If you're looking at this review, it means you're thinking about taking dance classes - whether for your wedding, for your confidence, for your health- or you just read that article that said dance promotes brain health- and you're trying to find the right place to land. It can be super overwhelming to even walk in the door of a new dance studio- what's the vibe going to be like? Is everyone going to look down on me because I don't know how to dance? Are the teachers hard to follow? I took my intro class with Cass and she immediately had me moving - challenging me but not overwhelming me. I joined a group class and had danced with 8 future friends in the span of 20 minutes (hint: everyone was new to dancing at one point, there's nothing to apologize for.) Every time you walk in the door you're greeted like family. Kat is an intuitive instructor who knows when to pace her class up or down. Tommy is there to help you fine tune your technique. Jordan has an instinctive ability to know exactly what I need to dance that day that I leave his lessons feeling a little more whole than when I walked in. I came back to dance to get out of my head, into my body and make some friends along the way. AMSO has allowed me to do all three. read more

This specific Arthur Murray Dance Center in Sherman Oaks is using hiring practices that are not only unethical, but ILLEGAL. They roped my teenage daughter into being hired as a teacher but requiring teacher training (seems reasonable) and not paying her for it. After 4 sessions of training, they never had her onboard with tax forms or anything. I pushed her to ask them about this as in the state of CA an employer must pay employees for training that is required for the job. After asking about it, they gave her some vague excuses about wanting to see if she'd be a good fit before deciding to hire her. She literally attended approximately 12-13 hours of training, at the studio location in Sherman Oaks, where she had to dress in business casual attire, learn their customer service etiquette, and learn the specific Arthur Murray teaching technique for the different dances. This seems like specific training that is required for the job, if you ask me. After she left her trainer a message saying she wasn't going to continue because she was supposed to be paid for training, Martin (I believe he's the franchise owner or the manager?) left her the voicemail I've attached below. Him claiming that the training was voluntary is absolute BS. In the state of CA, if an employer requires training, they are in violation of California labor laws if they do not pay for it. According to the CA labor laws: Voluntary training may be unpaid only if it's unrelated to your current role, happens outside regular hours, and you perform no work during it. This is not the case here. This training was not voluntary. Furthermore, it wasn't clearly communicated to my daughter that her training would be voluntary. Probably BECAUSE IT'S ILLEGAL. Hey Martin - what you're doing is in violation of CA Labor Laws. I suggest you look up these laws and get it together. You're asking for a lawsuit. Shame on you for taking advantage of people, especially a very young adult who is inexperienced in the workplace. read more

Arthur Murray Dance Centers Sherman Oaks - "automobilian" is Arthur Murray (goold old iPhone) - Performing Arts Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks has become so much more than a dance studio to me. I came to learn to partner dance, but I've gained confidence, resilience, wonderful friendships, and countless moments of pure joy! The instructors have an incredible gift for meeting you where you are while helping you grow, and they make every lesson so much fun (especially Martin)! I've even had the opportunity to compete which is something I never imagined I'd do, and it's been such a rewarding experience. A huge thank you to the studio owners, Martin and Dani, and the entire team for creating such a welcoming, supportive community. Whether you're stepping onto the dance floor for the very first time or looking to take your dancing to the next level, I can't recommend this studio enough! read more

Arthur Murray Dance Centers Sherman Oaks - Couple dancing in a competition - Performing Arts Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

My experience at arthur murray sherman oaks studio is that the instructors there are so kind and helpful when you need it.

My now-husband and I took two private lessons and several group dance classes leading up to our wedding. Our private instructor Kat was fantastic - she was super patient, kind, and had a way of teaching the basics feel fun and exciting! She understood the assignment and helped us choreograph a beautiful first dance. We really enjoyed the group classes too and loved watching all the instructors and students dance around the room - super inspiring. I took one star off because the cost for private and group packages is not very budget-friendly. It would be nice to have a package that is more budget-inclusive, even if it limits the amount of classes. All the same, this was an investment that we felt was worth the cost. read more

