Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland
Ballroom, Latin, swing and tango lessons for singles, couples and weddings
Arthur Murray Dance Studios is one of the world's largest and most recognized ballroom dance franchises, founded in 1912.
Photo: Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland via Google
Before your first class
The studio specialises in teaching complete beginners and explicitly states that most students start with no dance experience.
For wedding dance lessons, wear comfortable shoes for the first couple of lessons, then bring your wedding shoes as the date approaches to ensure comfort on the day.
Wedding dance first lesson $80; pricing for other programmes not specified in the source material.
About this studio
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland is part of a franchise that traces back over a century to founder Arthur Murray, who believed everyone can learn to dance. The studio specialises in teaching beginner dancers through what they call their fool-proof method, designed to get you on the dance floor quickly. You'll start learning on your very first lesson.
The Portland location on NE Broadway teaches more than 30 styles of dance. These include ballroom standards (Waltz, Cha Cha), Latin styles (Salsa in LA, Bachata, and Merengue), swing variations (East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing), Argentine Tango with its variations (Tango Vals and Milonga), and Country Western. The studio runs specific lesson tracks for singles with no partner or experience required, couples looking to reconnect through dance, and wedding couples planning their first dance. Wedding packages include song editing as part of the service.
The teaching method is described as an interrelated system that makes learning fun and quick regardless of what style of music you want to dance to. Instructors are certified and described in reviews as encouraging and supportive. Clients report a welcoming community atmosphere where they see familiar faces regularly and form lasting friendships. The studio also operates three additional locations across the greater Portland metro area: Beaverton, Clackamas, and Vancouver.
For wedding couples, the studio offers guidance on whether to pursue full choreography, lead-and-follow improvisation, or a combination of both. They recommend starting several months in advance, though note it's never too late to begin. Most couples attend once or twice a week for private lessons leading up to their wedding, with the complexity of the dance and individual learning pace determining the total timeframe.
What to expect
Your first visit
Your first lesson begins with questions about your goals and the look you want to achieve, followed by guided basics from a certified instructor. You'll start learning to dance on that first visit and leave with a plan for your next few sessions.
Instructors
Who teaches here
The studio employs certified instructors who are described in reviews as highly trained, encouraging, and supportive across all skill levels. No individual instructor names appear in the source material.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
The studio specialises in teaching complete beginners and explicitly states that most students start with no dance experience.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
For wedding dance lessons, wear comfortable shoes for the first couple of lessons, then bring your wedding shoes as the date approaches to ensure comfort on the day.
Studio history
Arthur Murray, the founder, believed that everyone can learn to dance. What began as mail-order footprints grew into a franchise family of over 300 locations worldwide. More than a century later, the studio continues his tradition of innovative dance teaching.
Styles offered
18 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portlandhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland teach?
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland teaches Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythm, Swing, Country Western and 12 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland located?
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland is located in Portland, OR. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland offer private lessons?
Contact Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland teach kids and adults?
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland?
The fastest path is to visit Arthur Murray Dance Studio Portland via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.