Arthur Murray Dance Studio

2526 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR 97232, USA

Address:	2526 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR 97232, USA
Phone:	+1 503-595-1200
Site:	portlandballroomdance.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	Closed 1–10PM 1–10PM 1–10PM 1–10PM 10AM–6PM Closed

Location

Photos 34

Reviews 8

Will Cool

This can be a fun place. A great place for learning wedding dances, too. The syllabus is definitely good, but you will never be allowed to see it, although they do test you on it. They teach technique more than steps and it takes a long time to become accomplished that way, but it lays a very strong foundation. The teaching is spotty, because the instructor turn-over rate is very high and they only seem to hire young instructors without ballroom experience that they can indoctrinate. Mostly the people are nice, but beware the hype of the cult-like mentality, the lack of follow through in promises, and the class divide between staff and students. There are many events and If you dont have lots of money to spend you may feel left out. If you go into it as a social club, expecting slow, steady progress -- and dont trust the hype -- then you should have lots of fun. The teaching method favors dance as a sport more than as an art, more fitness than self-expression or self-discovery. Just dont buy in that its a school -- the new instructors are the real students and given more attention and learning resources. The customers are there to support instructor education in return for a social club environment and slow but guaranteed progress in dance ability, as your pocketbook allows. You will be treated as rich patrons, there to foster the instructors and studios growth more than your own. Though the instructors have been foolishly and stupidly programmed to believe that they are there to help with your health, happiness and welfare, none of that is their concern except superficially. If you let yourself believe they are your friends they will prove faithless; its a business more than a community. Go there just to have fun.

Anonymous User

Their least experienced teachers sometimes teach the most beginner students. If you go in for an introductory lesson, your teacher might have only been dancing themselves for a couple months, and teaching for even less time. For that reason, first visits here can be incredibly hit or miss. That said, I think that this studio is a GREAT place to go for wedding choreography. Its not cheap, but theyre experts on this sort of thing. They will want you to go to a group class as part of your package. GO TO THE FREAKING GROUP CLASS. Its for a reason- it will help your connection, learning any dance will help your wedding dance, and it might give you more material for the rest of your wedding, not just your first dance together. hints: -have your song picked out when you go -have an idea of what you want to look like dancing -bring your wedding shoes to practice in -TALK TO YOUR PARTNER ABOUT EXPECTATIONS You will not learn how to dance in two hours, its just not possible. You will learn even less if you dont have your music picked out. You will have to deal with them trying to sell you more lessons (its a business, after all), and you may have a teacher that you dont connect with. In that case, talk to the management and request someone else. The intro program is a gimme- theyre losing money on it, so dont expect them to be thrilled to see you for only those two lessons. Your best bet is to get the 6-lesson package. Its a great deal, GO TO THE GROUP CLASSES, and it will give you the time to learn how to move together.

Whitney Matousek

So far my experience has been excellent. Having always envied Ginger Rogers, learning to dance has been something I’ve wanted to do all my life. My instructor Ous doesn’t let a minute of my private lesson get wasted and has worked out lesson plans that allow my body and mind to make connections so that I can apply one technique to multiple styles. The enthusiasm of the studio does take a bit of getting used to if that level eleven energy isn’t what you’re used to but I’ve come to find that’s it’s the best remedy to a down day. I can’t speak to the negative experiences posted in these reviews regarding body image manipulation as I have not experienced that in the least and I am in no way trim. Nor have I experienced any “hard sell”. It is a business as any other and they need to keep their doors open which I understand. It’s all in the attitude you bring with you through the door. I expect to keep cutting a rug here for a long time!

Anonymous User

Keep a level head if you come in here. Your instructor will crack you open with questions and try to discover anything you feel insecure about. Then they have emotional leverage. If your instructor ever finds out that you feel awkward dancing socially (for example), then theyll cradle your self-esteem and make you feel that the only way to be amazing is to purchase more of their short, if not overpriced, lessons. You can imagine what will happen if you have weight issues. I expect a certain degree of manipulation from most businesses, but Arthur Murray brings it to a disgusting new level. Go to a local independent studio instead, where their tactics to get you to buy more lessons will be more obvious and less overtly controlling.

Anonymous User

These guys are up to something. I cant quite put my finger on it, but something about the vibe I get from instructors here puts me off. Its not like they talk down to you or anything. Its just that when I talk to them, I feel less like theyre making conversation and more like theyre studying me. Like Im some kind of research animal. Plus, I dropped a good chunk of change on a foundation program in the hopes Id be at least a decent dancer by the time it was done. Not true. Im a better dancer, yes, but not $750 better. My advice? Find a friend who knows how to dance and learn from them.

Cheryl Huston

This dance studio is the best I could have asked for. Every time I walk in the door, I feel like Im coming to see family. The instructors here are excellent. Initially, I signed up for a few lessons hoping to gain a little confidence in dancing at social events. I have gotten so much more. Its now been almost three years and Im still coming for lessons. And the students here? They are also amazing and like family. Coming here has given me life long friends, confidence, and the ability to take my dancing skills onto a variety of dance floors. :)

Gina Gatto

I felt so carefree and was so fun to be able to dance like this!! Arthur Murray Dance Studio was a very great experience for me. I went to the all levels Tango group lesson and practice party on Wednesday night. And I also went to a private lesson with Ous, whos a really nice instructor. I had the best time ever and everyone who works there was very friendly and helpful. If you like to dance or you want to learn how to dance? Your will love this experience just like i did!

Daniel Lewis

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 youve always wanted to learn how to dance or just want to find a new dance social come check it out. You cant go wrong. They can teach you any dance. Ive been focusing on Salsa, West Coast Swing, Country Two Step and Lindy Hop. So much fun!