Six years ago, I walked into this studio on a whim. Now, I can't imagine my life without it. :) Everyone from the staff and the other students are genuinely warm, accepting and make you feel welcome every single time you walk through the door. The only prior experience I had was dancing in front of my mirror listening to the sound track of Grease, or the radio. Now not only am I dancing in front of an audience that is much bigger than the one that was made up of my stuffed animals, I'm also competing which is something I never thought would happen. That's the kind of effect the studio can have on you; it gives you confidence that you didn't think was within your reach. If you're looking for a place where you want to "come out of your shell", even if it's just to learn some social dancing skills, this is the perfect place! Not a day goes by that I don't regret taking that very first step. read more

7 years ago I walked into the studio never expecting to have found a place that would end up meaning so much to me! Immediately I could recognize the high quality of the teaching taking place and I love watching how the amazing instructors can turn Day 1 beginners into budding social dancers in no time. As for me, coming in with some dance experience, I have been able to broaden and deepen my learning in dance more than I ever imagined. The studio now enhances my daily life immensely, hitting so many important aspects: excercise, personal goal achievement, and community. Day 1 beginner, or already a dancer, this is a place for you! read more

As two seniors with very little natural dance ability, we thoroughly enjoyed every one of our lessons with Alex at the Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks location. Although moving to our "dream" home two+ hours away has made it impossible to continue taking classes after just a few months, we will treasure each lesson and everything we learned from Alex and the entire staff of seasoned, helpful and talented instructors. We may not be "Fred and Ginger", but we experience greater confidence and enjoyment each time we practice our lessons...one more lovely way to appreciate each other and have fun together. If you've ever dreamed of learning to dance but thought it impossible, Alex and staff can help make that dream come true! read more

We were gifted a dance lesson package and had a blast! Lovely people. Great instructors. Had a real "family" vibe. If you are looking to study ballroom dancing and beyond, this is a great place to be. read more

When Matt B. and I got engaged, he suggested we have a dance-free wedding. He was only half joking. Both of us are horrible dancers, and the idea of dancing in front of all our family and friends was pretty terrifying. We knew we'd have to take lessons, but faced these with dread. Our wedding planner directed us to Arthur Murray, and we called and set up an appointment. I talked to Tom on the phone and he was very nice and helpful. He was equally so in person when we went in later that week. Arthur Murray is a sort of gym for dancers, with multiple locations and a varied menu of lesson and membership packages. As soon as we showed up, we had to fill out a survey asking what we wanted out of dance lessons - increased confidence, social grace, stuff like that. We each checked the box that said, more or less, "we have to do this or we will crash and burn at our wedding." Tom introduced himself and showed us our options. He was definitely selling, but that is his job and he was good-humored about it. I mentioned at one point that Matt was really awkward in posing for pictures, and Tom joked that they had a class for that. Our first half-hour lesson was free, and I guess that's always the case. We were reluctant to suffer through more than one lesson and offered to pay for the first one, but there was no way to do that. Sure enough we bought a package for two more lessons, each forty-five minutes long. We needed them, as it turned out. Ivy was our instructor, and she was really, really great. We took our lessons in a private room, thank goodness, that was really spacious and conducive to learning. We knew zero about dancing so Ivy started us off with the box step and helped us add a couple easy flourishes. We practiced with our song playing (God Only Knows by the Beach Boys) and got comfortable with the steps. We also figured out when to invite everyone to join us (1 minute in). When Ivy thought things were going smoothly she had other Arthur Murray employees sit in and give us an audience for practice. My dad came in for part of our 90 minute block, and we went over the box step too. It was all about as pleasant as it could've been. I doubt we'll be repeat customers, but I'd refer anyone who wants to learn social dance to Arthur Murray. Everyone we dealt with was friendly and professional, and the dance lessons were crucial to our wedding. Without Ivy's help, our first dance would have been awkward for everyone. read more

My husband frequently travels for work and we didn't have any time to prepare for our first dance. I tried calling other dance studios in the area and Arthur Murray was the ONLY studio that actually answered the phone. I explained my situation and let them know we had only a week and a half to prepare. The receptionist told me about a special they were running on Amazon for two private lessons and two group classes. Although we didn't have time to attend the group classes, we made use of our two private lessons. It was worth every penny! Luckily, my (then) fiancé and I both love to dance and our instructor was able to choreograph a beautiful (and simple) first dance We just got married on Saturday and our lessons paid off. We're incredibly grateful to our instructors at Arthur Murray for making us look like rock stars on the dance floor! read more

