My wife and I have been going to Arthur Murray Santa Barbara for about three years, and we genuinely love it. The instructors are knowledgeable, approachable, and easy to work with. They do a great job meeting you where you are and making lessons enjoyable without feeling intimidating. We're always greeted warmly by Val when we walk in, which sets the tone right away. With all the group classes, parties, and events, the studio really feels like a second family. The social atmosphere is a big part of why we keep coming back, and it's something we truly appreciate. If you're looking for a welcoming place to learn to dance and be part of a community, we highly recommend it. read more

Arthur Murray Dance Studio Santa Barbara - Dance Studios Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Arthur Murray Santa Barbara provides a second to none dance learning and enjoyment experience. The studio offers instruction in dozens of different dances, ranging from smooth style like waltz, tango, and foxtrot, rhythm such as rumba, cha cha, and swing, latin like salsa and bachata, and even country western. The Arthur Murray professional instructors consistently demonstrate complete competence, kindness, and patience. The studio is warm, quite inviting, and tastefully decorated, and is a great place to meet new people, especially during the many offered free group classes. Dancing is excellent for both mind and body health, and whether the desire is to become a good social dancer, or to compete at the various formal annual events, the Arthur Murray program will lead you to fulfilling your dance goals. read more

This is the best place ever. My husband and I started dance lessons prior to our wedding because we wanted to learn a simple wedding dance. We are both shy people with absolutely no dancing experience. Well, that isn't true. I had a "traumatic" dancing experience in that I was scarred for life when a mean girl in junior high made fun of me at a dance and I decided that I would never dance again. Add some extra social anxiety and a neuromuscular disorder and I was NOT excited. However, these instructors made it so much fun that we loved our routine, enjoyed our first dance, and have continued taking lessons for an additional year and a half since our wedding. The instructors are warm, inviting, fun, understanding, and know when to push and when not to push. They are beyond talented and believe in us. It is a joy to be there. We love Arthur Murray Dance Studio Santa Barbara! read more

Arthur Murray SB is an amazing and first-class experience for the new or seasoned dancer. Every instructor is professional, friendly, and concerned about helping students reach their goals. There are plenty of events, parties, and classes for practicing and socializing. If you want to feel at home and learn a great new hobby, I highly recommend that you dance at AMSB! read more

Great teachers, a fantastic space, and an excellent community to learn dance, even as a beginner!

At Arthur Murray in Santa Barbara, all the instructors are highly trained & easy to work with. I have been dancing there for several years, and I have learned many patterns and techniques for smooth, rhythm and country dances. Moreover, with the help of my teachers, my sense of self-confidence has improved tremendously. I cannot cannot emphasize enough how fortunate we are to have such a premier dance studio as Arthur Murray in Santa Barbara. read more

I'm not a dancer in the slightest, but Arthur Murray SB is proof that the instructors can teach ANYONE to dance. My boyfriend and I took a lesson on a whim and got completely hooked on dancing -- and in just a few months, we're made progress on multiple dance styles. The instructors are energetic, fun, and encouraging, and everyone at the studio is kind and accepting of all dancers. Also, CiCi is a phenomenal tango instructor, and because of her, I can say that walking backwards changed my life. :) read more

I was someone who never thought I could dance. That I had two left feet. But my girlfriend and I thought it might be fun to give it a try! We have had such a good time and feel so supported and cared for by the full Arthur Murray team. CiCi is a great lead instructor, Spencer was fun and Scott is awesome. We have improved greatly and more importantly are having fun while doing so. I highly recommend to everyone that you should give this a try - regardless of your perceived skill level. If we can do it, you can too! read more

