★ 5

I took lessons for my wedding and really enjoyed the experience. They made it feel very welcoming and I gained a lot of confidence during my time there!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Please know that the first lesson is NOT free- they charge $129 for 3 lessons. They will not tell you that until you arrive at the studio.

Source: Google

★ 1

This is the most MERCENARY environment EVER!!! Instead of encouraging one to become passionate about dancing, it utterly discourages and kills it thoroughly. Unbelievable!!!!

From the moment that I walked through their doors, I told them in no uncertain terms that I am interested in competing, and that I want to be trained accordingly - proper form, rhythm, timing, etc... Nonetheless, to induce me to come to their basic level class, I was told that even pros who come to their facility for training start at their very basic class. To show good faith, I accepted to come to the basic class, but I tell, I have never met a group of dancing teachers more mercenary than this bunch, at the exception of a couple of them.

Worse than that, the two of them over there that I have sized up as possibly good instructors who will actually teach and not manipulate, I am not allowed to approach or switch to them. They are all of one mind - to bleed the unsuspected victim dry. Though that person they stuck me with as my “teacher” can see that I am far more advanced that the “salsa and chips” that they are selling, she, and the rest of them, are determined that the money that I have given them should be spent in private lessons and basic level group classes on “salsa and chips.” How many “Salsa and Chips” does one need??!!! This may be good for someone who is totally clueless about dancing; however, I am not clueless.

It’s right now 4:14 A.M. and I cannot sleep because of how vexed I am that I have allowed myself to get scammed at that level. I should have ran away at full speed after seeing their first trial class. After the very first discovery class, I told my “you’re getting scammed. Run.” Then, “I started reasoning with myself telling, ‘give them the benefit of the doubt. They may have good intentions or, at least, be good trainers.’” I should have listened to the first voice in my head.

They are more motivated at manipulating you to pour and keep on pouring money into them with no satisfactory results gained than actually teaching you to dance. What you can and should be learning during group classes, they want you to take a private lesson for. What can be learned in 10 minutes, they will actually make you (or try to) believe that you need 3 months to learn it. RUN AWAY FULL SPEED. IT’S A SCAM!!!! Go somewhere else but not this place.

If there were such rating as minus (-)200 that’s what I’ll give them. Even when they see that you can see through their scam, they have no compunction to stop pushing it. They are relentless. WOW!!! I literally feel disgusted by this experience. I don’t mind spending money, but I very much hate being scammed.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing teachers and staff that foster a community environment.
I’ve been dancing on and off my whole life and they’ve taught me a whole new skill set in a fun environment.

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined Arthur Murray Dance Studio to prepare for my wedding first dance, and I’ve been dancing here for 2.5 years since! The instructors are professional, patient, and truly passionate about teaching. The studio hosts amazing events that make learning so much fun and give plenty of opportunities to practice. The warm and friendly atmosphere, created by both the teachers and fellow students, keeps me coming back. If you’re looking for a place to learn to dance, this is it!

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband and I started our dance journey at Arthur Murray Seattle two years ago to prepare for our wedding dance. After a fun and successful first experience, we decided to continue learning, and it’s been an amazing decision! We’ve explored different styles of dance and have learned so many fun patterns. The instructors are incredibly nice, patient, and always encouraging. We feel so empowered and confident in our dancing abilities. We’re excited to keep growing as dancers and look forward to many more years at this fantastic studio!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

An absolutely wonderful place to learn to dance. The teachers do an amazing job fostering a positive learning environment and creating a fun atmosphere.

Source: Google

★ 2

Expensive social club, below average dance studio.

I was a student here for about 6-8 months and took about 30 private lessons and at least 100+ group classes. Long story short, Arthur Murray is good for you if you are interested in some light social activity and have lots of dollars to spare. It is the worst place to learn dancing in the Seattle area. My time here almost made me lose all interest in dancing because of how manipulative their business practices are.