Arthur Murray Dance Centers Sherman Oaks - Capping off our first dance with a kiss! - Performing Arts Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Arthur Murray Dance Centers Sherman Oaks Performing Arts, Dance Studios 4633 Van Nuys Blvd Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 5.0 star rating 11/9/2019 I walked into AMSO, Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks, a year ago not knowing how to follow a single lead and now I am a Bronze 2 ballroom dancer with a lot of wonderful, new friends and a life long skill set. I am so grateful for the many brilliant instructors who have generously taught me the finest points of smooth dances as the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and the rhythm dances of Salsa, Rhumba, Cha-Cha and Swing. The highly trained staff at AMSO are not just beyond talented in ballroom dance, they are also a loving group of people who understand that dancing is not just music and movement but it's also a way for people to connect and enjoy the gift of human contact and interaction. I only wish I could attend every fun party and class they offer. If you want to move your body, open your mind and meet some fabulous people who are doing the same, come on down to Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks. I AMSO DANCING FOR LIFE! read more

My husband and I used the Van Nuys location to learn a first dance for our wedding. They're amazing dancers, teachers and people in general. They even helped us edit the music. We have expanded our package and are excited to continue forward with our dance lessons with Rebecca who looks like she could be Michelle Pfeiffer's daughter. She's amazing to work with very helpful and patient. It's worth every penny. read more

Honestly, Arthur Murray is kind of a dance factory. We wanted a few private lessons to help choreograph our first dance for our wedding. We got a Groupon for two private lessons and a couple group dance classes. The introductory class was so basic it was boring and they wouldn't let you skip it. Our teacher for the private lesson was really very nice, but she kept trying to steer us towards things that were basic and easy and not really us. We went in saying we wanted to do a Salsa and she taught us the Rumba instead. We ended up teaching ourselves using youtube classes and had way more fun customizing our dance to our style. It was a big hit at our wedding. They'd also end every lesson like 5-10 minutes early to give us their sales pitch on taking more classes. It seemed really rigid. I wouldn't go back. EDITED. I forgot to mention that they'd have two lessons/classes going on simultaneously in the same room, which was completely ridiculous. We'd have to share the space with another couple for our private lesson and would go back and forth with the music. It was even worse for group classes. Country Western dance class at the same time you're trying to the Foxtrot? A bit odd. Another reason why I felt like it was a dance factory. Quantity over quality of classes. But the main reason I downgraded my review from two stars to one is because Arthur Murray is going around trying to get my review removed. I left the same review on Groupon as well as The Knot and Wedding Wire, but they're reporting my review to each service claiming I reviewed the wrong location and they "have no record" of my lessons there. Luckily a quick screen shot of my Groupon and the half a dozen emails I exchanged with them prove that I have the correct location quite easily. If you ask me, it's pretty ridiculous that they'd try to get any negative reviews removed and it makes me wonder if that's why their overall rating is so good (if you don't reply with proof then they remove your review). This place is SKETCHY and I highly recommend not patronizing their business. read more

I love this place! We started taking lessons for our wedding / first dance.y fiancé has two left feet but wow in the short amount of time we have been there he is picking it up fast. Tom is such a sweetheart, he truly is passionate and has a pure love for what he does and so do all the instructors. I feel very at home when we go there and we have a lot of fun. We are newbies so I will update my review a year from now but our experience so far has been so incredibly welcoming and positive and we love the dance party and classes. Alex is our instructor and she is incredibly patient and sweet and just delightful to work with as she is helping us with our form and footwork. We aren't doing a full choreographed dance just a little something so we don't look like buffoons lol. The wobble at the end of the night is just the best and my fiancé feels comfortable enough to let Tom show him how it's done! Can't wait to see where this takes us next year and all the years of our life and marriage together. P.S. my grandmother taught here over 40 years ago. It is sentimental to me. read more