I did very much enjoy the three years of lessons with a particular teacher at Arthur Murray Dance Studio Santa Barbara. But I was completely heartbroken, devastated and shocked when abruptly after three years and tens of thousands of dollars spent, I was given an ultimatum to either take a lesson once a month with a teacher I don't like (at $165 for 40 minutes) or not be allowed back in the studio. I was not told of this rule - that you must take lessons from another teacher besides your primary teacher, for three years. I did explain again that with having Fibromyalgia that I had to have a teacher that knows how to be gentle. I am not physically able to dance extensively with just anyone as it causes my body additional pain. I did already try a lesson with another male instructor which did not work for me. The fact that they had the ability to be so heartless and cruel is beyond me. No one said anything such as sorry it didn't work out, as we enforce this rule after three years or expressed any remorse about my extremely hurt feelings at all of a sudden not being allowed to see any of these people ever again. Without warning I was completely dead to them. At the end of the day, I am only guilty of going to a dance studio and actually liking my instructor. A year ago they sent me a card appreciating my business when there were few (if any) other students on Zoom during Covid. But other than during Covid, I had to constantly say no to pressure to taking additional expensive consultant lessons or week-end competition trips. I usually spent at least $1,000 per month but was always asked to do more, even after negotiating in writing an agreement stating what I could I afford and asked that I only be solicited about activities outside of lessons at the first of each month. But the female owner specifically told me after delivering the final ultimatum that they only agreed to that document because they were afraid I would leave back then, but now she is letting me know that it is the teacher's job (i.e. to sell). Going further back, when it scared me that my teacher was going to be traveling to Mexico, at the time a level 4 Covid destination, and most businesses were still closed - the same owner said that I am volunteering to go the studio and if I think they are so bad, I should not come back. I truly was coming from a place of being afraid, as we all were, asking what the Covid policies would be since I did not see anything posted. And I thought that the owners were allowing my teacher to go on the trip. But I received a note saying that they are a team. I can perhaps accept - rules are rules, but what hurts the most is that I was not permitted any closure or to make a sense a peace with it all. After I was told to leave, I sent a card addressed to my teacher in care of the studio, expressing gratitude for our three years together and wishing him well. But the mail was refused by the dance studio and I received it back unopened. Students are not allowed to directly contact/text teachers. Two years ago, I voluntarily left Arthur Murray for months when my message given to the male owner was not passed onto my teacher who was gone for a week (I was upset at my teacher for continuing to ask me to do a $7,000 competition trip to Canada after I said that I changed my mind). I see now that I just have to forgive myself for simply being mistaken. I really believed that within all the noise and hard sell that they did care for me as a human being. I actually thought the relationship was not entirely based on the studio and staff receiving franchise awards for most sales in the district etc., that they weren't just doing what works for more revenue. That is why even after five weeks I still feel like I was thrown off the roof and everyone just danced away. However, as with most heart break there is a silver lining. Now I know it is possible to learn ballroom and pay much less money, receive an in-depth curriculum with no sales tactics, be in a quiet studio, and treated with kindness and compassion. read more

My now wife and I started to come here to prepare for our first dance at our wedding. We received a beautifully choreographed dance and excellent instruction that helped the two of us feel confident for our big day. That's quite the accomplishment since we are both shy people that never dance. Well, I should say never use to dance because we stuck around after the wedding for more lessons. It has become a fun hobby for the two of us. All the instructors at the studio are excellent and provide a friendly, fun, and non-judgmental atmosphere. read more

Serge reached out to me and said he and his wife took over the business in 2016 and apologized for the experience I had and offered to redeem the Groupon I had even though it's way past the expiration date. Thank you so much, Serge, I'm so happy you reached out to me, it's very appreciated! read more

Taking some lessons with my Fiance for our May wedding. The studio hooked us up with Stephanie, and she is just wonderful! really helpful, enthusiastic, and ready to get us moving! The song we picked for our first dance is kind of a challenge to dance to, but Stephanie never suggested we pick a new song, which probably would have stressed us out. Instead, we are embracing it, learning to dance, and having a wonderful time! My parents have also decided to learn to dance together for the first time. The studio has really made them love it! I have never seen my parents enjoy something together so much. My dad moves the furniture around the house at night to get a big enough area for them to dance in. Anyone out there not sure if they need lessons for their wedding, do it. Even if you already know how to dance, this place will bring you closer together and make you feel more confident on your big day if nothing else. Worth it! read more

I'm surprised no one has reviewed this place yet. My fiance and I are taking lessons right now in preparation for our wedding in a couple of weeks. So far so good. Neither of us is much of a dancer. The instructors and staff are VERY enthusiastic and friendly and UP, which for someone like me can be a little annoying, but I do understand that its part of their way of doing things. We are learning to dance and we are having fun, so I would say it is a success. Also, the instructors and the long time students really can dance well. If I were a real dancer I would definitely return and delve in a little deeper to see all they have to offer. If you are looking for some help learning to dance, or a specific dance for your wedding or someone elses wedding, or any special occasion I would recommend these guys. One note is that is does seem a little expensive to me, but maybe I just have an unrealistic idea of what it should cost. read more

