Arthur Murray himself, first started teaching people to dance in 1912. Starting with a “learn to dance at home” mail order business, he founded his first dance studio in 1923 on 43rd Street in New York City.

Since that time the Arthur Murray Dance Studios have grown and now have studios throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Israel and Japan. Arthur Murray’s dream of teaching the world to dance is being fulfilled. Standardized lessons are interchangeable from one Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studio to another. You are guaranteed that your lessons will be honored wherever there is an Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studio.

How Students are Taught
The Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios have found that students learn most quickly and effectively on a scholastic basis. Your introductory Program is the first student level. You will be taught the basic patterns of the most popular dances today. Your instructor will explain how the Medal Standards are taught and will plan a personalized dance program to fulfill your specific needs and desires.

The degree of dancing you will achieve varies depending on your desire, goals, commitment and interest. After your introductory Program the dance levels (degrees) progress from Associate and Full Medalist programs in Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Bar Standards. These courses are designed for people like yourself who desire a fundamental foundation or more advanced training in the social, as well as competitive (dance sport) styles.

The majority of students who come to an Arthur Murray Dance Studio are interested in becoming good social dancers and our medallist programs will help you achieve that goal. If competitive dancing (dance sport) is your desire, Arthur Murray Dance Studios can train you in the latest technique, steps and styles. Indeed, we boast some of the top competitive couples in the world today.

Our Instructors
Our instructors are carefully selected and thoroughly trained in the exclusive Arthur Murray teaching method. This assures you the finest instruction in dancing. You will have a regular dance teacher who will be responsible for your progress. Periodically, you will have exchange lessons with other teachers, which will give you experience and practice in adapting to a variety of dance partners and dance styles.

Private Lessons
During your one-on-one private lessons, you will receive personalized instruction that will help you achieve your goals in dancing. Your instructor will spend the time necessary on technique, styling and general dance improvement. An up-to-date record of everything you have learned will also be kept as part of your instruction

Group Lessons
Group Lessons are an important addendum to your private instruction. They give you the opportunity to dance with a variety of partners, develop good dance habits and meet other students in the studio.

In group lessons we emphasize technique, style and variation of patterns. You may be taught materials that your regular instructor hasn’t introduced to you yet. Additionally, material that has been introduced will be reviews and practiced for improvement.
Group lessons are held for different dances and levels. Please ask your teacher for the schedule and take advantage of another fine way to help you become a more proficient and confident dancer.

Practice Parties
We hold scheduled dance parties (practice sessions) for all our students. These practice parties are held on a weekly or semi-monthly basis. You will have fun dancing with the instructors and students in a relaxed and comfortable environment. This gives you the opportunity to practice and try out all the new dance skills that you’ve learned in your Private and Group Lessons.

Medal Ball
An Arthur Murray Medal Ball is a gala dance event honoring students who “graduate” from one level of their dance program to the next. Medal Balls also afford students the opportunity to enjoy their dancing in a fun and elegant setting.

Showcase
A Showcase is a one-day event where students present dance routines with personalized choreography. These routines make an exciting addition to your Medalist Program because they allow you to develop showmanship and musical expression along with your social dance skills.

Dance-O-Rama (Dance Sport)
A Dance-O-Rama (or Dance Sport Competition) is an exciting two or three day event that brings students together from many Arthur Murray studios to compete, at their level, in dances of their choice. This requires specialized dance training to polish and perfect choreography, technique and style. The weekend is full of activities such as dance competitions, cocktail parties, dinner dances and exciting professional shows.