ARTHUR MURRAY INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES RAPID GLOBAL GROWTH AND UK EXPANSION PLANS

Arthur Murray International Inc., one of the world’s largest dance brands, has announced news of rapid global expansion and plans to extend its franchise operation in the UK. 

The company, headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida was founded by the late Arthur Murray. Teacher to the stars, Murray and the company he formed, have enjoyed enormous success since he set up his first dance class in 1912 and garnered a glittering student roster that included Marilyn Monroe, Eleanor Roosevelt, John D. Rockefeller and the Duke of Windsor.

Today Arthur Murray International Inc. has 272 dance studios in 23 countries world-wide. The combined businesses offer its students lessons, courses, parties, club memberships, competitions, trips and a social and lifestyle community, and account for approximately £98 million in annual revenues.

Tom Murdock - VP at Arthur Murray International Inc.  and the board have appointed American TV's Dancing with the Stars All Access judge Ballroom Giant Gary Edwards to spearhead the drive to increase the franchise network in the UK and Ireland. 

Edwards, who has won over 30 international dancing titles, including the British Open Ballroom and the British Open Latin is one of the most qualified dance judges in the world having judged 47 World Championships. Last year he was tipped to replace Len Goodman as head judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

Next month, Edwards will be deploying a campaign to #GetBritainDancing as he tours the country to promote the health and lifestyle benefits of dance and the business opportunity an Arthur Murray franchise provides.

He explains: “Arthur Murray International has been engaged for over a hundred years in operating and franchising dance studios of the highest reputation and excellence and boasts unique and successful methods of teaching dance. The company has a wonderfully talented team and I share their goals, values and vision.

“There are only three Arthur Murray studios in the UK – all in London, and as a result, there is an enormous opportunity for expansion here and in Northern Ireland. I am on board to support that drive and in turn assist any new franchisees that join us.”

Tom Murdock continues: "Arthur Murray International Inc. has expanded exponentially in recent years through new franchises, international competitions and organic growth. We are in the strongest fiscal position ever and have the largest global reach in our company’s history. 

“We will be bringing to the UK - one of our most important markets, capital, experience, enthusiasm and a solid franchise support structure to assist new franchisees in the UK set up their businesses and capitalise on the company's market-leader status in the dance franchise category.”

For further information contact Melanie Faldo at melanie@kbapr.com

Notes to Editors:

Arthur Murray landed his first job as a dance teacher at the Grand Palace in New York City in 1912 when he was just 17 years old; his hard work and sheer talent allowed him to build the empire we see today. 

Since 2003, Arthur Murray International Inc. has opened 83 new franchise studios including in 15 new territories across the world. This year new studios have opened in Nicosia, Cyprus, and in Diamond Bar and San Rafael in California, and over the next twelve months, further studios will open in Brazil, Hungary, Peru, Canada and multiple US states. Longer term plans see expansion into Spain, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Norway, Trinidad, Australia, Italy, Austria and Croatia.

Arthur Murray Dance studios play host to some of the most prestigious dance competitions in the industry. The Superama, Dance-O-Rama and World Dance-O-Rama competitions take place globally and attract some of the best talents in the dance.

Dancing since the age of seven when his mother encouraged him to take his first steps, Gary Edwards has won over 30 international dancing titles, including the British Open Ballroom and the British Open Latin. He is one of the most qualified dance judges in the world having judged 47 World Championships. Gary recently revealed that he taught the King of Pop Michael Jackson the Cha-Cha-Cha when he was working for the Royal Family of Brunei. He has also given lessons to soul legend Barry White, Whitney Houston and MC Hammer.