Arthur Murray Dance Studio

I have been dancing at this studio for about 2 years now. I’ve danced with other studio’s before (both competing franchises and independent studios) and find the setup here to be superb and the instructors are great!
I’ve danced social/​ballroom for about 10 years now, and started here because a friend referred me, and it is close to my office. I’ve stuck around because I love it here, its a lot of fun, and they’ve helped me take my dancing up a few notches. I’m looking forward to continuing with this studio!
Yes, it is pricey. And yes, there are places that are cheaper, but in the dance world you get what you pay for. But if you think about what you are paying for (space in NYC– though prices here are competitive with non NYC locations, the instructor and support staff, training of the instructor and upkeep of the studio, and the instructors time working on your choreography (esp for wedding dances– they plan out something for you outside your lesson time) it is well worth it even if you just use private lessons.
Their business model is that you pay for the private lessons, and the group classes are included with this. So if you only go to private lessons, then you will pay a higher rate, but if you attend all the group lessons, the cost/​lesson is much lower.
Like every business they have a few hiccups here and there– but they have always been super great about working through them.

I will not tell you how much we spent on this nonsense because it’s embarrassing considering how worthless it was.
Unfortunately we did not get the groupon and so paid an exorbitant amount for the 8 classes we were told we needed in order to master our wedding dance.
I was immediately pissed off when our instructor told us after we had paid for 8 classes upfront «oh did you guys sign up via that groupon deal?» Ummm no what groupon deal??? Ugh. We were done with the choreography for one third of our song after the first class … They got so worried because they could tell how annoyed we were at having been sold 8 classes without the groupon that our instructor literally started 5 minutes late the next 2 classes and ended 10 minutes early saying that was enough taught for the time being, he «didn’t want to overwhelm us». I had my fiancé time each class after because I felt so ripped off. Our instructor went on vacation so we had to book with someone else who didn’t have a clue about what we had been taught and kept having us rehearse the same thing over and over and finally after wasting 3 sessions told us «you are going to have to cut this song short we won’t be able to finish this in 3 more sessions». At this point I told her that we had specifically been told 8 lessons would be fine to finish to which she responded «none of your guests want to watch you dance for 2.5 minutes, they don’t care»!!! I was so shocked that I went to speak to the manager telling her that was absolutely unacceptable to say and that both instructors had wasted our time! To my great shock she said «well she is right, no one wants to watch you dance for 2.5 minutes». I was so upset that I argued with her after which she promised she would give us a third instructor who would help us finish the song even if it meant an extra class on the house.
Arthur Murray did help us master our wedding dance however they made what is supposed to be a fun experience an extremely stressful and unpleasant one while making us feel ripped off. I don’t recommend this place to any future bride/​groom (even with a groupon)!

Everyone here was SO professional and friendly. We have been wanting to take dance classes for some time but didn’t know where to begin. We came across AMDS through a Living Social deal and we don’t regret going. AM treated us as if we paid full price for the private lesson and we appreciate that. We wanted to take lessons for our wedding in June, but really didn’t know what our dance «plan» was. Wasnt sure on the song or style. But Jean Pierre our instructor helped us feel comfortable for our first time. For the first 45minute private lesson we had a lot of fun.
When our «package» runs out we will definitely continue to go.

