World Dance-O-Rama contest in NYC celebrates 100 years of Arthur Murray ballroom dancing

All photos by Mike Segar / Reuters

One of the largest ballroom dancing competitions kicked off this week in New York City with students and dancers from over 200 countries competing.  The event is hosted by the Arthur Murray Ballroom Dance Studios, which is celebrating its 100th year of teaching social and competitive dancing worldwide.

Dance instructor and businessman Arthur Murray began by selling dance lessons through the mail. He would draw and sell footprints which people placed on the floor and followed the steps to learn the moves. His slogan was "If you can walk, we teach you how to dance.”

Currently there are about 270 Arthur Murray Franchised Dance Studios worldwide.

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chris escamillaDeleted
Comment author avatarRon Vansyoc

So proud of our dancers from Arthur Murray, especially our Denver dancers Isaac and Nancy in the bottom photo.

    Reply#2 - Sun Mar 25, 2012 11:21 PM EDT
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