Arthur Murray was born "Murray Teichman" on April 4th, 1895. He grew up on New York's lower East Side, poor, shy and scared stiff of dancing. In his early teens Mr. Murray attended Morris High School by day, studied draftsmanship at Cooper Union and then Columbia University by night, and also worked as an errand boy.

Until 1900 a limited number of Americans danced; when they did, it was mainly Waltzes and Polkas. Jazz dancing became popular in the early 1900s and around 1910, Ragtime came into vogue with dances such as the Crab Step, Kangaroo Dip, Chicken Scratch and Turkey Trot.

Mr. Murray started teaching dancing in 1912 at a huge exhibition hall in New York City, the Grand Central Palace. He taught dances in the evenings for two years while working at an architectural office during the day. When he began making three dollars a night teaching (more than he was making at his full-time job) he left the office and went to work as a full-time instructor for G. Hepburn Wilson. Mr. Wilson was the first dance master to advertise and offer individual rather than class lessons.

Mr. Murray felt he needed more instructions himself, so he invested in lessons at the Castle House, owned and run by Irene and Vernon Castle. Their style of dancing greatly appealed to Mr. Murray, who took training from them. It was during this time at Castle House that Mr. Murray learned the famous Castle Walk and the Tango, along with many other dances of the time. After completing his course of instruction, Mr. Murray applied for a position at the Castle House and was sent to the Devereaux Mansion in Marblehead, Massachusetts, to teach summer residents from Back Bay, Boston.

In the summer of 1914 the Baroness de Kuttleston, whom he had met at Castle House, asked if he would be her partner in teaching dancing during the Fall and Winter at a resort in Asheville, North Carolina, called the Battery Park Hotel. It was the Baroness' idea to change his name from Murray Teichman to "Arthur Murray" she thought "Teichman" sounded too German, since war with Germany seemed imminent.

In 1919 Arthur decided to enroll in a business administration course at Georgia Tech. He planned to meet expenses by dancing his way through college, but he did better than that. He began teaching dancing in his spare time at the Grill Room of the Georgian Terrace, at that time the leading resort hotel in Atlanta. He soon had over one thousand children enrolled in different age groups at different social levels; among them Bobby Jones of golf fame and the Chandler twins of the Coca-Cola Fortune.

During this time, B.C. Forbes, editor of Forbes Magazine featured an article about Mr. Murray entitled "This College Student Earns $15,000 a Year." Although this was not Mr. Murray's first fling at national publicity, it was a great help. On March 27, 1920, he had arranged, using students from Georgia Tech, to have music transmitted to a group of his students dancing a few miles away; this was the world's first radio broadcast of live dance music for dancing and Arthur Murray recieved quite a bit of national coverage.

About this time, The Atlanta Journal had started a promotion which included a "kinetoscope," a toy moving-picture device. This gave Arthur the idea of teaching dancing by mail. He ordered a thousand kinetoscopes, posed for the pictures and placed ads with coupons, headlined "Learn to Dance at Home." The replies were fantastic; so he ordered, posed for and ran more ads. The little tin projectors started coming back for refunds; they had broken in transit. In the meantime, the kinetoscope manufacturer had gone bankrupt and Arthur couldn't get his money back. He had huge advertising, photography and printing bills, and all the money he had earned melted away in less than two months.

The Murray dance classes soon attracted adults as well, and celebrities visiting Atlanta brushed up on their dancing while staying at the Georgian Terrace. Opera star Enrico Caruso was one of his students, and knew Arthur was having difficulty succeeding with his dancing-by-mail classes. Caruso jokingly suggested that Arthur should begin sending lessons for one foot only, and then when paid, send lessons for the other foot! The thought of lessons "by the foot" gave Mr. Murray the idea for the famous "footprints" that became an Arthur Murray trademark. Depicting the dance steps this idea enabled Arthur to obtain a loan and begin a new mail order campaign.

Arthur designed a dance instruction book using the dance footprint diagrams, had it printed and cautiously placed a few newspaper ads; again, returns were encouraging. Reasoning that people wouldn't expect the latest dance steps to come from Georgia, Arthur rented desk space in a small office on Fifth Avenue in New York and employed a secretary there to handle the responses. The business made a slow start and ran at a loss even though each dance course sold for ten dollars.

