Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Dance Lessons in the Bay Area
Established in 1912, Arthur Murray Dance Centers has revolutionized dance education through its innovative, fool-proof teaching method. Our studio specializes in transforming beginners into confident dancers with personalized programs tailored to individual goals. With five convenient locations across the Bay Area, we offer comprehensive instruction in over 30 partner dance styles including ballroom, Latin, swing, and Argentine tango. Our team of highly-trained instructors creates a welcoming environment where singles, couples, and wedding clients develop dance skills while building community.The legacy of our founder, Arthur Murray, continues through our commitment to making dance accessible and enjoyable for all ages and experience levels. We combine technical expertise with a focus on fun, ensuring students achieve their dance aspirations while maintaining the highest standards of instruction. Our nightly group classes foster social connections while reinforcing private lesson content, creating a holistic dance learning experience.
Services
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Wedding Dance Lessons
Salsa Dance Instruction
Swing Dance Classes
Argentine Tango Lessons
Country Dance Training
Details
- Year established: 1912
Highlights and features
- Personalized dance programs tailored to individual goals
- Proven teaching method developed over 100 years of experience
- Five convenient Bay Area locations with flexible scheduling
- No partner required - learn at your own pace
- Nightly group classes reinforce private lesson progress
What people say
Friendly and positive teachers
Amazing experience
Great community
Winning combination of skills
Super fun date night
Services
Ballroom Dance Lessons
Our comprehensive ballroom instruction covers waltz, foxtrot, and more with personalized programs for all skill levels. Students develop proper technique and confidence through structured lessons that combine foundational steps with social dance applications. Instructors adapt teaching to individual learning styles, ensuring rapid progress in a supportive environment.
Wedding Dance Lessons
Create unforgettable wedding memories with customized choreography for your first dance. Our specialists help couples of all experience levels master elegant routines that reflect their personal style. Private sessions focus on timing, connection, and presentation to ensure a confident, romantic performance on your special day.
Salsa Dance Instruction
Learn authentic salsa techniques through progressive lessons that build rhythm, footwork, and partner connection. Our instructors teach both social dancing and performance styles, incorporating cultural context and musicality. Group classes provide practice opportunities while private lessons accelerate skill development for all experience levels.
Swing Dance Classes
Master the energetic rhythms of swing dancing with instruction covering basic patterns to advanced moves. Classes emphasize musicality, improvisation, and partner communication in a fun, social atmosphere. Both solo and partner variations prepare students for social dancing at clubs and special events.
Argentine Tango Lessons
Develop tango proficiency through structured lessons focusing on posture, connection, and musical interpretation. Our instructors teach both traditional and contemporary styles, emphasizing lead/follow skills and expressive movement. Regular practice sessions help students integrate technical elements into fluid, elegant dance sequences.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer instruction in 30+ partner dance styles including ballroom, Latin, swing, Argentine tango, salsa, and country two-step.
Do I need a dance partner?
No partner required - our instructors will dance with you during lessons, and group classes provide partner rotation opportunities.
Are group classes available?
Yes, we offer nightly group classes that reinforce private lesson content and provide social dance practice opportunities.
Can you help with wedding dance preparation?
Our wedding specialists create customized choreography for your first dance, with packages tailored to your timeline and skill level.
What should I wear to lessons?
Comfortable clothing that allows movement, with clean, non-marking shoes - formal attire not required for regular lessons.
How quickly will I learn to dance?
Our proven method gets students dancing on their first lesson, with visible progress typically seen within 3-5 sessions.
Reviews (5)
Sumadhur Shakya
Dec 12, 2021
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Critical:Professionalism,Quality,Value
most people go to dance school for the love and joy of dance. but this business is like the old cable companies and car dealership like pushy sales tactics. poor business practices. find someone/something different where you dont get left with a poor taste in the name of learning dance.
most people go to dance school for the love and joy of dance. but this business is like the old cable companies and car dealership like pushy sales tactics. poor business practices. find someone/something different where you dont get left with a poor taste in the name of learning dance.
Andrea D.
Sep 26, 2021
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Great for helping with our first dance at our wedding! My now husband and I were set on taking dance lessons to help prep for our first dance. We mainly chose Arthur Murray because it was local and I have been there before, but we were pleased with lots of other perks! First and foremost our instructor was the BEST ever - Sarafina :)) She was so patient and sweet, which made our lessons very enjoyable!
She had tons of great tips and advice, and we loved her choreography. We decided on the six class package, which was enough to learn a full dance, alter it, and practice until it was perfect! I would
She had tons of great tips and advice, and we loved her choreography. We decided on the six class package, which was enough to learn a full dance, alter it, and practice until it was perfect! I would
Huyen D.
Feb 17, 2021
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If you want someone who cares about what you want and how you'll do, Arthur Murray won't be there for you. They're very corporate. Get in, get out, so they can get the our money. Our lessons ended months before our wedding but because we decided not to pay for anymore lessons, they never checked in to see how we did. They made us a short little dance but never really asked if we liked it but just taught it during our lessons and used up all the lessons that we had to buy more. It's very unfortunate because we spent A LOT of money to get it perfect for our big day but it was
Sandy Lotz-Weiner
Dec 14, 2020
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I love this studio! From the friendly, supportive, super patient instructors, to the beautiful decorated rooms and spacious dance floor, including my encouraging fellow students, all of it. I am enjoying both private lessons and group classes. Best gift I ever gave myself, so glad I found this gem!
Donald Fischer
Oct 27, 2020
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The teachers are great. The people learning dancing are great. In addition to private lessons there are nightly group session where specific dances are taught. Twice a week there are practice parties for social dancing and to practice waltzes, foxtrot, swing, hustle, salsa, cha cha, and a bunch of others. Arthur Murray at Monterey offers an intense and professional program that is fun and great exercise. Give it a try.
