FOLSOM – Music, movement, and milestone memories filled the air Wednesday evening as Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Folsom welcomed the community, Choose Folsom officials, and staff for a special ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating both its 10th anniversary and the grand opening of its new location at 800 Reading Street.
Guests arrived for the celebration that combined the energy of a dance showcase with the excitement of a business milestone. The evening began with a lively reception, followed by an all-levels group class that invited participants of every skill level to join the dance floor. Then, the crowd gathered for the dedication and official ribbon cutting, marking the beginning of the studio’s next chapter in Folsom.
Following the ceremony, the studio came alive with general dancing, a festive dance party, and performances by Arthur Murray’s talented instructors and students. Hors d’oeuvres and drinks were served throughout the evening, giving guests the chance to mingle, celebrate, and enjoy the spirit of ballroom culture.
For Arthur Murray Folsom, the evening was about more than a ribbon—it was a celebration of a decade of teaching thousands in the community the joy of dance. The studio’s mission has long been to provide high-quality dance instruction in a supportive and welcoming environment, with programs tailored for both singles and couples. From those learning to be comfortable social dancers to others striving to become competitive hobby dancers, the studio has built a reputation for helping people of all ages discover the health benefits, confidence, and joy that come with learning to dance.
A Century of Dance History
The roots of Arthur Murray Dance Studios stretch back more than a century, to 1912, when founder Arthur Murray began teaching Americans the dances of the day. Murray was not only a gifted instructor but also a visionary entrepreneur. He was among the first to use what were then cutting-edge marketing techniques, selling dance lessons by mail through step-by-step instructions. This innovative approach brought dance into living rooms across the country and set the stage for what would become the world’s most recognized dance school.
By the 1920s, Murray’s creativity extended to technology. In one of his most pioneering moves, he arranged the world’s first radio broadcast of live dance music so that students miles away could practice along. By the 1930s, Arthur Murray instructors were a fixture on luxury steamships, teaching passengers the latest ballroom steps. During this time, his studios helped introduce the public to popular new dances such as the Lambeth Walk and the Big Apple, cementing Murray’s influence in American culture.
The 1940s and 1950s saw rapid growth. A hit 1942 song titled “Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry” made his name a household word, and by 1946, 72 Arthur Murray studios were thriving across the country. The postwar years brought the explosion of Latin dance, and Murray sent instructors to Cuba to immerse themselves in the new rhythms and moves, bringing them back to eager American students.
Arthur and his wife Kathryn also embraced the new medium of television. Their “Arthur Murray Dance Party” aired for more than a decade on national TV, introducing millions of Americans to ballroom dance from their living rooms. By the mid-20th century, the Murray name was synonymous with elegance, romance, and fun on the dance floor.
Even Hollywood turned to Arthur Murray instructors. Studios consulted with Murray professionals for films such as Saturday Night Fever, Dirty Dancing, Dance With Me, and Scent of a Woman. Instructors were called upon to train actors, choreograph scenes, and sometimes appear on screen themselves. In addition, major advertising campaigns—from Gap’s khaki swing commercials to animated M&Ms—used Arthur Murray teachers to capture the infectious joy of dance.
Today, Arthur Murray International, Inc. remains one of the world’s largest dance instruction organizations, with about 250 franchised studios worldwide. While its global presence stretches across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, its foundation remains rooted in local communities like Folsom, where independent owners and instructors carry forward the tradition of making dance accessible, social, and fun for everyone.
A New Chapter in Folsom
That global legacy was very much alive Wednesday as Folsom’s community gathered not only to celebrate the past 10 years, but also to look forward to the future. The new studio space on Reading Street offers expanded opportunities for lessons, social dance parties, and community events. It’s a space designed to continue “inspiring confidence, health, and joy through dance—just as Arthur Murray himself envisioned more than a century ago.”
For more information about classes and programs, visit Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Folsom at 800 Reading Street or call (916) 895-5600.
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