If you look for it, you may locate my post when I had just begun my dance lessons at Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks.  I have now completed a few weeks... read moreIf you look for it, you may locate my post when I had just begun my dance lessons at Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks.  I have now completed a few weeks of lessons, and I feel motivated to share an update with you.  As I may have written, I had not really danced much since high school. I danced a few times in college, but I was generally too busy with my studies to socialize much.  In adulthood I generally avoided dancing and stuck with recreational activities that required no skill. I suppose I disappointed a few ladies when there were opportunities for dancing, and I rigidly chose to avoid them. Too bad, certainly, because wedding receptions and galas look like so much fun for the people who dance at them. Well, I will count myself among the fun people anytime now.

Last evening I went for my dance lesson and learned that I had an opportunity to dance on an otherwise empty dance floor with all the instructors and other students watching me (and my two teachers).  I thought that I would never in a million years dance anywhere with everyone watching me.  I had limited my dancing prior to getting these lessons to rocking from foot to foot on crowded dance floors where nobody could move.  Last evening I danced a foxtrot with Misty and a rumba with Alexandra with everyone watching us.  

I was actually very nervous before we started because I still felt self conscious and a bit shy about demonstrating my newest skills in front of everyone who was certainly more skilled at dancing than I was.  But when we concluded each dance I knew one thing for certain: I chose the right place to take dancing lessons. Everyone clapped and cheered for me. Everyone was extremely supportive of me, and at the party that followed, several women asked me to dance with them, and they had just seen me dance; so they knew my skill level.  This studio has become like another family to me.  Several men told me that I had done a good job dancing, and they added, "...and I mean it. I'm not just saying it because you're my friend."  

The truth is that these people really have become my friends.  They are all so engaging and supportive, and they share positive energy and encouragement.  They are a fun group to know, and a fun group to learn with. And I really am dancing. I'm going to continue my lessons for awhile because I've seen that there are some pretty interesting and fancy steps that I can learn for both the foxtrot and the rumba, and I may not stop there. There is the tango, the cha cha, salsa, and swing to which I've been introduced, and I have yet to gain proficiency with.  But I would sure rather learn here than try to learn at a wedding reception as I never in my life would attempt.

If someone asked me why I am just now learning to dance, I would tell them that it's because dancing is a super healthy activity which engages our entire brain.  It requires coordination, learning, and memory. It helps keep the brain young and healthy. I sure had that in mind at my age when I called to inquire about lessons. But the fact is that dancing is really lots of fun, and it's fun to share with my instructors and also with the other students at AMSO (Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks) who are now  my friends.  It's going to be fun to share with a date or a love interest, too.  It's just more fun to do stuff when you're good at it.  

With absolutely no experience to guide my choice, I am just darn lucky that I picked such a great place to learn.  If I had to choose one place to take dancing lessons, I would choose Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks.  If I could choose two places to take dancing lessons, I would choose this place twice. read less

Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks has literally saved my life. I was going through a painful divorce and am a breast cancer survivor. Being a breast cancer suvivor and thrivor I... read moreArthur Murray Sherman Oaks has literally saved my life. I was going through a painful divorce and am a breast cancer survivor. Being a breast cancer suvivor and thrivor I promised myself to stay healthy. I was completely amazed at all that I have learned about myself. and what I have gained.  I've gained self esteem, better balance, great posture and my figure looks much more youthful than my years. I thought I would learn a few dance steps and that would be it. To my surprise it is so much more. This is community and family. I love taking private lessons with the most loving, caring and extremely proficient and talented instructors. The classes really bond us students as a team. Love, love, love this place. read less

I've been in Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks dance studio for 12 years. Great place to be and enjoy dancing. Martin is the soul of the studio and all teachers... read moreI've been in Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks dance studio for 12 years. Great place to be and enjoy dancing. Martin is the soul of the studio and all teachers are the best. The filing of joy and happiness is unbelievable there. I love this place and REALLY recommend. read less

I always wanted to learn to dance, but I felt self conscious even starting lessons because I had only danced where the floor was too crowded to move much so... read moreI always wanted to learn to dance, but I felt self conscious even starting lessons because I had only danced where the floor was too crowded to move much so I didn’t really have to move. But I finally decided to give myself the gift of dancing after I considered that dancing is one activity that protects the brain from diseases such as Alzheimer’s because dancing stimulates the entire brain the way few other activities can.