After studying the mail-order business in earnest, Arthur decided to concentrate his efforts himself in that market and left Atlanta in 1923 to live in New York City. He placed an ad entitled "How I Became Popular Overnight" that drew upon personal memories, in a national magazine. The ad brought 37,000 replies. Then Arthur ran the same copy in the New York Times Book Section with equally successful results. When Arthur married Kathryn in the Spring of 1925, his mail-order business, then six years old, was netting him $35,000 a year, and more than five million Americans had learned to dance by mail. Until 1925 most magazines accepted mail-order ads on a per-coupon basis; that is the advertiser paid according to the number of replies that came in. When this procedure was dropped, ads increased in cost and the possibility of future success in the mail order business ended. So Arthur returned to his main interest: personal dance instruction.

During the twenties the Arthur Murray Studio at 11 East 43rd Street in New York did a thriving business. When the stock market crash of '29 came, the years following were tough and the studio shrank from six floors to two but successfully survived the depression. During the thirties, Mr. Murray did extensive and imaginative advertising concerning the benefits of dancing: confidence, exercise, popularity, business reasons, etc. An organizational magazine was started called the Murray-Go-Round; it continues to be popular to this day. Prior to World War II, Arthur Murray teachers were a regular part of every first-class steamship cruise, and during the thirties, the studios introduced such dances to the public as the Lambeth Walk and the Big Apple.

The Big Apple was promoted heavily by the Murray organization; in fact, it was the Big Apple that launched Mr. Murray's one studio to the largest chain of dance studios in the world today. During the summer of 1937, there was a small news item in the New York Times about a dance from North Carolina. The paper only mentioned that a group of dancers had been seen in a little night spot called "The Big Apple." Mr. Murray sent one of his teachers to investigate; he reported there wasn't much to the dance: the couples merely formed a circle and stomped around to jazz tempos, following calls shouted by a leader. So Mr. Murray and staff created patterns for The Big Apple dance that Arthur could publicize. Steps from the current Shag, Suzie "Q" and Truckin' dances were given "call" names such as "Peel the Apple," "Cut the Apple," and so on.

John Hennesey, general manager of the Statler Hotels, asked Mr. Murray to send instructors to his chain of hotels. Mr. Murray did so on the basis that the teachers send a percentage of what they made to him and keep the rest. This was the beginning of the Arthur Murray franchise system. In 1938 the first official opening of a franchised school occurred in Minneapolis. Actually, Detroit had been the first franchise issued, but the studio did not open until after Minneapolis. By 1946, when Arthur incorporated, there were seventy-two franchised studios grossing nearly twenty million dollars a year! Lesson rates were four to ten dollars per hour depending upon the length of the course.

In July, 1950, Arthur Murray bought five fifteen-minute television spots on CBS and persuaded Kathryn to do the honors of teaching. Before the third show Mr. Murray bought a half-hour summer series on ABC. The show was called the "Arthur Murray Dance Party." By May, 1952, the Murrays had televised almost one hundred programs. Their TV ratings had climbed, and for the summer of 1952 on CBS, they signed with their first sponsor, General Foods. It was a shock to the trade to have the Murrays -- former sponsors -- hired as talent! Millions of viewers all over the United States fell in love with the show and encouraged its continuation by flocking to the Arthur Murray Studios throughout the country. An average of 2,000 new students were beginning courses each week! In April, 1957, Mr. Murray decided to present famous stars in the dance contests. This continued for the duration of the program through 1961. The talented celebrities who appeared on the weekly "Dance Party" series were numerous.

The backbone of the Arthur Murray Studios' clientele has always been the ordinary citizen, but a considerable number of celebrities of the arts, business and politicians have also taken lessons: Johnny Carson, Mr. & Mrs. Merv Griffin, Bob Hope, Katherine Hepburn, Ed Sullivan, Don Ameche, Helen Hays, Joey Bishop; Jane Fonda and Chris Kristofferson took lessons for movies; James Taylor's entire wedding party learned the Arthur Murray way. Other celebrities include: David Niven, Robert Duval, Shelly Berman. From the world of sports: Steve Cauthen, Ike Curtis, Max Montoya, Paul & Ray Renfro.

With the introduction of the Twist in 1961, romantic, social dancing became less popular and business declined for a few years.

Mr. & Mrs. Murray retired from active participation in the organization in 1964, and Mr. George B. Theiss, along with Mr. Philip Masters, Mr. Samuel Costello and other investors, bought the Company and brought a fresh new spirit and leadership to the dance organization.