Their biggest problem is that they don't communicate their value proposition honestly and are constantly trying to trap you by getting you to buy more lessons at ridiculous prices. And of course, they will make you sign a contract that you cannot cancel mid-way. They would be better off positioning themselves as a social club where you go to meet people while doing some light dancing. At least, that would set the right expectations with customers.

Their group lessons are shallow, repetitive and become worthless pretty quickly. In private lessons too, teachers are forced (by their business model and higher management) to repeat the same material over and over till you have "spent" a certain number of lessons you purchased. Some of their teachers know how to dance but their skill is used for marketing and pushy sales, not for teaching.

They will start by forcing you to pick up "at least 4 dances". In fact, they will push for 8 even if you originally walked in and expressed interest only in one. After that, the math is simple: If they successfully got you to enroll in 8 dances, then 50 lessons will get you to Level 2. Each lesson will cost you between $150-200 for 45 minutes. If you think you are learning nothing week-after-week, that is by design. It is to get you to expend the private lessons.

Do some Reddit/Google searches about Arthur Murray and you will see plenty of evidence backing all of the above.

Arthur Murray is not the place for you if learning to dance is what you are after. On the other hand, if you are looking to literally just meet strangers and have plenty of $s to spare, then go for it.

Source: Google

★ 5

tl;dr: It's been an awesome year and looking forward to more. Yes, it can be pricey so budget accordingly. Yes, I would recommend checking it out!

I started dancing at AM Seattle in April '23 with zero dance experience, and with the expectation to learn how to dance socially and try something new. I picked AM because of the network, variety of dance styles to choose from, and flexible lesson schedule. Since then, I've been taking one private lesson a week and attending numerous group classes. It's been a fun journey trying new styles, learning which styles speak to me, and figuring out what kind of a dancer I want to be.

The instructors are wonderful and very knowledgeable in what they do. I've had a session with just about each instructor and it's great getting different perspectives in learning and how to improve. The whole staff is very welcoming and friendly and it doesn't stop there.

There is a great community of students at AM Seattle, all of whom have various goals. From the casual dancer to the competition-driven, with or without a partner, there is space for everyone! Community vibe may vary depending on which studio you go to (Bellevue, Tacoma, etc.) but the Seattle group has definitely had a positive impact on my time here.

One thing I do want to point out that isn't very clear on any website is what your whole dance experience could look like. From enrolling in lessons, to attending larger events such as showcase or Dance-o-Ramas. These events can run extra hundreds or thousands if you choose to attend them. It all can be fun and rewarding, just do what works for your budget and goals. (At least be prepared to buy some dance shoes for your lessons, your knees will thank you)

Is AM for you?

If you are open to learning a variety of styles to get you through most dance situations and exploring the world of dance, this may be the place for you. If you are just looking for some salsa and bachata to make it through the summer, you may find other suitable studio options. The more defined your goal is, the better decision you can make.

Happy dancing!

Source: Google

★ 1

We paid $90 for a 1 hour private lesson in preparation for our wedding. Of that hour, we had 20 minutes of actual dancing with our instructor. She showed us a box step and told us more than once, "At your next lesson, I'll teach you to twirl and the intro." We were confused why we wouldn't just practice those things right then, especially when she ended the class 20 minutes early and tried to get us to sign up for additional classes at $188/class. It is clear they withhold teaching certain elements to force you to come back and pay higher prices. Disappointing experience as the staff and studio seem nice otherwise, but I won't go where I feel like I'm being sold a timeshare.

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband and I have been dancing at Arthur Murray Seattle for over 3 years. We have had overall positive experience as dance students at this studio.

All the instructors are welcoming, engaging, and really encouraging to push us outside of our comfort zone. I've found great benefit in developing stage confidence, improvement in posture, overall body strength, and better communication and more patience with my husband!

The classes are expensive so you do have to be firm in your money spend. I also find that the more you engage yourself in classes and events, the more you’ll get out of this experience as a student . The instructors ultimately are here to support you in your dance goals as best as they can and of course want you to keep dancing!