Our friends, Marc & Kendra, invited us to accompany them to a group dance lesson and dance party (Elvis themed that week). In the group lesson, we learned bachata, waltz, and rumba. The instructor was fabulous, enthusiastic, and witty! She certainly kept the energy up and taught in a very that made dancing seemed easy. As a salsa dancer (~2 years) and budding Lindy hopper, I found the lesson to be a bit basic but fun all the same. The lesson allowed you to practice with several different people so that you can learn to follow (or lead) universally. The dance party afterwards gave us the chance to practice our newly learned dance moves. Even though my boyfriend and I spent most of our time dancing with each other and practicing the Lindy (which wasn't taught), the instructors still felt comfortable approaching us and "forcing" us to do other dances, which was nice. Orion was the most memorable instructor in that he was very nice and a great lead. Lucky for us, a Groupon came up recently for 2 private lessons, a group lesson, and a group party so we will be using that to improve our Lindy hopping skills! read more

I am a psychiatrist who absorbs psychological pain all day long. Ballroom dancing at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio releases the pain and puts me back in touch with the joy of life. I agree with Susan B. If the world just danced together, there would be no more war. I have been dancing at Arthur Murray for five years. I go there every night after work (it is much more interesting than the gym), and I take on the challenges of Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Salsa, Samba, Hustle, Argentine Tango, Bachata, and Country Western Two Step, Waltz and Swing. There is so much to learn, and all the evidence points to the fact that the best way to stay young and healthy is to keep learning. Arthur Murray has developed an essentially foolproof teaching method. You learn basic patterns that can be used in multiple dances, which is really helpful to someone my age who struggles a bit with memory! I honestly believe that they can teach anyone to dance. There is a really nice feeling at the studio, very respectful. We are a diverse group of students (and teachers), but we come together in our love of dance. We are all ages, all professions, all ethnicities, but none of that matters because we simply appreciate dancing with each other. Ballroom dancing is great exercise. I have lost weight (without trying), I leave the studio drenched in sweat, and I am in the best shape I ever been in my entire life. I feel strong and confident in my own body. So try it out! Come to the studio and see what ballroom dancing can do for you. The staff are professional, talented, intelligent, and caring--AND THEY CAN TEACH YOU TO DANCE! read more

Arthur Murray Dance Center of Santa Barbara is the best place to learn to dance. The wonderful location, the excellent staff, and the great tradition of Arthur Murray make this a first choice when learning to dance. The staff is professional, friendly, and highly trained. The whole experience is welcoming and fun from beginning to end. I will recommend Arthur Murray Santa Barbara to all my friends and family! read more

My fiancé and I had our first dance lesson today. We're preparing for our wedding day. Our instructor is Orion, and he is beyond amazing and patient! Other staff helped out by giving us demonstrations and told us about all the free group lessons we can go to just by paying for our private lessons. I feel so much more confident about our first dance already and I'm excited to take more lessons ASAP! If you're looking for quality dance lessons, this is for sure the place to go to. read more

My husband and I started taking lessons to prepare for our daughters' wedding, but stayed on because the lessons were so good and the studio is so fun. There are 6 professional instructors, each with specialties they offer during the free group classes. The private lessons are thorough and really impart proper dance techniques wether you just want to learn social dances like salsa or hustle, or if you want to develop more elaborate skills. It is a very welcoming studio, so even if you think you have 2 left feet and could never make a great dancer of yourself, they will treat you like family and help you meet your goals. read more

The Santa Barbara Arthur Murray staff members are not only fabulous professional ballroom dancers; they are pros at making people feel good. Their authentic positive encouragement combined with great teaching skills contributes to an environment where magic happens. Before I started dancing, I never dreamed that I'd being wearing sexy dance costumes and having so much fun -especially at my age! Since my husband and I started dancing with Arthur Murray 5 years ago, I have lost about 30 pounds and gained at least a hundred friends. In fact, I feel, and have been told that I look younger than I did 10 years ago. No Botox or other anti-aging treatments necessary-just dancing at Arthur Murray! There are numerous studies about the health benefits of dancing which include improvement in balance, cardiovascular stamina and physical fitness, increased social support and preventing cognitive decline. As a "young older adult" who is concerned about aging successfully, I can attest to experiencing many health benefits from dancing! So, if you are looking to have fun, make friends, stimulate your brain, connect with your inner spirit, keep young at heart, feel more confident, get fit, lose weight, and contribute to global peace, become a dancer at Arthur Murray! That might sound like a bit of an exaggeration but I firmly believe that if more people danced and connected with other human beings in this profoundly respectful and fun manner, there would be less aggression and ultimately fewer wars. Cha Cha, Susan read more