Keep in mind that people who write good reviews get free lessons as a part of a deal they have. I considered doing it but was so soured by the place I’d rather give a real review.
No one working there is good a working a phone or computer. They constantly had issues with their scheduling systems seemingly from being confused on how to use their own computer. Also they were shady on what prices were. I got the groupon for four or five lessons and two group lessons. I called the place before buying the deal and asked how much private lessons would be if I bought more after the groupon was over. I was told i could buy lessons one at a time for 99 each. I was told this on the phone two times. then when we were there getting our groupon lessons they basically said that was a mistake and a singel lesson was closer to 200 or something. then they make you site down with this woman who is their sales rep there EVERY time you go for a lesson and she tries to sell you more lessons as a part of a package. she is awful and her pitch makes no sense. she tries to sell you like 5 private lessons and unlimited group lessons for a month for like 600 or something. anyway my fiancé did the math and its really not a deal at all. plus what if you don’t have the free time to use it all up in a month? it’s also weird bc she shows you the «deal» on a sheet of paper but then says you can’t take the paper out side of the studio like its some kind of secret.
the private lessons are always on a dance floor with at least two or three other couples dancing and its very hard to hear because of bad acoustics. you are always fighting to play your song over the other couples. some times we bumped into others. then the group classes are weird and awkward because you have to dance with other people. i had to dance with like 5 other sweaty guys when i was only there to get better with my fiancé. the instructor we had was nice but hard to understand through the accent. We always got there on time but started late bc they booked the instructors back to back and then were always running late which frustrated me.
I would not recommend this to anyone. Groupon SCAM.

i bought a groupon for 4 private classes 1 group class and 1 practice party as a present for my boyfriend on our anniversary. he had expressed concern to me at weddings or parties that he couldn’t dance. of course telling me that he wants to be a better dancer, and the reality of going for lessons are two completely different things and he was very nervous about going for lessons. we booked our first private with Amanda who was absolutely wonderful. over 4 lessons she taught us the basic beginnning steps for at least a half a dozen dances. she is extremely patient and encouraging and after the first lesson my boyfriend actually looked forward to the rest of them. it is true, like other people have pointed out, that the private lessons are not in separate rooms. you are dancing one on one with an instructor on the same floor as two other couples. this did not bother us at all because it never felt overcrowded and we were so engrossed in our own lesson that we didnt really pay attention to the other couples. the group lesson involved 5 newcomer couples who seemed to all be preparing for their upcoming weddings. You alternate partners which is really eye opening because with a stranger you can’t be as comfortable as you are with your significant other and it forces you to pay attention to your frame and the steps. we never made it to our practice party (all of these lessons have to be completed within a 30 day time frame) but we are considering buying another package to continue our lessons with amanda. i definitely recommend coming here with a partner, it has been a great experience for my boyfriend and i and it is a great alternative to traditional activities because you are working and learning together.

Booked a group class through
. The staff was very accommodating. My boyfriend and I were running late (15minutes for a 45 minute class) and they let us join in without an issue. We didn’t actually miss any of the dance steps that were taught. The instructors were friendly, helpful, and super patient. As part of
, we were offered two additional private lessons for 60% off. He was all for it and we will be back in two weeks. He’s a great dancer to begin with but had me laughing the whole time trying to get the steps correct. I can’t wait to return!

My fiancé and I tried out the dance studio via a Groupon for some «tips» towards our wedding dance. We worked with Esther and Alex and loved them so much we decided to buy a package and look like pros on our big day. :-) We are half way through and can’t believe how much we have learned already! We love the group lessons and the parties are always a blast.
They offer a well rounded package that takes you from your private lessons to group classes to parties with other students. We are having a great time and can honestly say its the part of our wedding planning that is the most fun.
We are really looking forward to not just dancing at our wedding now but to take our lessons and use them for a lifetime of dancing! We would recommend them to anyone whether it is for a wedding or just because you want to learn how to dance. Such a wonderful group of people who sincerely want to help you learn!
And ladies… if you think your guy won’t do it… trust me! Get him in there for one class and he will want to go back!

I got a gift certificate for my birthday and what a lovely gift! I took four private lessons with two instructors and both of them (Alex and George) were absolutely amazing. You get so absorbed in the experience that you want to go back again and again. The studio is nice and clean and the staff is super friendly, it’s like going home and dancing! I definitely recommend this studio and plan to go back to continue my dance education.

Arthur Murray dance studios was instrumental in helping my husband and I execute a perfectly choreographed first dance at our wedding reception. We took four private lessons with George, and we were pleasantly surprised to see how George was able to teach us a variety of moves, choreograph an entire dance and then polish it to perfection! We didn’t tell our friends and family that we were doing this, so everyone was very surprised at our reception.