Instructors are great and lot's of fun. Very much family orientated like a Club Med dance studio. Then you meet TOM in sales. Who does not fit in that family at all... Unprofessional to say the least!! RUDE!!! Very hungry for your $$$. He does not think twice about interrupting you in mid of session to pressure you for more. His fake, the list can go on and on. I hope you never have to experience that!!! It's nothing but a numbers game. It is costly but can be fun and worth it, if you did not have to deal with the pressure from Tom!!!! To bad so sad, I choose to spend my $$$ elsewhere. Maybe when his gone, I will come back. For now I will find my home away from home and keep dancing!!! Be on the watch out folks!!! read more

The staff is amazing! All instructors are very nice and make you feel at home right away, almost family like. Jessica was my instructor and she was great. Instructors are patient and create a judgment free class environment for all. I started completely new to dancing just a few weeks ago. I've been taking both private and group classes with Jessica and loved it. read more

My favorite place to be. The entire staff is so friendly and makes you feel right at home. The friendships that I have made and built with the other students here just makes this place that much better than any other place. Everyone here is so genuine and caring that if you go missing for a few days you can expect a few calls, between the staff and students just to see if you are doing ok and that is just such a wonderful feeling knowing they actually care. Right when you walk in your greater by the beautiful Leah with a big smile. And then you meet Tom who is such a beautiful soul and such a pleasure to be around and he always has something beautiful to say to you (if you can get a tango in with him it's even better!). Michelle is so loving and caring and always has this huge smile on her face and her confidence definitely builds your own up, she helps you find your preferred styling and own personality all while making you find joy and pleasure in dances with so much rhythm. Roman has impeccable posture and choreography that if you get him as a teacher you can expect yourself to want to be precise and make sure you have the steps down. Antwione helps you find your rhythm and soul while also helping you with your posture, something I definitely needed. Alex helps you find your grace and elegance, something we all need especially if your aiming to look like a princess during the waltz or foxtrot. Daisy is amazing and always fine tunes your steps making it look so effortlessly, and when it comes to Latin dances she makes it look easy as pie. Misty has such flawless steps when she's dancing that when she's teaching I'm always staring at her footwork trying to replicate it. Martin is the soul of the entire place, when he's there you definitely know it because he brings life and sound to the party. I absolutely love everyone here and I'm so grateful to each and every one of you for different reasons. You have helped me get my confidence back. You've helped me gain my footwork back, and then made me realize how little I had before lol. Such a pleasure and definitely recommend to everyone! read more

I started coming here because of the Groupon deal offered in May. I do agree with Anne G in the fact that the Groupon itself was a rip-off, especially since it was for first timers only and they offer a free intro lessons without the Groupon (which was $45). So yeah, the Groupon was a waste of money. That being said, I'm still thankful for the introduction to Arthur Murray. I'm getting married and this was really a wonderful opportunity to learn how to dance. We haven't brought in our wedding song yet, but they said they will help us choreograph a dance to it and then we will perform it in front of other students. We have been going there for about a month now. So far we've learned basic dances for Salsa, Cha Cha, Swing, Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango, and Samba. They combine private lessons and group lessons (and practice parties) in a way that helps you learn quickly. The lessons package was a bit pricey (for those who don't have a lot of money), but we were able to haggle with the owner. We got a package of 4 private lessons, 8 group lessons, and 8 practice parties for $600. (They originally offered it to us for $700). That roughly makes it $30 per lesson/party, which I think is reasonable. We were most skeptical about the practice parties (why should we have to pay for the practice parties?) but they have actually been the best way to learn. You're taught the skills in the group and private lessons and then you actually apply them in the parties. Plus most, if not all, of the instructors are there to help with your moves. Everyone that works there is super nice and helpful. When our lessons run out, I think there's a good chance that we will renew. read more

Five stars for the lovely Danni, who was patient with us during our private lessons, and very skilled at teaching us some cool moves so that we didn't feel so self-conscious about dancing our first dance in front of our family and friends on our wedding day. One star for the sales guy Tom, whose sales pitch made my wife (fiancee at the time) feel like a 'stupid liar'. We were planning a wedding and very short on both time and extra money. We also made it clear that we weren't interested in taking up ballroom dancing as a post-wedding hobby. He pushed a little too far, and my wife was thisclose to telling him off and walking out the door. In addition to the private lessons, our intro package included a group lesson and a dance party. The group lesson wasn't really our thing, but the dance party was fun, and all of the instructors we met were very nice and encouraging. I'm glad we did the lessons, and would recommend to any couple who may want to learn a few moves to show off on their wedding day. Just be prepared for the (in our experience) borderline rude and inappropriate time share-style sales pitch at the end. (By the way, our wedding was wonderful, and our first dance came off beautifully. I assume. I wasn't paying attention to anything but the wife.) read more

