Arthur Murray

[suburbaknght]

What are people's impression of Arthur Murray studios?

[quixotedlm]

Why do you ask?

In other words, what do you seek, grasshopper?

[suburbaknght]

I'm looking at training to become a professional dance instructor. I've found several programs which I've narrowed down to an independent studio and an Arthur Murray studio. Right now I'm gathering information to make my decision.

[mamboqueen]

I'm looking at training to become a professional dance instructor. I've found several programs which I've narrowed down to an independent studio and an Arthur Murray studio. Right now I'm gathering information to make my decision.

Why don't you make a list of the pro's and con's of each studio and determine which of the list of pro's is more in line with your career goals? Are there more contractual obligations with a chain studio, for instance? (I would think there would be). Maybe the independent offers a little more freedom. Are there any sort of noncompete clauses if you leave the studio -- like you have to agree to work xx miles away at your next job, etc? Sometimes its hard to compare compensation as different studios base it on differing factors - not necessarily a per hour or per year amount. You may want to ask for examples of what other beginning teachers have earned. Health benefits? Time off?

I think your best bet is to speak with some pros in your area (outside of these two studios) and get some opinions.

Edit: Also - what is expected of you. The chains, I believe, expect some sales pitches, which can be hard for people who are not sales-minded people (moi). Who generates your clients?

[quixotedlm]

what mamboqueen said :)

also, some here might be willing to pitch in with their inputs if you first told us your thoughts, pros vs. cons, your concerns and priorities etc.

the way you have articulated your question now is either very open ended (unhelpful) or seems like an invitation for a flamewar ;)

[caityrosey]

There a lot of commentary in various threads on this forum if you do a search.

[tangotime]

Have worked for both, for many yrs , in all capacities.

each school is independantly owned . The format is pretty much the same.

Some will hire part time, others require full time. Men usually get booked more quickly than ladies.
The training varies from school to school . If you p.m. me, I may know the owners of your area, and or could steer you in the right direction .

[fascination]

There a lot of commentary in various threads on this forum if you do a search.
use the word franchise...yes...lots of info on this

[SDsalsaguy]

Honestly, anyone who tells you about "Arthur Murray" studios and leaves it at that isn't worth listening to, at least not any more so than someone telling you about "ballroom studios." Each franchise is different and needs to be assessed and evaluated on its own merits. I have visited AM studios that I put at the dead bottom and at the very top of my list of well run, fair, and ethical businesses. The same practices that many decry at franchise studios are also used by many independent studios as well, so that's hardly an automatic solution either. Which studio offers you the best training and at what cost (time and commitment is a cost too, just as much as is $)? Do your research on specific studios, not generalizations.

[elisedance]

I'm looking at training to become a professional dance instructor. I've found several programs which I've narrowed down to an independent studio and an Arthur Murray studio. Right now I'm gathering information to make my decision.

But do tell us more: in particular, forgive me if I should recognize your name but do you have a dance background to develop this dance teacher vocation from? Social dancing, dancesport, etc? Or perhaps this a dream that you just decided to follow?

I doubt if many of us who are not pros have NOT thought about making dancing a career as well as a hobby/obsession (hey, you know who you are :) ). Just think, endless dancing and practise....

[suburbaknght]

Thank you everyone for your help and advice in evaluating the studios. I interviewed and auditioned at a number of places and finally accepted an evaluation position at an Arthur Murray studio (the Paoli and East Norriton franchise, for the record). If the eval period goes well I'll move into full training that transitions into full-time employment upon completion.

Right now I'm finishing things up in Madison and will be moving back to Philly in mid-June. Thanks for all your support both in this and in helping me evaluate (http://www.dance-forums.com/showthread.php?t=17590) whether teaching was an area I was prepared to dedicate myself to. Wish me luck!

And to all you Madison dancers (esp. Wyllo and Caityrosey), I'll try to be there at the June dance to say goodbye.

[quixotedlm]

good luck :)