Create a free account to access this table
Sign up for free
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
2,500+ franchises
Access our entire database: 2,500+ US franchises, updated every day
Essential financial data
Royalty fees, franchise fees, investment costs and more
View 1 FDD
Our free plan allows you to access 1 FDD. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to download

Arthur Murray Dance Studio

Home
Fitness
Fitness Studios

Arthur Murray Dance Studio

Arthur Murray Dance Studio Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Arthur Murray Dance Studio is a dance instruction franchise offering lessons in ballroom, Latin, and social dance styles, promoting confidence, fitness, and social interaction.

Arthur Murray Dance Studios is a well-established franchise known for teaching both social and ballroom dancing. The brand traces its roots back to 1912 when Arthur Murray founded the first studio in New York City. Since then, it has grown into one of the most prominent dance instruction organizations across the globe.

The franchise journey began in 1939 with the launch of its first location in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This marked the start of a broad and growing network of franchised studios. Today, the company’s global operations are managed from its headquarters in Coral Gables, Florida.

Arthur Murray studios provide a wide variety of dance lessons tailored to all skill levels and dance styles. Their goal is to help students feel confident dancing in any setting and with any partner.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000 - $100,000
Leasehold Improvements $30,000 - $75,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment $2,000 - $18,000
Promotional Brochures and Step Charts $120
Signs $2,000 - $10,000
Three Months’ Rent $12,000 - $24,000
Additional Funds - 3 months $0 - $20,000
Training Expenses $0 - $5,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $71,120 - $252,120
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000 - $100,000
Leasehold Improvements $30,000 - $75,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment $2,000 - $18,000
Promotional Brochures and Step Charts $120
Signs $2,000 - $10,000
Three Months’ Rent $12,000 - $24,000
Additional Funds - 3 months $0 - $20,000
Training Expenses $0 - $5,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $71,120 - $252,120

Arthur Murray Dance Studio

2025

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The Arthur Murray franchise provides a structured and comprehensive training regimen to ensure that all studios maintain the brand's high standards. Here are the main types of training provided by the Franchisor:

  1. Pre-Opening Training Program: Before opening a studio, the franchisee or an approved manager must enroll in and complete a training program offered by the Franchisor. This program is held at locations and times designated by the Franchisor and aims to familiarize the trainee with the Arthur Murray Method and System, including dance instruction, evaluations, and studio procedures.
  2. Operating and Technical Manuals: The Franchisor provides one copy of all relevant operating manuals and training aids, which may include syllabuses, videotapes, and films. These materials are periodically updated and must be studied and adhered to by all studio personnel.
  3. Staff Training and Proficiency Standards: All instructors and studio personnel are expected to know and operate according to the content of the provided manuals and policy releases. Dance instructors must either complete at least 100 hours of training at an Arthur Murray Studio or demonstrate equivalent competence and teaching ability.
  4. Ongoing Support and Updates: The Franchisor provides continued support in the form of updated specifications, standards, and procedural guidance. These are communicated through general or policy releases and must be integrated into studio operations.

Territory Protection

Arthur Murray provides conditional territory protection to its franchisees. Under the franchise agreement, the franchisor commits not to open or grant another Arthur Murray Studio within the designated market area of an existing franchisee.

However, this protection is subject to specific performance criteria, such as having and maintaining at least one operating studio within a defined timeframe. If the franchisee fails to meet these conditions—like not opening the studio in time or not maintaining active operations—the franchisor reserves the right to revoke the territorial protection.

Additionally, despite any granted territory, the franchisor may still retain certain rights to compete within that territory under specific circumstances. Therefore, while territorial rights are offered, they are not absolute and depend on ongoing compliance with the franchise's performance obligations.

Competitors

Below are some of

Arthur Murray Dance Studio

key competitors in the

Fitness Studios

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

234

New
+
5%
5%

$50,000

$71,000

$252,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness

Oxygen Yoga & Fitness is a boutique fitness franchise offering infrared-heated yoga, barre, and functional training classes, serving primarily women seeking low-impact yet challenging workouts, and known for heated studios, diverse class formats, flexible memberships, and supportive, community-driven environments.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$356,000 - $642,000

Neighborhood Barre

Neighborhood Barre is a boutique fitness franchise offering low-impact barre classes and related retail, serving women and mixed-level fitness clients, and known for inclusive studios, proprietary choreography, and full-body workouts blending strength, cardio, and flexibility to deliver quick, sustainable results.

Franchisees

?

19
+
-5%
-5%
Investment

?

$94,000 - $266,000

IM=X Pilates

IM=X Pilates is a boutique fitness franchise offering Pilates-based, cardio and strength workouts in studio settings, serving health-conscious adults across fitness levels, and known for its proprietary IM=X method, proprietary reformer equipment, and tuition-free staff training and support.

Franchisees

?

37
+
23%
23%
Investment

?

$85,000 - $340,000

The Yard Gym

The Yard Gym is a functional fitness franchise offering strength, HIIT, group training, and performance programs, serving adults seeking serious results, and known for warehouse aesthetics, scalable design, and engaging training models.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$237,000 - $954,000

Vertica Fitness

Vertica Fitness is a boutique pole fitness franchise offering classes, parties, and skill training, serving fitness enthusiasts and new learners, and known for low startup cost, turnkey curriculum, and inclusive, community-driven branding.

Franchisees

?

3
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$184,000 - $312,000

SWEAT440

SWEAT440 is a boutique fitness franchise offering 40-minute HIIT and strength circuit workouts with new classes starting every 10 minutes, serving busy adults, and known for convenience, community engagement, and scalable fitness studio operations.

Franchisees

?

13
+
1200%
1200%
Investment

?

$278,000 - $681,000

Our latest newsletters

Franchising 101

Is This Franchise the Right Fit for You?

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.

Franchisee Validation: Interviews, Reference Checking, Site Visits

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.

How to Evaluate a Franchise Opportunity (Industry, Brand Strength, Market Fit)

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.

Building a Franchise Business Plan & Pro Forma Financials

December 15, 2025
Costs, Fees and Financing

A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.