I was lured here by the Groupon deal. We could really have used some skills for our upcoming wedding, and this location delivered. The teachers were incredibly friendly, outgoing, and eager to teach. They clearly absolutely love their jobs and it shows. Arthur Murray has a clear system that takes people step-by-step through what they need to learn to become proficient, and it even works for someone like me that has three left feet and is incredibly self-conscious. These guys are pros, and they're good at what they do. The deal offered two privates, a group, and a "practice party". I thought the "party" was dumb but with so many instructors so eager to help, it was actually pretty awesome. The instructors rotate around with different students so you get a ton of input from different people, new ideas, and new ways of thinking about things. Plus, it's low key and fun. It was really beneficial. I would definitely repeat if I wanted to get better at this. My only complaint--if I were forced to complain--is that the audio system left a little to be desired. It was hard to pick up the beats sometimes. I guess they have to keep the volume a little low so people can hear the instructors. read more

My husband and I had been wanting to take dance lessons... so when I saw the Groupon it was the perfect opportunity to try it out. Well, we are so glad we did. This was a year ago and we are still dancing and learning. We love love love our dance instructor Natalya!!! She is an incredible teacher and dancer! She is patient with us as we learn as well as encouraging us to constantly strive to do better. We've also had the chance to work with other instructors and all of them bring something unique to our lessons that enhances our experience. Now that we have been taking lessons for awhile, they begin to tag team instructors, which allows you to have other perspectives and styles. Our other instructor is Eric who has been amazing fits in with our personalities and compliments Natalya's style while bringing his own unique experience and areas of focus. The studio creates a feeling of family and fun through various parties and events we have discovered a larger community of ballroom dancing enthusiasts that we never knew existed. We are always so warmly welcomed by all every single time we come in... it feels a lot like the bar in the TV show "Cheers" and we're Norm. :) This has been such a fun experience for us as a family as well. We bring our 2 young children with us most every time. We feel it really sets a good example for them, it allows them to see us doing something for ourselves, while learning a new skill and enjoying being together. The entire staff has been nothing short of amazing to us and our children. We've taken up a new hobby, met new friends, getting in better shape and are having a blast!! We highly recommend Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks!!!! If we could give them more stars we would! read more

My Dance Journey started on the 15th Sept 15, in that time I have become a Lady who is Very Happy on the Dance Floor. I joined without any expectations but have been so welcomed by the Staff and the other dancers I see when I visit. I zoomed through my Foundation Level as I went to practice all most every day as this is the best way to become competent at a new skill. I have been to the Practice Dances, Special Parties and the Fantastic Balls and it just keeps getting better. My Social life is now packed with special Dance Dates. In life you get out what you are prepared to put in..! This is True of my Dance Transformation - I want to become a Good Dancer and as I slowly progress I realize how much more I have to learn. Even if you are starting from Nothing (as I was) the Instructors give you Confidence and lots of feedback on how to improve your footwork, poise and form etc. The Benefits of Dancing are many fold, improved Posture, losing a few pounds, better confidence and a renewed feeling of youthful energy, as well as lots of Hugs..! You owe it to yourself to get Fitter, Trimmer and put that Smile back on your Face...! My Husband comes with me too and has really noticed how much better we are together. I have to allow him to lead and this helps us listen to each other. I can't recommend the Staff highly enough, they will help you in so many ways. A listening ear, a kind word and shared experiences make me know that "Arthur Murray, Sherman Oaks" is my Home away from Home. Jacqueline Rankin If I could give them more Stars I would...! read more

Such a welcoming community and now we have regular date nights scheduled. I'm such a clot and was so afraid to try these classes but my wife talked me into it. My only regret was I didn't start sooner! I highly recommend Alex. She is knowledgeable, fun and patient. I have made so many friends, and to be honest, I never knew I could dance like this! Give it a try, what do you have to lose, except for all the date nights I missed out on before I came here. Highly recommended! read more

