HISTORY

The legacy of Arthur Murray Studios began in 1912 with a man named Arthur Murray, an American symbol of entrepreneurial success and social dancing. He started teaching dance at the age of 17 and grew his business with the first-ever mail-order dance lessons. In fact, Murray was among the first to use “cutting edge” advertising techniques to expand his reach to get the whole country on their feet. In 1925, Murray had such a successful following, he began to franchise the business.

Transforming National Trends

Murray helped infuse dance into every angle of the national social scene. Arthur Murray teachers were a regular part of every first-class steamship cruise and, during the thirties, the studios introduced and transformed dances like “The Big Apple” into the most popular social trends. In fact it was “The Big Apple” that launched Mr. Murray’s one Manhattan studio into the largest chain of dance schools in the world.

Breakthrough Marketing

In July 1950, Mr. Murray purchased five 15-minute television spots on CBS and persuaded his wife Kathryn to do the teaching. Before the third show, Arthur bought a half-hour summer series on ABC. The show was called the “Arthur Murray Dance Party.” By May 1952, the Murrays had televised almost 100 programs. Their TV ratings climbed, and in the summer of 1952 they signed with their first sponsor, General Foods. Millions of viewers all over the United States fell in love with the show and flocked to Arthur Murray Studios throughout the country. This highly popular show ran for twelve years on national television.

Unrivaled Experience

Arthur Murray was also the first to realize the growing popularity of the Latin dances in America during the 1950s. Many conventions were held in Cuba during that time to give Arthur Murray dance trainers first-hand knowledge of the hot new Latin styles and moves that were becoming popular.

The New Spirit of Dance

When Arthur and Kathryn Murray retired in 1964, a group of franchisees purchased the company and fused a fresh, new spirit for dance with the timeless, deeply rooted passion Murray captured. Since that time, the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios have keep pace with rapidly evolving trends and continue to thrive as the world’s largest dance instruction organization.
Arthur Murray dance teachers can be found on movies sets in Hollywood, backstage on Broadway, and in partnership with major entertainers to promote the music to which the world dances.

Arthur Murray Today

All Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios are independently owned and operated by individuals who have 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.

It’s the commitment to build from within that keeps the studio system strong, with franchisees that are committed to the Spirit of Excellence. That’s the hallmark of the entire Arthur Murray system and the reason about 270 Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios including the Royal Oak location are busy gifting the benefits of dance worldwide.