I can't say enough good things about Aurthur Murray here in Santa Barbara. The instructors are fantastic, and they don't complain when you inevitably step on their feet. The private lessons are great, and you get individualized instruction that improves your dancing rapidly. Typically, I'm not a fan of group classes, but I got over that apprehension after attending a few at this studio. They are so well run, and end up being a fun way to practice what you're learning. And above all, I find myself lingering after class just to chat with the instructors and fellow students, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Whether your learning for a specific event or just want to pick up a new hobby, I can't find a single reason you shouldn't come and check out this studio. read more

My partner and I have been going to this dance studio for 2 weeks and totally love it. We purchased a Groupon and after 2 private lessons decided we wanted to invest in a package. The instructors are all very friendly, outgoing and enthusiastic. Our instructor Kristen has been so lovely to work with. We received a personalized thank you card after our first lesson and really appreciated that gesture. The private lessons are great and the group classes are very small so you're able to still learn a lot. They offer private lessons for individuals and couples so if you're interested in dancing this is definitely the studio to check out. They have a new student offer (2 private lessons for $45) and it's a great way to try it out. read more

This is a great dance studio! The staff are talented and Karen runs a first class operation! I especially love the practice parties because the staff are so attentive about asking me to dance. Two thumbs up for my favorite dance studio inSanta Barbara!!! read more

We love learning from the teachers at Arthur Murray. They are fun, energetic, and very encouraging.

I set up my lesson with Kristen, who was very easy to communicate with and was very prompt with every email response. As soon as I walked in I received the warmest welcome from everyone, which eased my anxiety about dancing. Heather was my actual dance instructor, and she was an absolute delight. I am quite rhythmically-challenged, but Heather made me feel like I could do anything. She genuinely wants you to feel good about yourself, and was encouraging with every step (very excited about that pun!) I feel ten times more confident with just one lesson. Thanks guys! read more

My husband and I signed up for a package to prepare for our daughter's wedding and for him to learn a father-daughter dance. The staff were incredibly professional, fun, and competent, considering neither Brian nor I knew any social dances. In 2 months we learned a ton of routines and our daughter's wedding dance floor was never empty. We danced till 3am! We decided to keep taking lessons because the studio is a wonderful way to spend an evening with free group lessons and social dance parties. They even have line dancing... albeit a tad unconventional. The owners Serge and Kristin genuinely care about their clients and the instructors Josh, Nadia, and Orion are extremely good at the impossible: eaching rookies to dance well and feel confident doing so. read more

Serge is by far the friendliest and most engaging and encouraging instructor I've ever had! I am so excited to continue my lessons with him, I would recommend this studio to anyone of all ages! Great to try with a significant other. Thank you AM dance studio! read more

Great, enthusiastic staff who makes you feel comfortable and welcomed on the dance floor. Highly recommend! Lessons were a positive experience. read more

These folks are great! My wife's long-held dream has been for us to dance together. I have always had trouble following the music let alone the steps. Over the years she has tried various unsuccessful ploys to get me to dance that mostly just embarrassed me. The teachers here started us right at a level that I could do and have brought us along only as fast as I can go. The result is that I have made steady progress and am really enjoying it. Their teaching method is especially important for a beginning male like me. The guy has a lot more to learn and think about when dancing and thus it was much more intimidating for me than for my wife. They have really helped with this from the beginning. The teachers are all excellent dancers and great teachers. They provide a variety of perspectives/emphases that is very helpful even for a beginner like me. And they notice little bits of progress and comment on them which is really rewarding and helps to keep one from getting discouraged when watching better dancers. One of the other reviewers commented on the cost and I'll just say that if one uses what is made available, my wife and I go to private lessons, group classes, and practice parties for a total of 8 to 10 h a week, it is very high value relative to the cost. read more

Paul and Karen are great. They are really fantastic people to work with. They are highly knowledgeable and have been in the industry for quite some time. read more

What a Wonderful place to dance. The first time I went, I learned 3 dances. Waltz Rumba and Swing. Good for salsa, tango, cha cha , and merengue too. These are great tools for a social dancing environment. Plus it has helped me so much with balance and posture and the way I feel and just overall confidence. What a great addition to my life. Recommend Heidi as your instructor she is so positive and just an amazing dancer. Much cheers, Jim read more

