Arthur Murray's Start

Arthur Murray was one of the most successful and influential people in ballroom dancing.  As a teenager, Arthur was very shy and introverted.  Since he was also incredibly tall, he felt even more self-conscious and uncomfortable. Because of these insecurities, being in social situations and especially meeting girls proved to be a difficult task.  At 14 Arthur was introduced to his first dance steps by a friend who was especially popular with the girls because of his dance ability.  Arthur would go to local weddings and not only work on practicing his dancing, but overcoming his social anxieties. 

He did some teaching on the side and after a few years started his own radio program to teach others. In order to reach more people and share his love for dance, he developed and drafted a mail order way of learning to dance. This was composed of the infamous footprints Mr. Murray is still so famous for today.  His business was further expanded in 1938 when he opened his first franchised dance studio.  Along with the franchise, Arthur and his dance partner and wife Kathryn hosted a television show on CBS. With the rise of his techniques of teaching dance, people soon realized learning from Arthur Murray was not only fun, it was quick and easy!  By 1964, more than 3,560 franchises had opened around the country. Today Arthur Murray's is one of the most well-known and trusted places to learn how to dance. Not only will students be learning from a method that's been proven for over 97 years, but following in the steps of their previous generations.