Arthur Murray Dance Studio Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Arthur Murray Dance Studio is a dance instruction franchise offering lessons in ballroom, Latin, and social dance styles, promoting confidence, fitness, and social interaction.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
234
+
5%
5%
Franchise fee
?
$50,000
Investment
?
$71,000 - $252,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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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
The initial investment required for a Arthur Murray Dance Studio franchise is
$71,000 - $252,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance 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
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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
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Arthur Murray Dance Studio's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Arthur Murray Dance Studio had 234 total units in 2025, of which 234 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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