LOVING THIS PLACE. I've only had 3 private lessons and three group lessons so far, but I love this place. The hubby and I came in with zero experience and are having a great time! We're getting better and better, and dance moves are starting to feel more natural. The place is very inclusive, body positive, super friendly, nonjudgmental...all of the things you need. And it does work! I am learning how to dance. When I mess up, they don't care, when I nail a move, everyone cheers. This is the place for positive-reinforcement, for shy folks to come out of their shells! In addition to group and private lessons, there's also plenty of parties they host on site for you to practice what you've learned. My hustle and waltz skills aren't yet what I'd want to do out and about, so it's great to have a safe space to practice and enjoy myself! read more

Our experience here was a mixed bag - everybody was great with one exception. Everything went pretty well except for the exception. It ended due to that exception in an rather awkward manner that could have gone down hill pretty fast. read more

Taken 15 dance classes so far and hooked. The instructors are lovely. Their personalities are infectious. Whenever you walk in the door, everyone in the ballroom greets you loudly. It's lovely! read more

I have been attending Arthur Murray Portland for 4 years now. I love it! The people are awesome from the instructors to students. I have learned many things since starting, not all of them about dance. There are life lessons to be learned on the dance floor. You can learn MANY of them here. Is it inexpensive.. Not really. However if you commit to ALL they have to offer. It IS worth the cost. Remember "Life's a dance you learn as you go" George Corbett read more

Lie, cheat, hack, steal. It has been a long time since I have seen a business this bad :( So manipulative and egocentric. The whole pretense was deception. If you where to find Neanderthals at a used car lot, their personal skills would have easily exceeded those of this weak dance studio by 10 x fold. I mean, if you like shelling out phat cash for lessons taught by rookies go ahead. This place has instructors who are not even certified in their proficiencies teaching high level classes. The entire feel is smoke and mirrors topped with high pressure sales tactics. The quality of service is a joke. The people seem so fake. I truly feel bad for the people who have to work here everyday. They charge sooooooooo much for soooooooooo little. I am sure that the people working at Good Will earn more than the dance instructors. read more

I have to start by saying my experience was based on a Groupon I purchased this summer. It included 2 half hour private lessons and one group dance lesson/party. Things started out pretty well. We booked our first lesson and were encouraged to book the party and follow-up lesson soon after. We showed up for our first lesson and were shuffled around through 3 different people. It was unclear the role each person served, although all of them asked us at least 2-3 times each what our dancing goals were. We consistently said that we just wanted to have fun together. By the time we had the tour and a sales pitch we only had 20 minutes of actual dancing. We left feeling like we had just visited a used car lot. We ended up changing the date for the group party so we could go with a couple we knew. We were scheduled to have our private lesson on this night as well and wanted to move that to the following week. First I called and was given hard time by our instructor for wanting to change and pushed us to keep them back to back keeping us there from 7pm to 10:30pm on a Friday night. Not a big deal, except that both my husband and I work late Fri night and again early Sat morning. I said that was not my preference and that i would have to confirm with my husband first. The instructor then called my husband the next day. She told him that I said he would make the decision and then pushed him to keep the lesson and group party on the same night. He said he didn't want to do that and she pressed him as to why and was quite rude to him. If we weren't going to meet our friends, we would have just bagged the group party. This was actually quite fun. We all split off into different groups based on our dance levels and then taught the dance of the night, which was the Cha Cha. Then we danced with people of a variety of levels and had a great time. Those that were more experienced gave us newbies enough help to be able to hold our own. Everyone was incredibly patient and nice. Lots of instructors were there to help as well. We ended up canceling our second 30 minute lesson--just didn't want to have the experience end on a worse note with another sales pitch. Such a mixed experience. My husband and I would love to take more lessons, but I am not sure it would be here. The price was also STEEP. We are talk $700+ for a level one series of classes, although this did include the group parties. You would have to be willing to really commit to get your money's work. read more

