Arthur Murray History
The Arthur Murray Dance Studios
As America’s second oldest franchise, Arthur Murray International, Inc. is known as the world's largest and prestigious ballroom dance company. With over 270 studios in 22 countries, Arthur Murray has made its home throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Africa and Australia. Social dancing has and continues to be a significant part of popular culture for all generations. Today, the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios continue a tradition of more than 100 years in teaching the world to dance.
Arthur Murray learning the Castle Walk and Tango
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1912
This history of the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios began when a man named Arthur Murray started teaching dance in 1912 at the Grand Palace in NYC.
1919
By 1919, Arthur Murray was teaching dancing in his spare time. Famous for his direct-mail “foot prints,” Arthur Murray’s concept of selling dance lessons by mail, one step at a time, took the use of advertising to a whole new level.
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The Famous Arthur Murray Footprints
Arthur and Kathryn Murray
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1925
Arthur and Kathryn met in a radio station in New Jersey during one of his broadcast dance lessons where she was an audience member. The two of them were married on April 24, 1925, and soon after opened a dance school together.
1930s
During the 1930s, the Arthur Murray studio introduced dances to the public such as the Lambeth Walk and the Big Apple. It was the Big Apple that turned Mr. Murray’s single studio into the largest chain of dance studios in the world today.
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Arthur Murray and Jan Wyman doing the Lambeth Walk
The Original Studio, Miami Beach, FL
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1938
In 1938, the first official franchised school was opened. By 1946 when Arthur finally incorporated, there were 72 franchised studios worldwide.
1950
Mr. Murray bought five fifteen-minute television spots on CBS and persuaded Kathryn to teach on TV. From this came the Arthur Murray Party, a TV show hosted by the Murrays themselves that ran from 1950-1962. During its run, the Show featured celebrities such as Graucho Marx and Bob Hope.
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The Arthur Murray Party
Arthur and Kathryn Murray
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1964
Two years after the TV show ended, Arthur and Kathryn retired and sold the company to a group of business associates and franchisees and a renewed Arthur Murray system took shape.
1991
Arthur passed away on March 3rd, 1991.
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The Passing of a Star
Arthur Murray Around the World
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1970s - Present
Over the past 50 years, Arthur Murray has become a truly global enterprise. As we celebrate 108 years of teaching the world to dance, today there are over 270 Arthur Murray Dance Studios in 22 countries across the globe.
2012
Arthur Murray Celebrated 100 Years!
All Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios are independently owned and operated by individuals who started as dance instructors and worked their way up to the executive level. By the time they are qualified to purchase a franchise, they have experienced every phase of studio operations, from teaching and supervising to marketing and managing. Building from within has kept the studio system strong, with franchisees that are committed to the Spirit of Excellence; the hallmark of the entire Arthur Murray system.
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Over 100 Years of Dance
Why take dance lessons?
More Than a Hobby
Create a Healthy Lifestyle
Get the exercise you've always wanted without going to the gym. Dancing not only burns calories in a fun, exciting way, but is healthy for your brain too. It's even recommended by doctors as it helps prevent diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia.
Connect with a Community
Meet people, make new friends, and learn to dance along the way. Our community brings people together in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you're new to town or ready to make new connections, it's always a party at Arthur Murray.
Rekindle the Romance
They say that couples that dance together stay together. Whether you're looking for a new hobby or a fun date night, dancing together can take everyday moments and turn them into special memories. Get to know each other in a whole new way and learn a skill you'll enjoy for years to come.
Start Dancing Today!
YOUR FIRST CLASS IS FREE!
