Over 100 years history, with 260 Arthur Murray Dance Studios spanning 21 countries across the world, Arthur Murray's legacy vibrantly lives on. Arthur began teaching dance at the age of 17, and eventually dove into the entrepreneurial world founding his own dance studio in his name in 1912. Since the studios inception its franchised businesses across America, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Middle-East, Japan, Africa, and Australia. Over hundred years since its' founding, Arthur Murray is the second oldest franchise organization in America and continues to expand across the world today.

Known in his time as an innovative entrepreneur, Arthur was the first business man to sell dance lessons by mail which was an unthought of intention at the time and essentially changed the purpose of direct mail all together. Murray garnered nation wide recognition for his creative print advertisements as well as his acumen as a successful business man. He was innovative and provocative in many ways, therefore it's no surprise that Arthur was the first person in the world to ever broadcast music over the radio for live dancing purposes. 

 By 1925, Murray became so successful that he was able to franchise his business; Arthur Murray dance teachers were a big hit across the country. Before World War II, teachers from Arthur Murray were a common part of first class steamship cruises. At the studios they became famous for teaching dances such as "The Big Apple" which made  Arthur Murray a household name across the US.

Running from 1950 -- 1960, Arthur's wife, Kathryn Murray, hosted the ever popular 'The Arthur Murray Party' TV show. The TV show was extremely popular in the U.S., catching the eyes of millions of viewers who absolutely fell in love with it. The show's success, resulted in an influx of dancers rushing through their doors. 

During the 1950's, Murray caught a glimpse and recognised the popularity of Latin dance in America. Murray grabbed the bull by the horns and held a large amount of conventions in Cuba, giving his dance trainers first-hand knowledge of Latin dance moves. Although their success was far from over, Arthur and Kathryn Murray retired in 1964, leaving an unimaginable legacy behind. Even today, Arthur Murray dance studios are injecting a fresh, new spirit, while holding onto the traditions and passion that Murray originally instilled in them. Whether it's Hollywood movie sets, Broadway, or world dance, the individuals who own and operate the Arthur Murray Dance Studios are continuing their commitment to the Murray name worldwide.

Check out the show that got Americans dancing in droves. 

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