I decided to finally sign up for ballroom dance lessons on January 6, 2017, since I love to dance and wanted to learn how to glide across the room with a Waltz, or Foxtrot and dance to a Latin beat with ease and confidence. Despite the misgivings a new student might have, I have been coming almost everyday for the group lessons, and for my private lessons with my instructor, JC. The staff at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Sherman Oaks make it an atmosphere conducive to learning and having fun, at the same time. I always feel part of AMSO family, each and every time I'm there. I highly encourage anyone who enjoys social dancing to take advantage of the free introductory lesson offered by AMSO, and go from there! Connie A. read more

Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks has literally saved my life. I was going through a painful divorce and am a breast cancer survivor. Being a breast cancer suvivor and thrivor I promised myself to stay healthy. I was completely amazed at all that I have learned about myself. and what I have gained. I've gained self esteem, better balance, great posture and my figure looks much more youthful than my years. I thought I would learn a few dance steps and that would be it. To my surprise it is so much more. This is community and family. I love taking private lessons with the most loving, caring and extremely proficient and talented instructors. The classes really bond us students as a team. Love, love, love this place. read more

I often wished that I could dance. I was invited to wedding receptions and celebrations for years, but I rarely felt the confidence to dance in public. So about 18 months ago I finally went to AMSO and signed up for dance lessons. They were welcoming, gracious, and patient with me. My personal teacher was Alex. I think that I learned slowly because I had much to learn, but they had free classes and parties for extra practice. The students with more experience and skill (that's everyone) explained to me that they'd rather dance with me despite my beginner skill level than not dance at all; so I became less timid. Then the COVID19 pandemic struck. I stopped dancing and stopped my lessons for a year. I forgot everything that I learned. However, I recently decided to try again because I still wanted to learn to dance. To My delight I discovered that I had muscle memory beyond what I consciously knew. When I danced with Alex again, it all began to come back to me. Alex, ever supportive, was as excited for me as I was. I'm back to dancing, and this time my confidence is much greater because I realize that the way I learned planted abilities at a deeper, instinctive level than I realized. This time I'm just having fun while I'm remembering what I previously learned. I'm also feeling more confident about learning new steps because I have more confidence in the method and the knowledge that I will retain the ability to dance even if I don't dance so very often. I also want to mention that the other instructors besides Alex greeted me warmly when I returned. They greeted me almost as loving family members. I do feel like they are a part of my family since in their presence with their influence, I have grown and developed just as I did in my family of origin. I highly recommend that you come to AMSO if you want to learn to dance or 8f you want to learn to dance better. And I'll be glad to meet you as our family grows. read more

This is a delayed review from summer of 2016. Like some other reviewers here, we were searching for dance classes to prepare for our wedding dance and took a free introductory class (20-30 min). The class itself was informative, however when the sales manager began to talk to us, things went downhill very quickly. He presented us a paper with some very expensive dance packages and didn't listen to our needs at all. When we said we needed some time to consider, he became very aggressive and asked if we were going to dash out after the free class. We did not feel safe staying there afterwards. Would not recommend at all. read more

