1912
270
$71,000
$25,000
$252,000
No
Discover the opportunity to invest in Arthur Murray Dance Studios, a globally recognized and trusted name in dance education. With a legacy spanning over a century, this franchise excels in delivering ballroom, Latin, and social dance instruction—combining prestige, community, and proven business potential. As a franchisee, you’ll inherit a brand synonymous with sophistication, expert support, and strong market positioning, offering an enriching business venture in an industry that fuses culture, fitness, and social connection.
Strong Brand Legacy: Arthur Murray is one of the world’s oldest franchise systems, with franchising since 1939 and roots dating back to 1912–1925.
Extensive Network & Global Reach: Over 270 studios operate across numerous countries, including the U.S., reinforcing international brand credibility.
Market Differentiation: Known for quality dance instruction, social culture, and media presence—offering instruction on films, TV, and major events.
Proven Financial Model: Competitive returns, strong revenue potential, and relatively quick break-even timelines make it an attractive investment.
Founders & Journey: Arthur Murray (née Moses Teichman) and his wife Kathryn built the empire from humble origins—teaching via mail orders, radio lessons, and later TV shows like The Arthur Murray Party (1950–1962).
Growth Milestones: By 1946, the franchise had 72 studios; in mid-20th century, it was a dance institution. Post-1964, franchisees took ownership and steered renewal and expansion.
Current Presence: Approximately 227–270+ franchise units worldwide, with strong U.S. market penetration.
Industry Category: Positioned within Entertainment / Fitness Franchises specializing in dance studios.
Arthur Murray Dance Studios offers one of the most comprehensive training and support systems in the dance studio franchise industry. With over a century of brand expertise, the company ensures that every new franchisee—whether or not they have a professional dance background—has the resources, skills, and operational knowledge to run a profitable studio.
Initial Franchise Training Program: New owners (and often their staff) attend a structured multi-day training program covering dance instruction, business operations, and customer service excellence.
Dance Certification Training: Even if you’re not a professional dancer, Arthur Murray provides a curriculum that equips you and your instructors with the methodology, teaching system, and lesson delivery approach that the brand is famous for.
Studio Setup Support: Guidance on site selection, lease negotiation, layout, design, and branding to ensure the studio aligns with Arthur Murray’s standards.
Business Management Systems: Training on scheduling, student progress tracking, billing, and studio management software.
Hiring & Staff Training: Assistance in recruiting dance instructors and front-desk staff, plus training systems that prepare employees to deliver consistent lessons.
Standardized Curriculum: Franchisees receive access to Arthur Murray’s proprietary lesson structures, syllabi, and dance programs, ensuring uniform quality across all studios.
National & Local Marketing Campaigns: Franchisees benefit from brand-wide advertising campaigns, media exposure, and digital marketing strategies.
Promotional Materials: Access to pre-designed posters, brochures, digital ads, and social media templates.
Grand Opening Marketing Package: Guidance on launching with a strong local presence through events, introductory classes, and community outreach.
Online Presence Support: Arthur Murray helps with website optimization, SEO, social media campaigns, and online reputation management.
Continuous Dance Training: Franchise owners and instructors receive ongoing dance education, certifications, and skill development to keep up with new styles and techniques.
Workshops & Conventions: Annual conferences and workshops bring together studio owners to learn best practices, network, and stay updated on industry trends.
Performance & Event Support: Guidance in hosting recitals, showcases, competitions, and themed dance nights to drive community engagement.
Dedicated Field Support: Franchise business consultants regularly check in, offering advice on financial performance, marketing execution, and staff training.
Franchise Owner Network: Access to a network of hundreds of studio owners worldwide for shared best practices and collaboration.
Continuous Coaching: One-on-one mentoring for business development, scaling, and long-term growth planning.
Arthur Murray Dance Studios has been successful for over 100 years because it attracts driven, people-oriented, and community-focused entrepreneurs who combine a passion for dance with strong business management skills. You don’t need to be a professional dancer to qualify—Arthur Murray provides extensive training—but you do need the drive, leadership, and financial capability to run a lifestyle-oriented business.
Passion for Dance & Arts: While not required to be an expert dancer, franchisees should have a genuine appreciation for music, dance, fitness, and social culture.
People-Oriented Personality: Arthur Murray thrives on relationship building. Ideal owners should be friendly, approachable, and excited about engaging with students and the local community.
Leadership & Team Management: Strong leadership skills are needed to hire, train, and motivate a team of instructors and front-desk staff.
Sales & Customer Service Focused: Franchisees should be comfortable with student acquisition, upselling lesson packages, and building long-term customer loyalty.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: The best candidates are ambitious entrepreneurs who want to own and grow a business that blends entertainment, fitness, and education.
Experience in Business Operations: A background in retail, hospitality, fitness, or service industries is an advantage, though not mandatory.
Community Builder: Ideal owners enjoy hosting events, networking locally, and creating a sense of belonging for students.
Adaptability: Open to learning new business systems, marketing strategies, and teaching methodologies.
Minimum Net Worth: Typically $300,000–$500,000.
Liquid Capital: At least $50,000–$100,000 available for working capital and start-up expenses.
Investment Capability: Ability to handle a total investment between $71,000–$252,000 (including franchise fee, build-out, and initial marketing).
Long-Term Commitment: Franchisees must be financially stable and willing to reinvest in staff training, marketing, and local expansion.
Work-Life Integration: Ideal franchisees are those who want a career that combines business with lifestyle—running a studio that is as fun as it is profitable.
Community Influence: Owners should aspire to become local cultural leaders—hosting dance nights, showcases, and charity events.
Personal Growth Oriented: A desire to keep learning—both in business management and in the art of dance—is key to long-term success.
Urban & Suburban Centers: Best suited for areas with dense populations, young professionals, and active nightlife/fitness culture.
Middle to Upper-Income Areas: Communities where residents value recreation, fitness, and cultural activities provide the best customer base.
Total Estimated Investment: USD $71,000–$252,000, inclusive of franchise fee, leasehold improvements, furnishings, signage, early rent, working capital, and promo materials.
Franchise Fee: Typically USD $25,000; some sources indicate ranges up to $100,000.
Royalty Fees: Ongoing royalties between 5%–10% of gross weekly/monthly receipts; standard practice around 8–9%.
Marketing Fee: Approximately 2% of gross sales allocated to national advertising.
Infrastructure & Setup: Leasehold improvements ($30K–$75K), furniture & equipment ($2K–$18K), signs ($2K–$10K), rent for first months ($12K–$24K), training & additional funds.
Working Capital: Additional reserves of $0–$20K for initial operations.
Net Worth Requirement: $300K–$500K.
Expected Revenue & ROI:
Average Annual Revenue: ~$72,185
Median Revenue: ~$175,000
Top-performing studios: Up to $300,000/year.
Break-even Timeline: Typically within 12 months.
Potential Revenue Streams:
Group and private dance lessons
Events, showcases, social dance nights
Retail items (apparel, DVDs, branded materials)
Specialty programs and performance coaching