In 1967 George B. Theiss originated the phrase "Touch Dancing" that has become synonymous with social, partnership dancing. Beginning about 1968 (and continuing to the present day), Touch Dancing has become popular again with special interest in the Latin Dances such as the Mambo, Merengue, and Tango, evidence by television. Specials and layouts in Vogue, Time, Smithsonian and other Internationally known publications. The organization experience and renewed interest in learning partnership dances by young adults who were seeking something new and different. What they found were the same joys their parents had experienced -- the exhilaration which comes from having a fun evening, moving with a partner in time and in tune to the music.

The advent of the Hustle brought a wild, carefree but still sophisticated feeling to society, developing into major movies, TV shows, etc. Dance contests and dressing up again was the order of the day. The movie "Saturday Night Fever" was released in December, 1977 and caused an immediate increase in the number of people flocking the studios. In 1978 the Hustle was very popular; nearly everyone was asking for it. In mid-1979, demand for the Hustle gave birth to an increased interest in other social dances such as the Fox Trot, Rumba and Cha Cha. Experts foresee this renewed interest in Touch Dancing continuing into and throughout the future. Studios in the Arthur Murray organization have experienced increased interest, and many new students including younger people have enrolled for lessons from Tango (Argentine Tango) to Cha Cha, Salsa, Hustle and different versions of the Disco style.

The Arthur Murray organization has experienced great achievements, particularly in the area of health benefits. Dance instruction has been used extensively for physical therapy in hospitals such as Walter Reed in Washington, D.C. It also brings big psychological benefits in the form of confidence, poise and self-understanding.

Dancing is recognized by the medical profession as having benefits of both curative and corrective value, so much so that leading physicians and psychiatrists refer their patients to dance schools as a form of emotional and physical improvement.

One of the obvious benefits of dancing is exercise for weight control and appearance. This is not to say that the larger person cannot be a good dancer, for many are. However, studies do show that dancing will burn six hundred calories per hour. Consequently, a regular schedule of dancing is a great way to stay in shape and can do wonders for the legs and waistline. For any age, it is an excellent way of keeping the muscles toned, and can iron out the stiffness of carriage and walking, one of the foremost signs of aging.

For many, dancing leads to meeting new people, and romance, getting to know them very closely, yet in a socially proper way, yet intimate in a non-threatening way. In today's society, getting to "know your partner" has many aspects of meaning and impact. Dancing can lead to romantic situations or can simply be an enjoyable, friendly interaction between two people...the choice being a mutual one by both partners.

At Arthur Murray, dancing is a sociable pursuit. Dance partners cannot help but take an interest in the person in their arms. Naturally, on the dance floor there are many introductions and new friendships begin when the music stops. Through dancing, many people experience personal improvements in other areas too -- hair styles and general appearance. Consequently, a positive personality can be developed through exposure to a dance environment such as that found at the Arthur Murray Franchised Dance studios.

At the present time there are about 200 studios and classes franchised by Arthur Murray International, Inc. In Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Israel, Italy and Puerto Rico, as well as in most of the fifty states in the U.S. The franchised studios are owned and operated by former staff members who have worked their way up in the business. They started as teachers but became alert to the possibilities of ownership after reaching executive level. This is undoubtedly the safest, surest way to gain a franchise. To run a studio profitably, the owner should understand every phase of operation -- and have actual teaching experience. An ambitious person, acceptable as a staff member, can advance to a top executive job and become eligible as a franchisee within just a few years.

There is a close bond among franchisees and franchisors who conducts frequent district, regional and area get-togethers with staff members and also hold student competitions. These are held for the purpose of improving each person's knowledge of dancing and teaching, and to learn more about human relations as they apply to business as well as daily living. International conventions are also held so that franchisees from various parts of the world may exchange ideas about the dance industry and improve their skills in operating their own business.

The main difference between an Arthur Murray International convention and meetings held by other franchised businesses can be found in the social evenings. What do the participants do! -- They dance, of course!

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ARTHUR MURRAY ORGANIZATION
1910s Mr. Murray started teaching dancing in 1912 at the Grand Central Palace in New York City. Became involved in mail order and teaching various places: New York, Atlanta, Marblehead, Massachusetts. Began school at Georgia Tech.

1920s Mr. Murray instigated the world's first dance to radio in 1920. Using students from Georgia Tech, he arranged to have a campus radio station transmit music to his students at a few miles away. Started personal instruction in studios in 1925 and discontinued mail-order business. Married Kathryn after a three month courtship.