The Arthur Murray studio in Santa Barbara is a wonderful way to learn how to dance. The owners, Serge and Kristin, are extremely talented and friendly, as are the other three instructors -- Heidi, Josh and Liana -- with Asha being one of the most welcoming faces ever seen at a reception desk. The private lessons, the group classes, and the parties -- where you practice your waltz, foxtrot, rumba, salsa, swing and a host of other dances in a less structured environment -- all help to build confidence and sociability. This dance studio is really special! read more

I started at Arthur Murray in Santa Barbara on a whim. Some friends enjoyed their lessons and I was searching for exercise with my husband that was sexier than the gym. We'd tried a few dance classes around town but we needed more than steps - we needed to learn how to move together, attune to each other. What we found at Arthur Murray exceeded our expectations. We were welcomed in a studio that is cheerful, open and alive.  Our teachers were attentive to where we were, individually and together.      I am a teacher and a life-long learner; I've taken classes of various kinds for 60 years and will do so all my life. I've never had such across-the-board good instruction. My husband and I had one main teacher - one of the best instructors I've met in any field - but we had sessions with four others. Every one was upbeat, kind, and gave clear positive advice. They set out a plan, gently raised the bar, and always ended on a high note. Classes kept us on our toes, so to speak, with a wide variety of dance steps. The precision of instruction was perfectly paced: we learned faster and more easily than we ever imagined. The same attention to detail is given to all students.       Arthur Murray is expensive. There are lots of opportunities in this town to get less expensive - or free - dance classes. But if, like us, you want something tailored to you, the folks at this studio will support you like nowhere else. What my husband and I learned opened a new chapter for us, and isn't that what learning, at its best, is for? read more

My husband and I (fiance at the time) purchased a groupon for dance lessons and had a fantastic experience at Arthur Murray in Santa Barbara. We ended up signing up for a 10 week course where we received weekly private lessons and unlimited group lessons. Our dance instructor was Cassia . She was amazing! Cassia was professional, incredibly talented and a perfect match for us. She taught us a beautiful waltz for our first dance during our wedding and also taught us how to dance many different styles including Rumba, Salsa, Bachata and Swing. Cassia was an incredible listener and worked with us to look graceful, even if we felt goofy at times. Cassia's technical knowledge of dance and her passion for the art made us want to invest in our learning. We performed our first dance perfectly with no mistakes, and we had so much fun taking ballroom dance classes. It was a great bonding time for my husband and I and it was fun getting to know new people and learning a new skill. If we could afford it, we would continue to take classes there all the time! I highly recommend Arthur Murray and Cassia!!! read more

I came here with my father and fiance to learn dances for our wedding. It has always been my dad's dream to do an awesome dance for our father/daughter dance. We signed up for 10 private lessons with Heidi; and let me tell you they were worth every penny! Heidi was such an amazing teacher we learned a 100% full choreographed dance! The studio is so much fun to be at and all the teachers were so much fun! Another plus is when you sign up for private lessons you can go to unlimited group lessons and group parties (which are so much fun and a great way to hone your skills) I also ended up signing up for more lessons with my fiancé for our first dance for our wedding! Heidi was great with my fiancé because before we went there he was not a dancer AT ALL! (no rhythm) After our lessons she got him to be way more confident in his dancing skills! Basically we signed up for lessons for wedding dances but we took advantage of the group lessons and got SOOOO much more out of it! We learned the basic steps to every dance from the Waltz to Tango and the Rumba and even a dance they call the Fox Trot! Definitely recommended to everyone not only for wedding dances but even just for fun! Learning to dance is a wonderful thing and this place is the right place to do it!!!! read more

The Arthur Murray instructors are thoughtful and attentive. I have been to other places in Santa Barbara and this is by far the best place to learn how to dance. If I did not understand the way something was explained, they would find a different approach until I got it; they did not leave me hanging and move on to something else just for the sake of moving forward an agenda. I have found that other instructors around town will try to teach a bunch of cool moves within a set amount of time and get through those no matter what instead of maybe getting through less moves and actually making sure I understood how to do them; I would rather learn a few things and remember them than get introduced to a lot of things and not remember them later. Also, the Arthur Murray instructors know a lot more than one or two dances which makes dancing more fun and interesting: A salsa instructor around town may know just salsa and bachata; a swing or tango instructor may just know how to just teach swing or tango. The Arthur Murray instructors know these and all the other ballroom dances - and they know them well - and at least as well as those one trick pony instructors around town. read more