Summary: I had a great time at Arthur Murray! I'd recommend it if you're interested in dance lessons, and if you have the opportunity to give it a try, DO it. It's expensive, but all kinds of lessons are pricey - and I think these are worth it. Longer review: I bought a Groupon for a package of 2 lessons and 1 group lesson. If you get a Groupon - don't use the Groupon scheduler! The time I chose wasn't available, but that was really Groupon's fault and not the studio's. They called before my first lesson and rescheduled so that worked out fine. The lessons were introductory, we learned the basics of a few dances and then saw demos of what those dances could be. It's exactly what I expected to get out of this kind of a deal. The environment in the studio is really friendly and HIGH energy. More energy than I had, took some getting used to. Our instructor Salinas was really friendly and answered any questions I had. We briefly met some other instructors in the studio who were also really nice but I didn't have any one-on-one interaction with them. Everyone in the group class was happy, excited, friendly - it was a good community atmosphere and you could tell that people who had invested the time (and money) got a lot out of their lessons and were happily coming back. I was sort of expecting a hard sell (that's what you usually get after discount deals like this), so I braced myself for it at our last meeting. We were asked if we would be interested in getting more information about future lessons. I said yes, but that I wasn't ready to commit to anything, just wanted information, and that is exactly what I got. NO uncomfortable hard sell, NO demands for commitment that I wasn't ready to make. The lessons are outside of my budget right now so I'm not going back right away. But if/when I have the money, I will definitely go back to Arthur Murray. read more

Everyone always knows that the beginning of the year strikes the wedding show season. This year was much different for me cause I was getting married this year. Rather than look like an idiot on the dance floor swaying around in circles like a penguin I suggested that we take dance lessons. My only previous experience with dance lessons was watching MTV and BET and copying the moves during the music videos back in highschool and my wife takes quite a bit of those classes at the gym and has some dance class experience so it was gonna be easy for her. We bought a package from the wedding show and made an appointment back in May. Our first class was basically to get an idea to gauge our level of experience and what we wanted out of these classes. Once we mentioned it was for our first dance we were then quickly on our way to coming up with the choreography for our dance. We had a lot of fun on our first night and then took a group class and another private lesson. At that point the pitch did come in but unlike most negative experiences, ours was a very non pressure pitch. This is coming from a couple with a combined sales experience of over 40 years. We have been taking private lessons under the leadership of our instructor Rita. She is an amazing dancer and a fantastic instructor. She's very patient with my analytical personality and is constantly very optimistic. She has made the last 3 months of instruction a very fun experience. Even when it came down to having to add more classes it was still under no pressure and we were given multiple options to choose from. We will be doing our wedding this weekend and I feel very confident about our choreography for this first dance and we couldn't have done it without the help of Rita. If you are planning to get dance lessons I would definitely suggest utilizing Arthur Murray as everyone here is very genuine. From the receptionist to every dance instructor down to even the manager there. I enjoy every minute I'm here and you can tell by looking at the other students here they are experiencing the same joy that we feel by coming here. read more

I have been taking lessons at Arthur Murray for almost a year now and cannot rave enough about this studio! I've learned so much from dancing, it's amazing what a cha-cha can teach you about yourself! Undoubtably I could learn ballroom anywhere, but I have to get sentimental for a moment and say that it's the amazing people who work here who make me want to be at this studio in particular. I would be lying if I didn't acknowledge it's a business, but that is not where their heart is. Their heart is in dancing and in their students--it's evident in everything they do. Their heart and (insane) energy is why I consider the studio my second home, the staff my family, and the fellow students my friends. I would tell anyone to go to Arthur Murray Portland, whatever you think about dancing or your abilities; it's a fun time with the best people! read more

I also purchased a Groupon to see what the instructors and classes were like for my fiance and myself (we wanted to start taking some lessons for our first dance and our wedding in general). While there was a hard sell from the studio for us to buy more classes after the Groupon was over, it was expected, as this is their business, so I wasn't personally that put off by it. I also thought the quality of the groupon lessons were good. I think just go in knowing whether dance lessons are something you want to keep going with and know that they will want you to take more, but in the end it's your choice. We liked the studio and our instructor, so after the groupon classes, we decided to sign up for a package of 6 private lessons, which includes group classes and access to the studio if you want to practice on your own (which we never had a chance to do, but it seems like a nice idea). We've had a really good experience overall. The staff is friendly and knowledgable about dances in general, they review your goals and ask for feedback and actually try to act on that feedback the next time around to make your lessons and experience better. Salinas was our instructor and we both thought she was great! She was attentive and patiently answered any questions we had and kept us focused on the dances we liked better. Also, she was starting to teach us a two step that went with our first dance song and could tell that I wasn't a big fan of that particular dance and at our next lesson she had done her homework and prepared a new dance that could go with our song and had plans to help us bring some more fun moves and steps into the dance, which was awesome and greatly appreciated. One thing to note is that if you have a crazy schedule, the studio does like to (*strongly*) suggest at least going to a group class every week (for your benefit) and a private lesson every week. It's just like learning a sport, the more you put in, the more you get out, but just something to keep in mind if you have a month or two that may be less busy - try to go then. read more

I highly recommend instructor Anais. She is knowledgeable, patient, and fun. Great dance instructor! Andy and Kathy read more