1930s Developed advertising techniques, promoted such dances as the Lambeth Walk and Big Apple. Developed franchise system and organization.

1940s Worked extensively with GIs and hospitals. Refined the franchised system and then incorporated in 1946. Realized continuous growth.

1950s Worked heavily with TV and polishing sales and PR for the organization. "Arthur Murray Dance Party" on the air from 1950-1961. Organization experienced considerable growth with an average of 2,000 new students each week! Both Messrs. Theiss & Masters entered the organization.

1960s With introduction of the Twist in 1961, business declined for a few years. Picked up in the mid-sixties and continued upward into the seventies. Mr. Murray retired from active participation in 1964. In 1968 Arthur Murray International, Inc. originated the phrase "Touch Dancing" that has become synonymous with partnership dancing.

1970s Accelerated growth as social trends return to Touch Dancing, particularly in the mid-seventies. Disco became the rage, incorporating a wide variety of dances which Arthur Murray had been teaching for years. The movie "Saturday Night Fever" brought to the public the message that is was fun to be a good dancer. Arthur Murray International was granted the rights and held the first world championship competition in New York City ever to be held in the U.S.A. The United States and World Championships continue to be held annually throughout the world. The United States holds its annual championship each September at the world famous Fountainebleau Hotel. They continue to hold the United States closed Championships for the United States members as well as open to the world championship phases. The popularity of these competitions has led to their entry into the world Olympics competitions.

1980s In 1980 the interest in Disco started shifting to an interest in traditional social dancing of all types including Ballroom, Latin and Country Western, Resurgence toward Touch Dancing continued. The President of Arthur Murray International and his wife found the Lambada being newly introduced in Paris while on a trip and brought it back to America and introduced it to the Arthur Murray Dance Board. The Arthur Murray Studios were promptly schooled in it and were the first dance studios by a wide margin to teach the Lambada as we know it today.

1990s The 90's saw a great number of line dances rise in the dance scene across the country but changed in form every few months, though some lasted a year or two such as the Macarena.

Tango continued too, through movies and other dance specialists, to rise and fall in interest throughout the 90s. All major popular dances of the past continued to be danced with Swing, Western Swing and various forms of Hustle probably the most popular, followed by Fox Trot and Rumba. Ballroom and competitive dancing popularity has been on the rise throughout the 90s. "Dance Sport," as competitive Ballroom Dancing has come to be known, is expected to play a larger role in the lives of people around the world, into the next century.

Our founder, Mr. Arthur Murray, died in 1991. Mr. Samuel Costello died in 1995.

2000s "Sport Dancing" for a competition form of the social dances. To be a new competitive sport in the future Olympics. Meanwhile, regular night club or social dancing along with forms of Disco, continues to gain in popularity.

History of George B. Theiss, President and Philip S. Masters, Chairman of the Board of Arthur Murray International, Inc. Mr. Theiss stepped off towards the future in the early 50's by enrolling as a student in Madison, Wisconsin and quickly learned the Arthur Murray Magic Step method of learning. Mr. Theiss states "Murray' magic stayed with me - I loved the excitement, meeting new people, helping them become more confident, to go out and meet new people, to add spirit, joy, fun and fitness to their lives". Mr.Theiss became one of Murray's 300 studio franchisee owners and managers. His successful management and abilities to mix the fun of dancing into a highly profitable business, continued as he acquired additional studios in 24 cities to become one of the major franchisees.

Philip Masters joined the organization during the boom years of the early 50's, leaving graduate school at Temple University and his serving as a Ship's Communications Officer. Starting as an instructor, he quickly demonstrated his ability for business, management and people. Mr. Masters managed studios and was named Zone Supervisor of Murray's studios in the Northeast. By the late 50's, Masters owned several states, and Canada.

Messrs. Masters & Theiss were the first to realize the growing popularity of the Latin American dances and introduced many to America's dancers after holding many training sessions for Murray's instructors in Cuba. Several studio conventions were also held in Cuba during the 50's so that instructors could continue to learn first-hand the hot new latin styles and moves in vogue at that time.

In 1964 Mr. Murray passed the torch on and Messrs. Theiss & Masters and their associates purchased controlling stock interest in Arthur Murray Inc. Together, they have provided the leadership, guidance and inspiration for the world's largest dance instruction organization.

Additionally, Messrs. Theiss & Masters are members of the Board of Directors of the World Federation of Ballroom Dancers and also American Ballroom Company, which organizes the United States DanceSport Championships and many World Dance Sport Championships.