What city are you located in?

I recently left an arthur murray studio because of the cost. I struggled coming to that decision because I too too liked my AM instructor, but before I left for good I started looking into independent studios and I was able to find an instructor whom I also liked a lot! But...this instructor moves at a pace based upon my skills & ability, not based upon my paid balance. I have been able to excel in my lessons. I left AM at the end of bronze II and I have been able to move through the remaining bronze steps and start silver in 1/3 of the time and a fraction of the cost.

I think you need to determine why you stay with the franchise studio and if money is not an issue just pay the $$$$ and enjoy what you are learning. Otherwise take a chance and make a switch.

I have been on all sides of this question. I was a student in the AM system 29 years ago and loved it. I took every group class I could and was very focused on my dancing. Later I went on to teach at both AM and FA as well as opening my own studio. FA was better. Now I teach small groupd classes and private lessons for the love of dancing, I charge enough to make it worth doing, about half of what everyone else charges and I am having a great time.

You buy groups of lessons instead of lesson by lesson for at least two reasons: first the instructor knows how much time they have to work with to accomplish your goals. Second they know you are committed to the dance goal you set.

Find a good teacher and let them have the time and committment from you to make it work for you.

Good dancing.

I don't care what anyone says about AM dancers and all that. I am a HUGE fan of one of the AM dancers in Washington (I'm assuming Danceintacoma is a place and not just a state of mind) He is phenomenal and so wonderfully kind and professional that speaking with him is like talking with a ray of sunshine directly from the heavens above. He just ROCKS! Yeah, I've seen the indy pros and many of them are extremely impressive, but they are doing the steps. The ones who have soul, the ones who connect to their higher energy, they are the ones who grab me by the soul and beg me to run out there on the floor and fly with them. The guy in Washington does this when I watch him. I've watched him for years and am always amazed by him. Regardless of what AM "tactics" or what other's opinions are, I have personally witnessed magic from AM pros and will never bash AM because of that. I have spent boatloads of money with AM (and on my dancing in general) and I do not regret spendingn any of it - not one penny.

Dance, the same thing happened to me in NJ at AM! I practiced a lot and have a dance background, so I got through the Bronze I fairly quickly, with many lessons left. The instructors were terrific, but the owner wouldn't let them teach Bronze II, without me buying another "package." In my instructor's defense, he focused on technique and I was still learning, but as a business person, I disagreed with the practice.

Eventually I terminated my contract for the remaining lessons, but the "cancellation fee" was exhorbitant. I've been thinking of taking the AM in NJ to small claims court.

When I talked with the owner he was a bit clueless. At this particular studio they use phrases like "if you cannot afford it," to motivate people to sign on to prove they can afford it! The owner told me after I finish Bronze II he would give me a job teaching, and I could use the money to pay off the lessons. I had no time, talent, or interest in teaching!

What an idiot! I wanted challenging lessons and could afford it. Since I liked the instructors, I may have stayed there for years. What I didn't like was being bullied into committing to ridiculous lesson packages, so I took my business elsewhere.

I would absolutely switch studios. What they are doing is legal, and unfortunately common in some places. Any franchise studio will charge more because they have to cover franchise fees. Basically you are paying for the name.

I'm sure there are other studios in your area with experienced and talented teachers. Most studios host an open to the public dance or will give you a free lesson to try them out.

Also If and when you do decide to switch, I would write a polite letter to the studio owner and send a copy to the President of Arthur Murray, explaing what made you feel uncomfortable and why you left. These business practices will stay in tact, because franchise owners believe they "really work" and don't want to believe that they are driving people out the door.