We’ve really benefited and grown a lot in our dancing over the years thanks to Arthur Murray.

Source: Google

★ 5

This studio has fun classes and knowledgeable instructors! My partner and I had the best time during our private lesson with Pippin- I can’t recommend him enough. If you visit this studio, be sure to check out their Friday night dances.

Source: Google

★ 3

A decent option! We enjoyed our introductory two private and one group class option we did in order to prepare for our wedding. Our instructor Pippin was wonderful and taught us the basics and a spin and dip with ease. It falls apart when you consider that they push sales on you like nothing else. From our first class to our last class they pushed us to sign up for more classes in a way that was so uncomfortable. The classes are PRICEY and we were very clear, not in budget past our three class program we’d signed up for. It was relentless! They of course suggested we do the maximum number of classes and used several sales tactics on us that just left a poor taste in our mouths. IE “You said you wanted to look elegant on your wedding day, only more classes will achieve that”, “What’s stoping you from signing up right now” when we asked to think about it.

So the teachers and the classes are lovely but be firm in what you want or need from a studio. We did our three classes, got down the basics, and then chose choreography on YouTube and practiced at home. We ended up dancing beautifully on our wedding day.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great studio! The community and instructors are very welcoming and love the variety of dances you can learn. It’s always a great time being around for group lessons. I couldn’t be happier with my choice of dancing studio

Source: Google

★ 3

Good instructors, plenty of styles that you can pick, and access to group classes when you sign up to the private lessons package. The location is great, I don't think there is another option near downtown where you can learn different dicing styles.

This might not apply to you but to me:
- Prices are too high,
- Trying to sign you up to do extra events (Again maybe this is your thing, you may want to participate in events, and do demos, etc)
- I get distracted easily when group classes get too crowded, or having a private class when a group class is going on.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love this studio and the community they created. I started at one of the other AM studios up north, but they still welcomed me with open arms. All the teachers have great energy. They try really hard to have a good match of leads and follows in group classes, sometimes having teachers step in to even up the numbers. Having an overwhelming number of follows is very common (in most other dance places), so sometimes it's nice to see that there are times when there are a lot more leads! I have so much fun at practice parties. They are great at making sure everyone has a chance to dance. Not a lot of sitting out time without a partner (unless you want to because your feet hurt). The bond and community you can form with other students are so nice. Sometimes the student body will get together to dance socially at nearby dance clubs in the area outside of class and events. I LOVE all the Arthur Murray events. So many opportunities to dance socially and even competitively if you like. Definitely something you need to at least TRY!

Source: Google

★ 3

My fiancé and I had zero dance experience, but Joie made us feel like pros in time for our wedding day. As far as the studio — we booked 6 very expensive “private” lessons, yet we could only hear our wedding song for 2 out of 6 lessons. Our lessons were mixed in with group salsa classes so it was hard to learn timing.

Source: Google

★ 5

Arthur Murray Seattle has literally changed my life. I've been dancing here for 6 months and in addition to the new confidence and joy I feel, I have also gained a new family. The instructors are extremely talented, supportive and kind, and the studio is filled with friendly faces. I will be dancing here for a long, long time.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been going to Arthur Murray Seattle for about a year and half now (after never dancing before), and I love it. The instructors are wonderful, the events are fun and numerous, and the community is great.

The core dances available are Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Rumba, Swing, Cha Cha, as well as the more club focused dances of Bachata, Salsa, Merengue, and Hustle. Of course, if you are interested in other dances, you can add them into your program as well, I have seen several more specialty dances such as Argentine Tango, Mambo, West Coast Swing, Samba, Bolero, Viennese Waltz, etc.

Monday-Saturday there are group classes for various levels available teaching a specific dance, and each Friday night there is a dance party that allows students to practice their moves of all the dances. During Q1 and Q3 there are large 2- or 3-day themed events called Showcases at a hotel in the area and in Q2 and Q4 they have a points-accruing “season” called Festival, which is also themed (and you redeem the points for lessons, etc.)