If you look for it, you may locate my post when I had just begun my dance lessons at Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks. I have now completed a few weeks of lessons, and I feel motivated to share an update with you. As I may have written, I had not really danced much since high school. I danced a few times in college, but I was generally too busy with my studies to socialize much. In adulthood I generally avoided dancing and stuck with recreational activities that required no skill. I suppose I disappointed a few ladies when there were opportunities for dancing, and I rigidly chose to avoid them. Too bad, certainly, because wedding receptions and galas look like so much fun for the people who dance at them. Well, I will count myself among the fun people anytime now. Last evening I went for my dance lesson and learned that I had an opportunity to dance on an otherwise empty dance floor with all the instructors and other students watching me (and my two teachers). I thought that I would never in a million years dance anywhere with everyone watching me. I had limited my dancing prior to getting these lessons to rocking from foot to foot on crowded dance floors where nobody could move. Last evening I danced a foxtrot with Misty and a rumba with Alexandra with everyone watching us. I was actually very nervous before we started because I still felt self conscious and a bit shy about demonstrating my newest skills in front of everyone who was certainly more skilled at dancing than I was. But when we concluded each dance I knew one thing for certain: I chose the right place to take dancing lessons. Everyone clapped and cheered for me. Everyone was extremely supportive of me, and at the party that followed, several women asked me to dance with them, and they had just seen me dance; so they knew my skill level. This studio has become like another family to me. Several men told me that I had done a good job dancing, and they added, "...and I mean it. I'm not just saying it because you're my friend." The truth is that these people really have become my friends. They are all so engaging and supportive, and they share positive energy and encouragement. They are a fun group to know, and a fun group to learn with. And I really am dancing. I'm going to continue my lessons for awhile because I've seen that there are some pretty interesting and fancy steps that I can learn for both the foxtrot and the rumba, and I may not stop there. There is the tango, the cha cha, salsa, and swing to which I've been introduced, and I have yet to gain proficiency with. But I would sure rather learn here than try to learn at a wedding reception as I never in my life would attempt. If someone asked me why I am just now learning to dance, I would tell them that it's because dancing is a super healthy activity which engages our entire brain. It requires coordination, learning, and memory. It helps keep the brain young and healthy. I sure had that in mind at my age when I called to inquire about lessons. But the fact is that dancing is really lots of fun, and it's fun to share with my instructors and also with the other students at AMSO (Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks) who are now my friends. It's going to be fun to share with a date or a love interest, too. It's just more fun to do stuff when you're good at it. With absolutely no experience to guide my choice, I am just darn lucky that I picked such a great place to learn. If I had to choose one place to take dancing lessons, I would choose Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks. If I could choose two places to take dancing lessons, I would choose this place twice. read more

The instructors and sales people are very professional in appearance and courteous to their prospective clients. Jesse and Eugene are knowledgeable in dance instruction. read more

We love Arthur Murray - My husband and I started dance lessons here in March 2017. I just went for my annual checkup and my doctor informed me my blood pressure has dropped and I no longer need blood pressure meds! This was the best news ever. We work with JC and Daisy - and they're great! We highly recommend them. read more

We choose this studio for our first dance at our wedding mainly because of the reputation but also because of Tom. He seemed to really care about helping us for our first dance. We booked private dance lessons and were assigned Rebecca. We had requested for three different dance styles for our first dance and she choreographed an amazing dance. Everyone loved the dance. They also edited the song for us to make it shorter. She helped us throughout the lessons and was so patient with us. They also film your practice sessions so you can go home to review and practice more. The staff is very friendly, helpful, and fun. The studio could be a little bigger as there are times when you have different classes going on at the same time, so it can be a little distracting. Overall, they were fantastic and we couldn't be happier with the end result. read more

Awful experience. My husband and I went here looking to get some lessons for our wedding and we're not expecting the experience we received. They try to get you in the door for a "free dance lesson" but they will literally put you in the room, close the door and practically not let you leave unless you purchase either a package which can be thousands of dollars or at least agree to pay for one class. We felt like we were locked in a room full of a huge sales pitch. The pressure is absurd, be advised unless you are looking to take dance seriously and spend thousands of dollars this place isn't for you! read more

