Arthur Murray: Leading the Way in Social and Ballroom Dance Instruction

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.

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.
5. Franchisee Examinations: Franchisee personnel, particularly instructors, may be examined periodically by certified examiners to ensure their dance proficiency and adherence to Arthur Murray standards.

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.