I'm getting married this summer so we went to Arthur Murray for a handful of private dance lessons and we enjoyed the experience so much more than we even expected! I have almost no dancing experience and my initial goal was just to not embarrass myself at the wedding but we learned a lot in those few lessons and gained so much confidence that now we are super excited to do a semi-choreographed routine for our first dance. Heidi, our primary instructor, is wonderful. She is so friendly and knowledgeable and she helped us feel very comfortable and capable. All of the other staff that we met at the studio were also very kind, welcoming, and encouraging. Taking lessons at Arthur Murray put big smiles on our faces each time and I absolutely recommend the experience! read more

We loved taking dance lessons here! Heidi our instructor is amazing, helpful, and knowledgeable. And everyone else there is so friendly, patient, and skillful. We started there using our Groupon and enjoyed it so much we continued a few more lessons. We can't wait to show off our new dancing skills at our wedding! read more

Arthur Murray has the most amazing dance instructors! Been dancing here for over two years and I have nothing but great memories. The social aspect is a plus as well since you can meet great new friends that love to dance too. If you've always wanted to learn how to dance or just want to find a new dance social come check it out. You can't go wrong. They can teach you any dance. I've been focusing on Salsa, West Coast Swing, Country Two Step and Lindy Hop. So much fun! read more

We bought a Groupon so that we could take a few dance lessons before our wedding day, and boy are we glad we did! We had so much fun at this dance studio that we are planning to go back to do more lessons, group classes and parties after the wedding is past. The reason we had such a good time is 100% because everyone at the studio was SO NICE and encouraging. We never felt uncomfortable, even though we were learning and a bit shy, and we got much more than we thought we would out of the couple lessons included in our groupon. We will be going back for sure. read more

This place is emotionally manipulative to a fault. Your instructor will approach you in a friendly manner and ask you lots of questions. You may think it's because they want to care, but that's not true. They are prying to discover your insecurities so they can play into them. Say, for example, you want to lose some weight. Your instructor will ask increasingly more personal questions until you give an answer that leads them to think you don't like your body image. EVERY lesson you have after that will be centered around you losing weight, until you think that the only way you can get fit is by purchasing another $3,000 worth of lessons from them. Don't fall victim to these mind games. Long story short, save yourself a few hundred dollars and go to local independent dance studio instead. No one will be getting into your head, and you will notice no difference in quality. Especially if you simply wish to be a good social dancer. read more

Okay, I'm going to admit, up front, that you might think me biased, because I have very few things to say about this studio that aren't over-the-top nice. I didn't know it coming in, but I've found that I really, really like dancing. And I really, really like these people. I dunno why, really, except that this place is as close to a perfect community as any I've ever found. I can also understand the suspicious minds not being able to buy in, though. I've had more than my share of bad, over-hyped experiences that ended with me feeling cheated, abused and roundly taken advantage of. This may be the way dancing ends for me, too, I suppose, because the cost is mighty steep for me, since my divorce and the seemingly chronic unemployment I'm enduring. The criticism of cost from some of the other reviews has a measure of truth. I've basically tapped out the last of my retirement savings (which I've been living on) to pay for the classes I've had so far, and I have no idea how I'm going to continue when the bill for the next round of classes comes due. Yet, the cost is the only drawback that I've found, and not outrageous, comparable to, say, really getting serious about skiing, or martial arts, or maybe flying. So you can call me a sucker if you want, or an addict, or a fool ... But *I AM* going to find a way to keep taking lessons and improving my dancing, come Hell or high water. And *I AM* going to find a way to do it at *this* studio. These people are some of the warmest, most caring folks it has ever been my great pleasure to find. And I'm definitely improving my dancing, vastly. When I came in I was a complete newbie--hadn't danced since Jr. High. I will not say that after only eleven weeks I am a great dancer, but I can more-or-less dance halfway well, and I basically know my strengths and weaknesses, what I need to work on, and have something of a road map for how to get there. I've been taking two lessons a week and attending as many gratis group classes and practice parties as I can. They really do press you to work at it, attend lots of sessions, but it isn't really a sales pitch, like some of the other reviews have said--I mean, it is, sure, everybody's gotta eat and this is a business, after all--but they"re all competition level dancers and have solid reasons behind what they suggest. The constant exposure and repetition really do make a big difference. The more effort you put into dancing, the more you immerse yourself, the more benefit you'll get out of it. They're like personal trainers the way they push, but they aren't just hyping the business or blowing smoke. The Arthur Murray syllabus has been tried and tested for a century now, through all the dance crazes, through the Disco era, through all the changes in popular music and now well into the twenty-first century. It's stood up over time because it actually makes sense and works. And as far as I can tell, it works for anyone and everyone who puts in the time and effort. And, of course, the other benefits of dance stand on their own, regardless the particular instruction method. It is great exercise and a great way to meet people. It really does improve physical health, coordination, balance and muscle tone. My confidence has improved markedly too, as I put the wallflower mindset away, for good and all. And I find myself happy enough in daily life now, to just kick up my heels from time to time. More than that, though, I really feel at home in this studio, with these people--and not just the instructors, but the other students as well. This is a really caring community, and the instructors have worked very hard to make that community happen, to foster and sustain it. If I have a bad day (and I've had some of my all time worst lately), I can genuinely count on being able to go into that studio, scheduled lesson or not, and be able to dance my anger and grief out. Really, really, really. And I can always find a friendly ear to bend as well, if I need one. I'm not always an easy guy, but these folks stick with me and do their best to care about how I feel and what I'm going through. I love it there, the people. Honestly, I've found a joy in dancing there that's more than I know how to understand sometimes. Love really isn't too strong a word. Many of us lament the cost, but money just isn't the point--the dance is the thing. It just is. All the world is a stage, yes? Memories are happening there that I will always treasure. How can you price that out? Would I trade this experience to save some money? No. Am I lost in a foolish bubble? Maybe. Am I living in a dream world? Yes, definitely. So if the money hangs you up, makes you think that it's all there is to this place, that these very nice people are really high pressure, shady con artists, then feel free to call me a chump if you wish. But the next time you feel that suspicious shiver up your back, just know that it's me, waltzing with someone over your grave, smiling for all the world to see. read more

