If you’ve searched for ballroom dance lessons in any major U.S. city, you’ve probably seen at least one of these names: Arthur Murray, Fred Astaire Dance Studios, and Dance With Me. All three are franchise chains. All three teach Latin and ballroom styles. And all three have a reputation for being expensive.
So how do you choose? This guide breaks down each chain on what matters most: teaching method, pricing, atmosphere, and who each studio is best suited for.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Arthur Murray | Fred Astaire | Dance With Me |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1912 | 1947 | 2007 |
| U.S. Locations | ~250+ | ~175+ | ~35+ |
| Teaching Method | Proprietary AM system | FADS syllabus | Varied |
| Competition Focus | Moderate to High | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
| Private Lesson Cost | $90-$180/hr | $80-$160/hr | $80-$150/hr |
| Best For | Competitors and social dancers | Beginners and hobbyists | DWTS fans, social dancers |
Arthur Murray Dance Studios
Arthur Murray is the oldest and largest ballroom dance franchise in the world, with roots going back to 1912. The brand carries significant name recognition, and most locations run a robust social dance calendar including weekly parties, showcases, and regional competitions.
What Sets Arthur Murray Apart
Arthur Murray uses a proprietary teaching system that structures lessons into levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) aligned with competition syllabi. If you ever want to compete, even at amateur social levels, Arthur Murray’s curriculum maps well to those environments. The social dance culture is also a genuine differentiator. Most locations host Friday night parties open to students, and many run monthly showcases where students perform.
Pros
- Structured curriculum that translates to competition readiness
- Strong social dance events with weekly parties at most locations
- Large network lets you take lessons at any location nationwide
- Well-recognized brand with long history
Cons
- High-pressure sales culture at many locations with aggressive upselling
- Long-term package contracts can run $3,000 to $10,000 or more
- Quality varies significantly by franchise owner and individual instructor
Pricing
Introductory lessons are typically $30 to $75 for a first session. Package pricing runs $90 to $180 per hour depending on location and instructor level. Most Arthur Murray studios push packages of 20, 40, or 60 lessons, ranging from $3,000 to $12,000 depending on the market.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios
Fred Astaire Dance Studios has been around since 1947 and is Arthur Murray’s main national competitor. Like Arthur Murray, it’s a franchise network. The two chains are remarkably similar in structure, but there are meaningful differences in culture and emphasis.
What Sets Fred Astaire Apart
Fred Astaire tends to feel slightly more relaxed than Arthur Murray ΓÇö less competition-driven and a bit more beginner-friendly in some markets. The FADS teaching syllabus is its own system, and instructors are trained through FADS certification programs. Some locations have a reputation for being less aggressive with sales, though this is highly location-dependent.
Pros
- Solid beginner programs ΓÇö a good starting point if you’ve never danced
- Large national network with similar portability to Arthur Murray
- Some locations offer group classes at lower price points
- Less competition pressure than Arthur Murray at many studios
Cons
- Same package sales model as Arthur Murray with high upfront commitments
- Instructor quality varies by location
- Social event calendar is thinner at some locations
- Smaller footprint than Arthur Murray in rural markets
Pricing
Similar introductory pricing to Arthur Murray at $30 to $60 for a starter lesson. Private lesson rates run $80 to $160 per hour. Package pricing ranges from $2,500 to $10,000 or more depending on instructor tier and package size.
Dance With Me Studios
Dance With Me is the newest of the three, founded in 2007 by Maksim and Val Chmerkovskiy ΓÇö professional dancers from Dancing With the Stars. The chain has around 35 locations, primarily in the Northeast and expanding into other markets.
What Sets Dance With Me Apart
The DWTS connection is a real differentiator. Many locations employ instructors with professional competitive backgrounds, and the brand attracts students who were inspired by the show. The atmosphere tends to be more contemporary and less formal than Arthur Murray or Fred Astaire ΓÇö modern facilities, current music, and a social media presence that reflects the brand’s origins.
Pros
- DWTS connection with a celebrity-adjacent brand and recognizable instructors
- More contemporary feel than the legacy chains
- Some locations offer more flexible commitment structures
- Strong for social and Latin styles
Cons
- Much smaller network with limited coverage outside the Northeast
- Less structured curriculum than Arthur Murray or Fred Astaire
- The DWTS halo can mask inconsistent instructor quality
- Competition infrastructure is thinner than the larger chains
Pricing
Private lessons run $80 to $150 per hour at most locations. Some studios offer more a la carte options. Group classes typically run $20 to $35 per session.
The Real Differentiator: The Individual Studio
Here’s the honest truth: brand matters far less than the specific franchise location. A great Arthur Murray studio will outperform a mediocre Fred Astaire every time, and vice versa. All three chains are franchises, which means the owner and local culture determine your experience more than the corporate brand does.
Before committing to any package, do three things. First, take the intro lesson ΓÇö use it to gauge the instructor’s teaching style and the overall atmosphere, not to actually learn a dance. Second, attend a free social party if possible, since Arthur Murray especially hosts open parties where you can see whether the community feels genuine. Third, ask about instructor tenure, because high turnover is a red flag.
Which Studio Should You Choose?
Choose Arthur Murray if you want to compete, want the strongest social dance community, or are committed to dance as a long-term hobby with structured progression.
Choose Fred Astaire if you’re a beginner who wants a national-brand experience, the local Fred Astaire has better reviews than the Arthur Murray in your area, or you prefer a slightly less competitive atmosphere.
Choose Dance With Me if you’re in the Northeast, you were inspired by DWTS and want that aesthetic, or you prefer a more contemporary and flexible studio environment.
Consider an independent studio if you want lower prices, more flexible scheduling, drop-in classes, or a teacher focused on your goals rather than the next package tier. Many of the best ballroom instructors in any city are not affiliated with these chains.
Bottom Line
Arthur Murray, Fred Astaire, and Dance With Me are all legitimate options for ballroom dance instruction. Arthur Murray has the strongest infrastructure for social dance and competition. Fred Astaire is a solid alternative in markets where Arthur Murray underperforms. Dance With Me offers a fresher brand experience with more limited geographic reach.
In every case, read local reviews, take the intro lesson, and trust your read on the specific studio over the logo on the door.