Ithe Sherman Oaks studio is close to my residence in a freeway close location to just about anywhere, and there’s plenty of free parking; so I tried it. I have found many businesses in the Los Angeles area do not treat customers very well. There are so many people in the county that the merchants seem to believe that it’s easier to advertise for new business than to treat consumers well and retain them as customers. Therefore you could probably say that I was stunned by how welcoming, interested, and supportive I found the Arthur Murray “family” of professional instructors and clients, too when I came in for a few lessons. As I wrote, I had been self conscious about dancing and apprehensive about trying to dance, and they did so much to put me at ease and get me dancing immediately with popular dance steps (fox trot, rumba, hustle, cha cha to list a few you gets basics in with your first lesson).

I get personal instruction from Misty who gives me constant encouragement and clear, experiential instruction, and reinforcement. Virtually everyone is enormously gracious, supportive, and welcoming as well as helpful because in addition to my private instruction (which I appreciate and value for its effectiveness), I am able and encouraged to stay for group classes and dance parties in which the other instructors, Lilia and Alex to name two who have built my confidence by also dancing with me and teaching me, make the activities fun. I also get to dance with all the other students there. Most are already better dancers than I and probably started that way, but the way the school is run, we’re changing partners every couple of minutes; so I don’t feel like a burden to better dancers, and they all are gracious because, as they say, they were all beginners at one time, too. I also want to mention that having us all dance with everyone else, bolsters my confidence while I am structured to practice each step we’re learning, and each step prepares us for the next step. We’re never off balance by trying to do too much. On the contrary, we just build our dancing skills literally one step at a time.

Ladies, I haven’t mentioned the male instructors, but there are many. I’ve spoken with Timothy a few times, and he taught one of my group classes. He is an excellent teacher, highly supportive, and a good guy.

I have tried to express what a great place the Sherman Oaks studio is for dancing lessons, but there is more. I’ve learned that some of the students return after years for more advanced study, and some stay for years because they love it there. (You have to see them dance. Wow!)

There are two exceptionally good reasons why people love learning and dancing at the Sherman Oaks studio. Those two reasons are Martin and Tom. Martin’s the Admiral and overall head boss. Tom is the ship’s captain and runs the operation. Both of these men take a personal interest in each student to guide our progress and to supervise our instructors to insure with another set of eyes that we’re learning everything correctly and not practicing mistakes. Also, I might observe that the gracious support and encouragement that I feel there from Misty and the other instructors starts at the top with Martin and Tom.

In summary, if you want to learn to dance, or you want to improve how you can move on your feet for any of the reunions, wedding receptions, birthday parties, or for a night on the town for which you’d like some preparation so you can dance with confidence, depend on your new family of pros at the Sherman Oaks Arthur Murray studio to give you a hand when you need to count on your feet. read less

Returned to dance after 3 years, and I chose the right studio to continue my journey. From the first phone call I felt welcomed and valued. The entire... read moreReturned to dance after 3 years, and I chose the right studio to continue my journey. From the first phone call I felt welcomed and valued. The entire staff, instructors and other students made me feel like part of the Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks family! read less

AMSO is the best! As a newcomer to the dance world, I could not ask for a more welcoming, encouraging and above all FUN!!! studio to learn at. ... read moreAMSO is the best! As a newcomer to the dance world, I could not ask for a more welcoming, encouraging and above all FUN!!! studio to learn at. Everyone always has a smile and are always having a great time. If I could I would give AMSO 6 stars! read less

If you want to learn ballroom dance and have a good time this is the place for you. This includes all the shy/hermit people! Trust me that they will push... read moreIf you want to learn ballroom dance and have a good time this is the place for you. This includes all the shy/hermit people! Trust me that they will push the shyness right out of you. Everyone is friendly and super helpful. If you don't undertsand a step, any instructor will personally show you step by step until you get it. You just have to ask. And there's no shame if you mess up or don't know the steps. The point is to learn and have fun while doing it. It's evident that the people that work here love what they do. Otherwise, it would be a different review read less

This is a great studio, with fantastic and totally dedicated instructors and coaches, excellent management by Tom, and an extremely conscientious great leadership of the franchise Martin. Thanks to my... read moreThis is a great studio, with fantastic and totally dedicated instructors and coaches, excellent management by Tom, and an extremely conscientious great leadership of the franchise Martin. Thanks to my instructors and coaches, my dancing has improved very significantly only in six months. All the students I know are very happy with this studio. We learn, we have a great time and fun. I am very happy and excited every time I go there. It is very welcoming, and it has a very positive environment, and everyone offers friendship and warmth. In short, this is a fabulous, wonderful, fantastic, out of this world studio (Oops! I am running out of positive adjectives)! read less