I certainly think it is a wonderful studio to begin or continue your dancing education and journey.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been in the academy for 1 month and will continue for a long time. The staff is incredible and everyone is super beginner friendly. Lots of events and everything tailored to the experience you want to have when learning how to dance! It’s awesome!

Source: Google

★ 5

An amazing experience worth a try. From my very first lesson I was hooked. This a fun, welcoming environment full of talented instructors and students. Everyone is friendly and supportive. It feels like spending time with a big, happy family.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love dancing here. The instructors are always happy, and energetic! And the fellow students are incredible to talk, and joke around with. If you just want to feel good, I recommend coming here to take lessons. I've been a student at two Arthur Murray's now (Minneapolis, and now Seattle), and I can't imagine my life without them!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I started learning to dance at Arthur Murray July 2021 and have found a real love of dancing. It is not just a studio; it is like a dance home. I walk in the door knowing I’m gonna have some fun with my dance family. Students are friendly and supportive of one another. Having dance in common fosters camaraderie. It’s all here; making new friends, feeling the music and movement, joy of learning something useful and healthy in body and spirit, and the feeling of accomplishment. Staff are amazing pros, talented, caring, great instructors, and really nice people. The teaching/learning process is fun, supportive, encouraging, and feels like it is tailored to fit me to a tee. “Walk in and dance out” is not a metaphor, that is what happens.

Source: Google

★ 5

Absolutely Wonderful Ballroom Dance Studio

I have been going to Arthur Murray Seattle for about 6 months now. I have met and danced with each and every member of the team here and can say with certainty that they are the most positive group of welcoming people I have ever met. They do a fantastic job of bringing you in, getting you started and building your confidence, regardless of previous experience. And of course the non-instructor members of the team are friendly and helpful as well.

I spent 30 years on the borders of dance floors because I felt foolish and didn't know what to do. After 2 weeks here I was able to get over that feeling and join some friends on a dance floor in a club in Seattle. After your introduction 3 courses, there is a foundational set of 6-12 courses (I think) and then you can enter the level I am in now (Bronze) and it builds from there. While enrolled in the foundation, bronze and above you have access to group classes (as many as you want while you are enrolled in private courses), and the Friday night parties.

The Friday night party is one hour where you can get the best practice trying out your new moves in a supportive, learning, and fun envirnonment. During these parties they will play a song (for about 90 seconds or so) and call out the dance the song is for, and then everyone is free to ask a partner to dance and go for it - getting a real world scenario experience. Of course, the instructors are all over the floor as dance partners, and if you don't happen to know that dance, you can gather in the center of the dance floor to be tought the basic steps so you can dance that dance with zero previous experience.

There are also larger (optional/extra) events where you can get an opportunity to perform dances and get professional feedback. Every six months there is an event called Medal Ball where this happens on a smaller, local scale, including all six of the local Arthur Murray studios. Every six months (in between the Medal Ball events) there are larger events called Show Case, and I believe these may involve more traveling. So there are one of these events each quarter. There are other annual events such as Dance-O-Rama which take place all over the USA and internationally.

The main dances you can learn here are Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot, Rumba, Bachata, Salsa, Hussle, Swing, and Cha Cha. Some of the less common dances that I know are available are Country Western 2-Step, Bolero, and Samba - but I know they know many others and if you have interest in another dance they are quite likely to help you. And of course they can help you create a routine for your event-based dancing (wedding first dances, Bride/Groom and Father/Mother dances, etc.)

One of the greatest parts of the logistics of Arthur Murray is their use of text messages for broadcoasting announcements, group classes, and events, scheduling future lessons, and even automated reminders of upcoming lessons.

The community of dance students are wonderful, positive, and welcoming people as well. Overall this is an excellent choice for starting, continuing, or reigniting your ballroom dancing journey.

