What Arthur Murray Dance Studios Offers
Arthur Murray is a chain of franchised dance studios that teaches ballroom, Latin, swing, and standard dances through one-on-one lessons and group classes. The studios are independently owned but operate under the Arthur Murray name and teaching method. You pay for lessons in packages — typically ranging from a few lessons to many dozens — and work with an instructor who guides you through steps, timing, and technique at your own pace.
The core product is the private lesson. During a private lesson, you work one-on-one with an instructor for 30 minutes to an hour. The instructor teaches you a specific dance or builds on what you learned in your last lesson. Many studios also offer group classes, social dance events, and practice parties where you can dance with other students in a less formal setting.
Arthur Murray studios exist in most major U.S. cities and some international locations. Each studio is run by a franchisee, so pricing, lesson packages, and available dances vary by location. You choose a studio near you, schedule lessons on days and times that work for your schedule, and commit to a lesson package.
Key Takeaways
- Arthur Murray lessons are private, one-on-one instruction in ballroom and Latin dances, with pricing and packages that differ by studio location.
- You typically purchase a package of lessons upfront rather than paying per lesson, and the cost per lesson often decreases as you buy more lessons at once.
- Most studios offer both private lessons and group classes, plus social events where you can practice with other students.
- Lesson packages do not expire when ready, but studios set their own policies on how long you have to use the lessons you purchase.
- Your progress depends on how often you take lessons and how much you practice between lessons.
How Lesson Packages and Pricing Work
Arthur Murray studios sell lessons in packages rather than one at a time. A typical package might include 5, 10, 20, or more lessons. The price per lesson usually drops as the package size increases — buying 20 lessons at once costs less per lesson than buying 5 lessons. The total cost of a package varies widely by studio and by the instructor's experience level, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $30 and $100 per lesson depending on these factors.
When you buy a package, you own those lessons and can schedule them over time. Most studios allow you to book lessons a week or two in advance. Some studios set an expiration date on packages — for example, you might have two years to use your lessons — while others are more flexible. Always ask about the expiration policy before you commit to a large package.
Many studios offer introductory packages or trial lessons at a lower price to new students. These are designed to let you experience a lesson and see if you like the studio and instructor before you buy a full package. If you decide to continue, the cost of the trial lesson sometimes counts toward your first full package.
What Happens During Your First Lesson
Your first lesson usually begins with a brief conversation about what you want to learn and what your dance experience is, if any. The instructor will ask whether you want to learn a specific dance, prepare for an event like a wedding, or straightforward explore different styles. They will also ask about any physical limitations or injuries so they can modify the lesson if needed.
The instructor then teaches you basic steps and timing for one dance — often a waltz, foxtrot, or rumba, depending on what you chose. They will show you the steps, have you practice them slowly, then gradually add music and speed. The lesson focuses on fundamentals: posture, frame (how you hold your partner), footwork, and rhythm. You will not master the dance in one lesson, but you will leave understanding the basic pattern and feeling what the dance should feel like.
At the end of the lesson, the instructor will usually discuss what to practice before your next lesson and may suggest what dance or technique to focus on next. They will also explain the studio's lesson packages and pricing if you have not already purchased one.
Private Lessons Versus Group Classes
Private lessons are one-on-one instruction tailored to your level and goals. The instructor watches your every move, corrects your posture and footwork in real time, and can slow down or speed up to match your pace. Private lessons are more expensive per hour but give you focused attention and faster progress.
Group classes are taught to a room of students, usually organized by dance type and level (beginner, intermediate, advanced). The instructor demonstrates the steps and watches the group, but cannot give individual corrections as often. Group classes cost less per person and are a good way to meet other dancers and practice in a social setting. Many students take both: private lessons to learn new material and group classes to practice and have fun.
Some studios include group classes as part of a lesson package, while others charge separately. Ask whether group classes are included in your package or available for an additional fee.
Social Events and Practice Opportunities
Most Arthur Murray studios host social dance events, practice parties, and showcases. These are opportunities to dance with other students and instructors in a relaxed, social setting. Practice parties are informal — you show up, pay a small fee, and dance with whoever is there. Showcases are more formal events where students perform dances they have learned, sometimes with an instructor as a partner.
These events serve two purposes: they give you a reason to practice between lessons, and they make learning feel social and fun rather than purely technical. Many students find that having an event to prepare for — even an informal practice party — keeps them motivated to take lessons and practice at home.
Some studios also organize trips to ballroom competitions or larger dance events in other cities. These are optional and typically cost extra, but they expose you to competitive dancing and the wider ballroom dance community.
How to Find and Choose a Studio Near You
Arthur Murray has a website with a studio locator tool. You enter your city or zip code and see which studios operate in your area. Each studio listing includes the address, phone number, and sometimes a website or social media pages. Call or visit the studio in person to ask about their current lesson packages, pricing, available instructors, and class schedule.
When you contact a studio, ask whether they offer a trial lesson or introductory package. Many studios will give you a discounted first lesson so you can meet an instructor and see whether the studio feels like a good fit. Pay attention to the studio's cleanliness, the friendliness of the staff, and whether the instructor seems patient and interested in your goals.
If you are new to dance, ask the studio which dances they recommend for beginners. Waltz and foxtrot are often suggested because they have a steady rhythm and clear patterns. Latin dances like rumba and cha-cha are also popular for beginners but require a bit more hip movement and rhythm sense.
What to Expect in Terms of Progress and Time Commitment
How quickly you improve depends on how often you take lessons and how much you practice between lessons. A student who takes one lesson per week and practices 15 to 30 minutes at home several times a week will progress faster than a student who takes one lesson per month and does not practice. Most instructors recommend at least one lesson per week if you want to see steady improvement.
Learning a single dance well enough to dance it socially — meaning you can lead or follow the basic steps without thinking too hard — typically takes 8 to 12 lessons for a beginner. Learning multiple dances and developing smooth, confident technique takes longer and is an ongoing process. Many long-term Arthur Murray students take lessons for years, constantly refining their technique and learning new dances.
The studio environment is designed to be encouraging and non-judgmental. Instructors work with people of all ages and backgrounds, including many who have never danced before. You will not be compared to other students or made to feel rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a dance partner to take lessons at Arthur Murray?
No. If you come alone, the instructor will partner with you during your private lesson. Many students take private lessons solo and then attend group classes or social events to dance with other students. If you have a partner and want to learn together, you can book a lesson for two people, though this usually costs more than a private lesson for one.
What should I wear to a dance lesson?
Wear comfortable clothes that let you move freely — pants or a skirt, and a shirt with some give. Wear dance shoes or smooth-soled shoes that let you pivot and turn without your foot sticking to the floor. Regular sneakers do not work well because the sole grips too much. Many studios sell dance shoes, or you can order them online. Ask your instructor for shoe recommendations for the specific dances you are learning.
Can I take lessons if I have never danced before?
Yes. Arthur Murray studios teach complete beginners all the time. The instructor will start with the absolute basics — posture, how to hold your partner, how to count the music — and build from there. You do not need any prior dance experience.
What if I want to stop taking lessons?
If you have lessons remaining in your package, the studio's policy determines what happens to them. Some studios let you pause your lessons for a set period, some allow you to transfer unused lessons to a friend, and some have a cancellation or refund policy. Always ask about this policy before you buy a package so you know your options if your circumstances change.
How much does it cost to take lessons at Arthur Murray?
Pricing varies by studio and package size. A single private lesson typically costs between $30 and $100, depending on the instructor's level and your location. Larger packages offer a lower per-lesson cost. Group classes, when charged separately, usually cost $10 to $25 per class. Contact your local studio for their current pricing.