I love this studio!!!! The moment you walk in the door you’re greeted with a genuine warmth and friendliness that make you feel at ease. Everyone is helpful from the... read moreI love this studio!!!! The moment you walk in the door you’re greeted with a genuine warmth and friendliness that make you feel at ease. Everyone is helpful from the front desk, management, and the teachers. Speaking of the teachers there has never been a more dedicated, talented, and giving group of individuals. Every single one of them gives everything they have to teach you and push you to do better. You will see the progress in your dancing immediately. If you want a fun, friendly environment where you can dance your heart and feet out you have found your new home. read less

No matter what level you are at, you will always have fun! All the instructors, especially Alex, are amazing, and everyone has a good time at the "parties." The place... read moreNo matter what level you are at, you will always have fun! All the instructors, especially Alex, are amazing, and everyone has a good time at the "parties." The place does get crowded a bit with "private" and group classes going on at the same time, in the same space, sharing one stereo, but the instructors make it work. read less

This studio has the most professional and talented instructors. They are patient, kind, supportive and highly skilled. Included with the private lessons are group classes every weekday and "practice parties"... read moreThis studio has the most professional and talented instructors. They are patient, kind, supportive and highly skilled. Included with the private lessons are group classes every weekday and "practice parties" Weds, Thurs and Fri evenings where you can practice what you have learned with a variety of partners - teachers and other students.

Dancing has been great exercise for me and an important side benefit is that I lost 13 lbs! read less

Learning to ballroom dance at the Arthur Murray dance studio in Sherman Oaks has improved every aspect of my life. From gaining confidence to getting healthy, the family atmosphere of... read moreLearning to ballroom dance at the Arthur Murray dance studio in Sherman Oaks has improved every aspect of my life. From gaining confidence to getting healthy, the family atmosphere of support and expertise from the teachers and staff at Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks makes learning to dance fun and rewarding. I look forward to the days I get to dance and I enjoy every opportunity to take a lesson, to join a group class and attend practice parties. Come and discover for yourself the absolute joy of ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks! read less

Such a welcoming community and now we have regular date nights scheduled. I'm such a clot and was so afraid to try these classes but my wife talked me into... read moreSuch a welcoming community and now we have regular date nights scheduled. I'm such a clot and was so afraid to try these classes but my wife talked me into it. My only regret was I didn't start sooner!

I highly recommend Alex. She is knowledgeable, fun and patient. I have made so many friends, and to be honest, I never knew I could dance like this! Give it a try, what do you have to lose, except for all the date nights I missed out on before I came here. Highly recommended! read less

Where's the 100 star button?! I'm so glad that I found you guys. You've given me back the confidence I sought after being told that I would never be able... read moreWhere's the 100 star button?! I'm so glad that I found you guys. You've given me back the confidence I sought after being told that I would never be able to dance again after feet injuries. I'd cry almost every night before I found you. Now, I look forward to each day I get to come in and dance freely and happily. ����� read less

I have been at this studio only for a month, after having been at another one for about a year. I am impressed with several things. Both... read moreI have been at this studio only for a month, after having been at another one for about a year. I am impressed with several things. Both managers, Tom, and Martin (also the franchisee) are very professional and they have put together a very rigorous training program. Both of my instructors, Antwoine and J.C., are excellent and very devoted to teaching. They bring excellent travelling coaches. The group classes are very beneficial, and there are many of them. It is a very happening studio with many students, and the practice parties are great fun. Everyone is nice and respectful. I am improving my dancing a lot, and I simply feel excited about being there. It is an amazing place with amazing people. read less

I went to Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks just before Christmas 2017 and all I wanted to do was learn to turn my lady partner in the Salsa because i had... read moreI went to Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks just before Christmas 2017 and all I wanted to do was learn to turn my lady partner in the Salsa because i had booked a table at a New Years Eve celebration at a local Salsa club and all I knew was basic Salsa. Not only did I take two lessons and learn enough not to be self-conscious on the dance floor doing Salsa but there was a fire lit within me to want to dance. I had had a very serious medical problem in 2013 (Sepsis) that left me with liver and kidney failure, the loss of 50 pounds of muscle mass having to learn to walk again and compromised my strength, balance, and equilibrium. In three months I have learned (or at least been exposed to ) 9 new dance steps and improved my memory, coordination and strength and most importantly found a new family. If this sounds like a commercial...It is. My goal now is to learn the dance well enough to just be having fun dancing to the rhythm of the music. Thank you Arthur Murray Sherman Oaks...Love you guys!! read less