Did Arthur Murray Help Or Hurt The Industry?
Arthur Murray is a well-known figure in the ballroom dance industry in America. He founded the Arthur Murray Dance Studios franchise in 1912, which quickly became one of the most popular dance schools in the country. While opinions on Murray's impact on the industry may vary, here are some arguments for and against his influence:
Arguments for Arthur Murray's positive impact on the industry:
Popularization of ballroom dance: Arthur Murray's franchise helped to popularize ballroom dance in America, making it more accessible to people who may not have had exposure to it before. Through his schools, Murray introduced many Americans to ballroom dance, and helped to create a thriving dance culture in the US.
Standardization of teaching: Murray was a proponent of standardizing dance teaching methods, which helped to improve the quality of instruction and create consistency across different studios. He also developed a standardized syllabus for teaching ballroom dance, which helped to make it more accessible and easier to learn.
Entrepreneurial success: Murray's success as an entrepreneur helped to create opportunities for other dancers and instructors, and contributed to the growth of the ballroom dance industry as a whole. His franchising model provided a pathway for other instructors to open their own schools and create successful businesses.
Arguments against Arthur Murray's impact on the industry:
Simplification of dance: Some critics argue that Murray's standardized syllabus and teaching methods oversimplified ballroom dance, removing much of the nuance and complexity that makes it a rich and rewarding art form. They argue that this simplification may have contributed to a decline in the quality of instruction and a loss of interest in the dance form.
Commercialization of dance: Some critics argue that Murray's emphasis on franchising and business success may have contributed to a commercialization of dance, where the focus on profit and expansion took precedence over the art form itself. This may have contributed to a shift away from the artistic and cultural roots of ballroom dance.
Limitation of creativity: Murray's standardized syllabus and teaching methods may have limited the creativity and innovation of dance instructors and students, who were encouraged to focus on a set of predetermined steps and routines rather than exploring their own individual styles and approaches to dance.
In conclusion, while there are both positive and negative aspects to Arthur Murray's impact on the ballroom dance industry in America, his influence cannot be denied. His franchising model and standardized teaching methods helped to popularize and standardize ballroom dance, while his entrepreneurial success created opportunities for many other dancers and instructors. At the same time, some argue that his commercial focus and simplification of the dance may have had negative effects on the art form itself. Ultimately, the legacy of Arthur Murray remains a complex and contested issue in the ballroom dance community.
Written by:
J. Patrick Clements
