent not chain. They are clear that if you miss a class you cannot get your money back. There is no contract and you have the option to pay as you go or pay for the month. Now I'm at another independent studio for Latin Ballroom where again there is no contract. You have the option of paying $25 per class or $85 for 4 classes.

If you're not happy then ask for your money back. As long as Arthur Murray's contract doesn't indicate NO REFUND, then I don't see why you can't get your money back. And if all the instructor's are giving bad vibes then they don't have your best interest in mind. Because professional people will do this to teach not try to take your money.