Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Arthur Murray different from other dance studio franchises?
Arthur Murray is the world’s largest social and ballroom dance franchise, with 114 years of brand history, a proven recurring revenue model, proprietary teaching methods and multiple revenue streams that create predictable, compounding cash flow. Arthur Murray offers social and competitive dance programming, with a focus on social dance that attracts a broader student base – including beginners, couples and lifelong learners – setting the brand apart from competition-first studios in the industry.
How long has Arthur Murray been in business?
Arthur Murray was founded in 1912 and has been franchising since 1938, making it the longest-running and largest dance studio franchise in the world. Today the brand operates more than 330 studios across 19 countries.
Is Arthur Murray open to new franchisees?
Yes. For the first time in a long time, Arthur Murray is opening development opportunities to qualified candidates outside its existing studio network, across available U.S. and Canadian markets, with international master franchise opportunities in select regions globally.
What are the qualifications of an Arthur Murray franchisee?
The ideal candidate in the U.S. and Canada is purpose-driven and people-focused, with a genuine passion for community and a commitment to operating a full-time, owner-operated studio. Business or management experience is helpful but not required. Internationally, Arthur Murray seeks partners with master franchisee experience, understanding of the master franchisee model and a desire to expand the brand in countries around the world.
Do I need dance experience to become a franchisee?
No. Prior dance experience is not required to become an Arthur Murray franchisee – only a genuine passion for people and community. Arthur Murray’s turnkey systems, training and proprietary teaching method are built to support studio owners regardless of dance background.
What is the initial investment?
The total initial investment ranges from $122,500 to $407,625, including the $25,000 franchise fee, build-out, equipment, training and launch marketing.
Minimum cash required is $50,000. Costs vary by studio size, location and market conditions. Full details are available in our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Do you offer financing?
Arthur Murray does not offer in-house financing but maintains relationships with third-party financing sources that can help qualified candidates cover franchise fees, startup costs and equipment.
Does Arthur Murray offer Territory exclusivity?
Yes. Protected territories are outlined in the FDD and established at the time of your franchise agreement. Arthur Murray’s development team works with each candidate to identify the right market and site for their studio.
Can I convert my independent dance studio to an Arthur Murray franchise?
Yes. Conversion candidates keep their existing location, staff and students while gaining the brand recognition, proven systems and global community of the world’s largest dance studio franchise. Converting an existing studio also reduces the overall investment and accelerates your opening timeline. Conversions are an active and growing part of Arthur Murray’s 2026 development strategy.
How does Arthur Murray support its franchisees?
Arthur Murray has invested more financial resources into supporting its franchise system than at any other time in the brand’s history. The refreshed Franchise Value Proposition is built around pricing and revenue optimization, marketing and lead generation, operational consistency and instructor recruitment and development, so franchisees can focus on growing their student base and building long-term studio success. From day one, you’ll never dance alone.
What training do franchisees receive?
Every new franchisee goes through a dedicated pre-opening training program, covering studio operations, student enrollment systems, marketing, business management and the World Famous Arthur Murray® teaching method. That support doesn’t stop at Grand Opening, as franchisees receive guidance during their studio launch, followed by ongoing field support through Area Directors and continuing education resources as the studio grows.
Do franchisees receive help with hiring and staff development?
Yes. Arthur Murray provides proven hiring frameworks and guidance on recruiting, training and developing dance instructors, along with support for building strong team culture within your studio.
Will Arthur Murray help promote my studio locally?
Yes. Arthur Murray provides proven hiring frameworks and guidance on recruiting, training and developing dance instructors, along with support for building strong team culture within your studio.
Will Arthur Murray help me find a location?
Yes. Our development team provides site selection assistance and supports you through the lease process to help set your studio up for success in the right market.
What are the ongoing fees paid to Arthur Murray?
Franchisees pay an ongoing royalty fee, and a national advertising contribution of up to 2% of weekly sales. Reduced royalties are available for qualifying franchisees who open multiple studios. Full details on the royalty structure and all ongoing fees are outlined in Item 6 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
I’m ready to move forward. What is the next step?
Contact CDO Tony Padulo at [email protected] to discuss market availability, walk through the FDD and begin your discovery process toward studio ownership.