I was excited to take dance lessons, but my husband was a little apprehensive. We had a lot going on leading up to our wedding, and he has never danced before. Fortunately, I convinced him to take dance lessons and we are both very happy that we did.

One of the great things about George was that he was able to customize a dance to our ability and he was able to ensure that we could look good in a short period of practice. We only took four lessons over about two weeks, and in this short amount of time, he was able to teach us great moves. He made this practice fun and productive. Everyday he had a different color bow tie and was always entertaining!

Don’t be shy about learning a choreographed first dance. It was actually a lot more fun that both my husband and I expected! You’ll look great doing it. And don’t forget to ask for George!

My husband and I took our wedding dance classes at Arthur Murray, and loved it. We had a great time, and ended up with a dance that was unique and fun. We’d highly recommend it, and plan to return to keep dancing and learning!

My husband and I redeemed a Google offer at Arthur Murray towards wedding dance lessons this summer. Esther, our instructor, did an amazing job choreographing our super quirky wedding song — everyone at our wedding loved it!
My husband had never taken dance lessons before and after 8 weeks of lessons was able to lead me flawlessly through our whole dance. Thanks to Esther & the staff at Arthur Murray we now have the confidence to bust a move on the dance floor together!

This place is simply a joke.
If you consider taking classes at Arthur Murray, you can expect the following: Group classes are rare, they are scheduled only at short notice and you will never know which dance they are going to teach you. Their philosophy of building up your knowledge of random ballroom dances at the same time might work for those who can afford to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week at the studio. But for us it didn’t work at all. Hence we thought we were better off taking private classes … what a mistake.
First of all: You’ll most likely be sharing the room with at least one other couple, who most likely will be learning a different dance from yours. So while you’re struggling with your Swing six count basic for instance, Tango music could be blasting out of the speakers. When complaining about this we were told that every dance school in Manhattan was doing this. Not true: we took a private class at Dance Manhattan before, where we had a room to ourselves.
Secondly, while willing to offer special deals on larger packages (e.g. four group and four private classes), once having received our payment, A.M. employees were less than keen to ever return any of our calls in order to make an actual reservation for a class.
Finally, even when booking a class with a particular teacher, we more often than not ended up with a different one, because they seem overwhelmed by their own reservation system. Two days ago, we were frustrated enough about being assigned a different teacher again, that we simply walked out on our prepaid 90 minute private class to bring this farce to an end. 100 bucks out of the window, but money well spent on never having to deal with the people from Arthur Murray again.
We’re amazed that a place as incompetently managed as this one can survive next to many great schools, which are only blocks away.

This a great dance studio — very clean and bright studio. I bought a groupon for 3 private lessons with George. He was really great and made the lessons fun.
We met 2 other teachers including Gherman, the owner and everyone was really friendly.
My partner and I will definitely be back.

This is a wonderful dance studio. Every instructor is very professional, friendly and they can dance! The owners — Iveta& Gherman — are world-​class. If your partner is not into dancing but you are looking for a dance studio on Unilocal… this is a school to try as your partner will convert into a dance aficionado very quickly.
The studio provides lots of additional perks for students such as social dance evenings, dance parties and group classes — it’s almost a social club for people who love dancing. As a graduate of their «wedding» dance program, my spouse and I continue taking classes there. I highly recommend the studio for individuals and couples of any age.

Gherman and Iveta are top notch teachers! The studio has such a nice atmosphere to it, cheerful and light. The teachers seem to really know what they are talking about. I’ve been having lessons with Gherman, one of the owners. I learned a lot within my first few lessons and plan returning for more.
What I like most? They host these great social dance parties.

My fiancé and I cannot dance. That doesn’t mean we don’t attempt it but for our wedding dance we needed help. Cue groupon deal to the rescue. In two private lessons we have been transformed from people who stand and sway to people who know some real moves with actual names. I am thrilled!
Without a groupon though their prices are HIGH. Like, OUCH. So… yeah.
The downside, predictably, is that they put on MAJOR pressure to buy more lessons. We skipped going to the group lesson because we felt so overwhelmed by the pressure and didn’t want to go in/​experience that again.