Has anyone had any experience with any of the Arthur Murray dance studios in Michigan, especially the studio in Northville? I'm looking into taking lessons there, but their website does not provide too much information, and I'm unable to get a feel for what the studio is like. I've read good things about the franchise in general, and I feel like I could definitely grow as a dancer there, but I'm still curious about the lessons, prices, and instructors. Any input would be appreciated! Thank you.

Before you make a decision, what style of dance ( Amer./ Intern. etc ) are you going to persue ?.. and.. are you man or lady ?.. this factors into a decision more than you may realise .

Independant teachers, in some cases, do not take singles, where as "chains " do.

The social activity is normaly more active in chains as opposed to Indies.. and.. the price structure is ( or may be ) vastly different.

You should plan you wants and needs ,based upon what is being offered locally ,with as many studios as poss.

lastly, the quality of teaching may vary from studio to studio.. seek the advice from those who are, or have taken lessons locally in the recent past . Check for experience and qualifiations .

Terence gives good advice. Visit as many studios as you can. Observe the environments and talk to the patrons. Try to get a feel for the places you visit and do check their qualifications and results. Also, as with any purchase of your desiring, be leery of anybody who wants to sell you their wares before really conferring with you as to what you might want. They should guide you through a learning process of discovering what your interests are without steering you into an uniformed decision. If youre an informed consumer and you know what you want, ask for it. If they wont provide it to you, move on.

ket107,

My wife and I take lessons at the SH Arthur Murray and are quite happy. I know several of the instructors at the Northville Studio and would recommend them to any of my friends and family. Stop in, talk to them and take a sample lesson.

Caveat Emptor

I know some people who have been instructed by the Northville AM and I have seen them dance. Exensive but they do dance well. I believe you you can get get some very good traning at Dance Elite from Glen Clark very well known and qualified instructor. Easy to get to if you live on the North side of Detroit Metro. In the Dearborn area may I suggest Dance Sport Academy Pam Preczewski and Alex Young are nationally known for dance expertise. Actually Arthur Murrays seem too confining to me.

Thank you for the responses. It seems like the best thing to do would to be to visit the studio in person. I am a dancer, but have no experience with ballroom, which is why I have these questions. I've been wanting to start ballroom dancing for a couple years now, and am very eager and excited to start, so thanks again for the help!

Terence, I guess I assumed that I would do International, but I do not know what is offered at my local studios. I would be taking lessons as a single, which is why I think a chain would be best for me. I compared the prices of some of the independent studios, and it was about the same as my local Fred Astaire, but I do not know what Arthur Murray's prices are like, though I assume they would be similar. I am a female, and pretty young (a college student), so I'm thinking this all would factor into my decision. I would prefer to dance at a studio with people close to my age, though I realize that's not always the case with ballroom.

Since you are a college student you should first see if there are on campus resources available to you or even clubs at nearby schools. These may well not meet all of your needs but can be a good way to connect with others already knowledgeable about which of the local businesses have offerings of real value.

An interesting choice..( I can hardly get my students to dance that here,in UK. )

Your chances of finding a male partner in that Div. may be a little more difficult, as most in the States look upon it as a competitive style. The American style will give you more social outlets,unless of course, you are on a campus where there are all styles from which to choose .

The chain school prices are quite similar and some are even lower than those within the same Org...Indies are frequently cheaper ,but with less social activity .

My suggestion would be to get into Class work first.. try the different styles, and then make your choice on practicality and cost.