Arthur Murray "himself" started teaching the world to dance in 1912, making Arthur Murray International the second oldest American Franchise. His conceptual approach was a "Learn to Dance at Home" mail order business which eventually evolved into his first dance studio opening in New York in 1923. Since that time, Arthur Murray Dance Studios have grown tremendously with studios throughout the U. S. & all around the world. When Arthur & Kathryn Murray retired in 1964, a group of franchisees purchased the company & brought a fresh, new spirit & leadership. The Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios has kept pace with the rapidly changing “youth culture” & continue today as the world’s largest dance instruction organization. Throughout the years, Arthur Murray Dance Studios have been associated with high quality, world-renowned standards in social dancing.
From the beginning, Arthur Murray Dance Studios have been committed to sharing the benefits of dance with as many people as possible. Mr. Murray himself developed a practice of selling dance lessons by mail, one step at a time. In 1920, with the assistance of students from Georgia Tech, he arranged a live radio broadcast of music for dancing. By the 1950's Arthur Murray brought dancing to the world of television first with CBS and later with ABC's "Arthur Murray Dance Party", which ran for twelve years. All of these innovations made the world of dance accessible to people who could not physically be in his studio.
The Arthur Murray name has always been at the forefront of popular dancing in America. In the 1930's Mr. Murray introduced the 'Lambeth Walk' and 'Big Apple' and in the 1950's he brought popular Latin dances to America's dance scene. Mr. Murray was always interested in the way young people dance and today Arthur Murray instructors receive constant training in the latest techniques for all styles of dance.
Today our instructors are backstage on Broadway and on movie sets in Hollywood. Movies such as Dirty Dancing, Dirty Dancing II, Dance With Me, Beautician and the Beast, Flash Dance, An American President, True Lies, Saturday Night Fever, and Scent of a Woman have used Arthur Murray instructors as dancers or instructors for the cast.
Our professional certified instructors can also be found in Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios around the world. Our studios are located throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Africa, and Australia. Clearly, the world dances with Arthur Murray, and with 250+ studios worldwide so can you!
Beaverton
Portland
Vancouver
By joining our Arthur Murray family, students are introduced to dancing through our Medalist Standards, and are taught on a scholastic basis. Courses are designed for people desiring instruction in either Social or Competitive styles of dance. Additionally, we utilize an inter-related style of teaching called the Arthur Murray Method. This enables students to learn the skills needed for dancing (not just steps) in the most efficient way possible. The degree of dancing achieved varies depending on the desire, goals, commitment and interest of each student. No matter what level of dancer the student achieves, they will always have a skill that can be used for a lifetime.
More Than Great Dancers, Great Dance Teachers! At Arthur Murray Dance Studios, teachers are specially trained and certified in the Arthur Murray teaching method. Our teachers can take you from non-dancer status to a comfortable social dancer, or even to a competitive hobby dancer. You set the goal...we help you achieve it! The choice is yours.
In addition, each personalized lesson is taught step-by-step at your own pace. Arthur Murray works hard to make your dancing easy, fun and exciting. Even if you are an accomplished dancer, take the opportunity to stop by and have one of our certified instructors show you the newest styles and latest moves. Arthur Murray is the world’s largest dance school; teaching the world to dance one step at a time.
At Arthur Murray, we offer various ways and opportunities for you to be a part of our ballroom family. Our primary instruction consists of private lessons, group classes, and practice sessions, (which are described below). We also have several multi-studio activities throughout the year, such as Medal Balls, Showcases, and Dance-O-Ramas, (also described below).
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 Classes are an important addition 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 Classes, we emphasize technique, style, and variation of patterns. You may be introduced to new material that your instructor will implement into your future private lessons. Additionally, new material will be reviewed and practiced for improvement.
We hold scheduled dance parties (practice sessions) for all of our students. These Practice Parties are held multiple times weekly and are meant to simulate a “real world” dance environment. You will have fun dancing with the instructors and students in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. This gives you the opportunity to practice and try out all the new dance skills that you have learned in your Private and Group Lessons.
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 affords students the opportunity to enjoy their dancing in a fun and elegant setting.
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 by allowing you to develop showmanship and musical expression along with your social dance skills.
A Dance-O-Rama 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 Dancesport competitions, cocktail parties, dinner dances, and exciting professional shows.