Source: Google

★ 4

I have been taking lessons there little over 2 years now. They have great instructors and welcoming staff. A lot of group classes for beginner and intermediate levels.

Source: Google

★ 5

How it started: “Change your life in 21 days”, I read. A little dramatic, but ok, I’ll bite. Let’s try out the free dance class; it might be a fun way to exercise.

How it’s going: Lo and behold, dancing has absolutely changed my life. It’s been over 3 months and I am obsessed in the best way. I discovered a passion for ballroom dance, and a beautiful community with talented, knowledgeable, and encouraging teachers and friendly, welcoming students.

Don’t miss the Friday parties; such a fun way to meet the other students, and show off what you’ve learned!

Source: Google

★ 4

The instructors are knowledgeable and friendly, great energy at the studio, and their personalized approach makes it easy to learn. They create an atmosphere that makes it welcoming for new dancers, and I highly recommend giving them a try. I must give a shout-out to my favorite instructor - Bella...she is amazing, I've learned a lot from her and her energy is contagious!
PS. If you tell Tina she is SPARKLING, she might throw in a free lesson😉

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been learning dance at Arthur Murray for more than six months now. It has been a very fulfilling experience. The staff is super talented, friendly and make sure that you feel really good about your dance, and are willing to work with you until that happens. The Friday night parties are super fun to practice your skills and dance with new people. Dance is like a therapy for me. It helps me to relieve my stress after work and helps me to connect socially with different people at the studio. I always wanted to learn ballroom dances since long time, and I am glad I found a way to pursue it through Arthur Murray. If you like dancing, I'd definitely recommend you to join. Please feel free to text me to ask more about my experience with dancing at Arthur Murray.

Source: Google

★ 4

I have been a student at AM Downtown Seattle studio since July of 2018, and am really impressed with how quickly they adapted to the online shift. Although I much prefer in-person lessons, I have found that their virtual group classes and one-on-one distance lessons are good alternatives that allow students to work on their solo skills. Oh, and I would be remiss if I did not mention the weekly themed online dance parties, which continue to be a fun way to connect with others and practice social dancing skills from home. Arthur Murray Dance School of Downtown Seattle continues to take care of its students during these difficult times, and I highly recommend them to those who would like to start up or start dancing again!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have some cherished memories from attending classes and dance night here's. Worth every penny and second it took to travel there. It is a formal dance studio so be aware that it cost a fair price but for lessons that will follow you for life.

Source: Google

★ 5

The teachers are very knowledgeable, and the combination of private lessons, group lessons, and parties really accelerates your learning.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you want to Dance this is the place!!
I started dancing at the North Seattle Studio about two years ago with no experience and honestly with trepidation! Overtime I have attempted to learn ballroom dancing at different locations in the Seattle area but grew frustrated with the lack of focused instruction, large ratio of students to teachers and the absence of commitment from instructors to help you grow your dancing skills. Here, at the North Seattle Studio, the experience was completely different. After day 1 I walked away feeling confident that I can learn how to dance and the rest is history. Spending a pleasant evening with this Studio’s instructors and students, learning, dancing, feeling welcome and comfortable and most importantly having fun and laughing is a special feeling to conclude a lovely day!
This team of fantastic instructors will help you ease into dancing with grace and confidence. The students are an amazing group of dancers that are welcoming and that make sure you are involved and comfortable. This is the place to dance and to learn how to dance. I highly recommend this Studio!!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

The best Arthur Murray in the Area! Annie is my favorite dance instructor at this studio. The staff here is great overall.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Brimming with energy, support, encouragement and generosity, this Lower Queen Anne Arthur Murray Dance center is an oasis for people of all ages and skill levels. I have never encountered such a bright and authentically joyful group of teachers. They make this studio feel like an extended family of friends. What a wonderful place to grow and thrive. The instructors are supreme: they are excellent teachers who are talented, compassionate and so fun to be around!

Source: Google