Sounds like the other people did not have good experiences at all. I love it here at Arthur Murray. I have met so many people and it is a family. Yes is it expensive BUT it is worth it if you have an interest in dancing. I have high anxiety issues and I did my spotlight and nailed it. now I feel I can only get better now with Ous. GIve it a try and see for yourself. read more

I love these guys! Been going for a couple of months now, and had to start working an extra day a week to afford it, but I'm hooked! Everybody is friendly and welcoming. All levels of experience are welcome, and while I often feel like I have NO IDEA what I'm doing, somehow I find myself doing it anyway because of these talented, wonderful people. I didn't experience any of the high pressure sales other posters have mentioned. It's a business, to be sure, and they want to make sure you schedule your individual classes regularly, and encourage you to sign up for more lessons, but they've always done so with warmth and grace. And it's not as though they're only trying to get you there for the things that keep the rent paid - I get phone calls at least once a week inviting me to a particular group class (which are included at no extra charge, at least under the plan that I'm on) that my instructor thinks would be a good supplement to our lessons. I've taken individual and 2-person lessons, and attended group classes and practice parties. It's all really fun, and there's always an instructor nearby to help when you're just not getting it, or need another set of eyes, or just want to try something out with a different partner for a minute. I'm certain I could find less expensive dance lessons in the area, but I'd be hard-pressed to find a better community of energetic, enthusiastic people. read more

My husband and I started taking lessons just for fun, having little to no dancing experience. They do a really good job introducing each dance to you and then building on them all at once so that you have some knowledge of each before you move on. The practice parties are really helpful to gain experience moving around a dance floor, and the instructors are there to guide you for the dances you don't know yet. All of the employees are excited to see you when you arrive, and introduce you to the other patrons so that it feels like a community and you are more comfortable dancing. It can get pretty expensive, but I don't have much experience taking lessons in anything, so I don't know how it rates compared to other activities. read more

It's great to see a business like this continue to bring the class, elegance and grace of ballroom dancing to new generations of dancers. The instructors are engaging and affable, willing to improvise in the approaches they take to instruction as the lessons progress. Shout out to Karla ! read more

I started taking lessons at Arthur Murray for a charity event. I became hooked as it was so much fun! The instructors are amazing and the other students are super fun to dance with. After a year and a half of dancing I am more committed than ever to keep on learning, and it is all because of the great experience I have had at Arthur Murray. My only regret is that I didn't start taking lessons sooner! read more

I got a groupon discount and told all of the people at Arthur Murray that I was going to shop around and see if I would go there....I shopped around and discovered my original feelings about Arthur Murray held up.....that they are a great place to go dance but that isn't the best part. The best part about Arthur Murray is they are so warm and treated me like I was a part of their family from the very first minute of introduction. They didn't email me: they called (even if it was a day early, Karla, I loved that you took the time and then had fun with it when I called back and told you that you were early!!) I'm definitely going back to Arthur Murray especially through the holidays: I KNOW it has to be super special then. Thank you everyone, from the employees to the other guests for the pleasant time(s) I had at Arthur Murray. You rock, Karla, and you're a much better instructor than that other girl I teased you about. read more