History
Arthur Murray Dance Studios
Welcoming studios, expert teachers, and fun programs
114 Years of Dance Confidence
Arthur Murray Dance Studios have been helping people gain confidence through dance for over 100 years. Whether you’re a complete beginner or returning to the floor after a break, our welcoming studios make it easy to start. With expert instructors, proven programs, and locations across world, Arthur Murray Dance Studios offer a fun, personalized way to learn ballroom, Latin, swing, and more.
From New York’s ballrooms to a worldwide dance legacy
Early Life and the Birth of a Dance Empire
Born Moses Teichman in 1895, Arthur Murray’s passion for dance ignited on the vibrant streets of New York City. By 1912, he was already teaching at the Grand Palace ballroom, guiding eager students one careful step at a time. In 1920, he launched the world’s first “radio dance,” transmitting live music so couples could learn from home — a groundbreaking blend of entertainment and education.
By 1925, Arthur opened his first formal dance studio in Manhattan. But this was more than just a business venture — it was the beginning of a global phenomenon. That single studio would lay the foundation for what would become one of America’s oldest and most enduring franchise organizations: Arthur Murray Dance Studios.
It was during one of his early teaching events that Arthur met Kathryn Kohnfelder, a poised and promising student whose flair and determination matched his own. Their connection — personal and professional — would soon evolve into a lifelong partnership that brought ballroom dancing to millions.
From Mail-Order Lessons to a Franchise Phenomenon
Building the Arthur Murray Dance Studios Legacy
Arthur and Kathryn Murray revolutionized dance instruction by offering mail-order dance lessons using footprint diagrams. Their innovative approach gained immense popularity, leading to the opening of their first studio. In 1938, they began franchising, making Arthur Murray Dance Studios one of America’s oldest franchise organizations.
During the Great Depression, the studios thrived as people sought affordable and uplifting forms of entertainment. The Murrays introduced popular dances like the “Lambeth Walk” and “The Big Apple,” further cementing their influence in the dance world.
Early Life and the Birth of a Dance Empire
From New York’s ballrooms to a worldwide dance legacy
In 1950, Arthur and Kathryn Murray debuted The Arthur Murray Party on national television — a groundbreaking variety show that brought the elegance and energy of ballroom dancing into living rooms across America. At a time when most TV was limited to sitcoms and static formats, the Arthur Murray Party was revolutionary. It blended real-life dance instruction, celebrity appearances, and lighthearted competitions in front of a live studio audience.
With Kathryn as the radiant host and Arthur as the calm instructor, the show helped demystify dancing and turned it into a form of accessible, weekly entertainment. Her signature sign-off line — “Put a little fun in your life, try dancing!” — became an iconic invitation to viewers coast to coast.
The show’s popularity skyrocketed. Over the years, it featured notable guests like Bob Hope, Groucho Marx, and Milton Berle — helping boost not only ratings, but also the public’s appetite for dance culture. It ran on major networks (DuMont, CBS, and ABC) from 1950 through 1960, a remarkable feat for a non-scripted series at the time.
As their fame grew, Arthur and Kathryn Murray became household names. They appeared as celebrity guests on game shows like What’s My Line?, The Name’s the Same, and To Tell the Truth. They published books, endorsed consumer products, and became ambassadors of dance during the golden age of television. The show didn’t just entertain — it ignited a movement.
The Arthur Murray Party laid the groundwork for today’s hit dance shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, making it one of the most influential — and perhaps underappreciated — programs in the history of American television.
A Timeless Tradition
Arthur Murray Dance Studios Today
As the 20th century progressed, Arthur and Kathryn Murray gradually stepped back from daily operations, entrusting their beloved dance empire to a new generation of leaders. Arthur Murray passed away in 1991, followed by Kathryn in 1999. Their legacy, however, continues to thrive, embodying their belief that dance has the power to transform lives.
In December 2024, a significant milestone was reached when Clarion Capital Partners, in partnership with renowned ballroom dance professional Gary Edwards, acquired Arthur Murray International Inc. With over 300 studios spanning 22 countries, the Arthur Murray Dance Studios organization is poised for continued growth under this new leadership.
Gary Edwards brings a wealth of experience to his role as CEO. A former World 10-Dance Champion and esteemed judge of over 60 World Championships, Edwards has also served as the official dance instructor to the Sultan of Brunei and has worked with iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson.
Under Edwards’ guidance, Arthur Murray Dance Studios continue to honor the pioneering spirit of its founders. Every risk Arthur and Kathryn took, every franchisee embraced, mirrors the courage of each student who steps onto the dance floor for the first time. As Kathryn Murray famously said, “The hardest step you’ll ever learn is the first one through our door.”
Today, Arthur Murray Dance Studios remain a beacon for those seeking joy, confidence, and connection through dance. The organization stands as a testament to the enduring power of movement, community, and the transformative journey that begins with a single step.