My fiancé got us surprise dance lessons (a six-lesson package) at this location for our 3-year anniversary! We truly enjoyed learning from Brando! It was such a nice, fun break and quality time from our hectic schedule! In other words, the perfect gift! Brando is such a wonderful instructor and an amazing dancer. It shows that he truly loves teaching! HE gets FIVE stars. We agree with some of the comments below in that it is a bit confusing to have privates without having the music you need to yourself. You'll be learning Latin and they'll be playing waltz, so the studio is not conducive to private lessons. But that didn't really put a damper on our time there. The reason for the three stars is due to their sales strategy. We actually feel sorry that Tom feels like he would have to push so hard with his sales pitch. It gives us the impression that either the studio is not doing too well or maybe there is a ton of pressure on him. Some people take classes for fun, other people want to become professional ballroom dancers. We currently fall in the former category. Despite that, we actually considered moving on to the next level, since we were having fun. You can't really just leave class, though, without passing by the sales office. We spent quite a bit of time in there after only our third lesson to discuss even more dance lessons, when we weren't even through with our first six. We were still on the fence as to whether we should book so soon, not having gotten a full scope of the whole experience yet. We told Tom we'd mull it over at home. Later that week, we were offered an opportunity to travel, and we took it. During our fourth class, we had a group class directly followed by our first group party. Tom approached us after the group class and asked us what our plans were. We explained our situation, and it got uncomfortably personal, to the point where he was asking us specifics about our itinerary and trying to figure out a way to fit the classes into our schedule, even though we made it clear that we may take classes again in the future, just not right this month. We missed the first two dances of our group party because of this discussion. So yes, he pretty much interrupted our paid time to talk sales. Finally, we asked to talk AFTER class so we could enjoy the remainder of it. In so many words, he replied that he would take our indecisiveness as a no, which it easily became after that experience. On a side note, the group parties have about a 10-15 minute interruption right smack in the middle so that Tom can talk about the events and happenings of the dance studio, so really, you only get about 30 minutes of dancing. Why not wait until the end? So it comes down to...do we want to go through that again? No, not really. We'd rather be in a more respectful, nurturing environment. Brando, let us know when you start teaching privates! read more

I have the same experience as the other couple. I was there to check it out. Then, the manager gives you this talk & pressures you to sign up . I have nothing good to say about him . He is a CON ARTIST. I WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!! HORIBBLE EXPERIENCE . Check out recreational centers , you will get a better deal. read more

Arthur Murray was a really awesome experience for me and I wanted to share it. Although it wasn't exactly what I was looking for, I had the most pleasant time during my private lesson with JC, group classes and socials. The instructors were very professional and very helpful. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone that is looking to learn how to dance or improve their dancing skills! read more

I walked into Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks in January 2019. I was desperate to get better. I had depression and anxiety from losing the love of my life to a sudden bout of cancer on April 30, 2018. My late husband and I promised each other that one day we would take lessons together. I was doing this for him because he never got a chance. I thought I'd go to a few months worth of lessons and get some therapy. Seven months later, I'm still there and don't plan on leaving any time soon. At first, Arthur Murray was my safe space. I could go there and be anonymous. Nobody knew my back story. They just saw me as the happy person learning to dance. Over time, though, the place became my family and I decided to tell the Director my story. He was so gracious and impressed that I came in every day with such a good attitude. What I wanted to tell him is that the studio was one of the only things in my life that made me smile, and still is. I've made friends, let out anxiety, rage, and left my feelings on the dance floor. Arthur Murray has been a lifesaver. I am healing because of dance and it has become my passion. It is not cheap, but worth every freaking penny. Quality lessons do not come at a bargain. Thanks to the staff, I am planning a routine for my late husband to be showcased later this year. The fact that I trust them enough to do this says everything. read more

I originally bought a gift certificate for my fiance as a Christmas present back in December. She had been wanting to do ballroom dancing for so long, I thought it would be the perfect gift. Over the course of the 5 week gift certificate dancing, we knew that Arthur Murray was a special place. We grew very fond of our instructor and the management there. Needles to say, after our 5 weeks were over, my fiance and I signed up to take regular classes at the studio without any hesitation. We're addicted to dancing now, all thanks to Arthur Murray in Sherman Oaks. We even go home right after class and practice! It's so much fun. I never knew I could be this challenged and have so much fun doing something that wasn't a "sport." read more

As other folks pointed out my experience is same. The sales manager (forgot his name) presents a paper with some very expensive dance packages and pressurize you to buy. He is very aggressive and very old school. They don't look like matured and professional folks .The way they treat you if you show any hesitation to sign up immediately is too bad. People work there are so fake with smile and eye contact etc Looks like manager is putting so much pressure not only on customers but also on staffs to do the sales pitch.. They treat as you a revenue generating entity instead of a human being. Look somewhere else read more

Went in just about seven years ago for a wedding dance...you can find us in the photos. We're still dancing and have grown so much in our dancing. We have danced in public at the Galleria and competed in shows! Best of all are all the other dancers at the studio. This is one of those businesses that becomes a part of your family. read more