The Arthur Murray Party was a popular American variety show that aired on ABC from 1950 to 1960, debuting on July 20, 1950. Hosted by dancers Arthur and Kathryn Murray, the show served as a commercial for several well-known dance studios. It featured various celebrities, including musicians, actors, and singers, who would learn to dance with the hosts. The Arthur Murray Party was the first television program to use dance instruction as a form of entertainment, and it gained widespread popularity during its decade-long run.

The Arthur Murray Party was designed as a large dance extravaganza, intentionally created to be fun and exciting for both viewers and participants. Guests, including celebrities and non-celebrities alike, would dress in elegant attire for the “party,” which often led to humorous situations. A significant portion of the show featured the hosts, along with instructors from their dance studios, teaching celebrities and guests new dance routines. The show would conclude with Arthur and Kathryn Murray performing a routine of their own. The Arthur Murray Party is recognized as the first program to showcase social dancing and help popularize ballroom dancing.

Fun Facts about The Arthur Murray Party: 

• They featured a fun segment called the “mystery dance.” The hosts would demonstrate part of a dance, and contestants who could correctly name it would win free dance lessons.
• The show featured several famous guests, including Groucho Marx, Bob Hope, and Buddy Holly. The excitement generated by these guests had a significant impact on the show’s ratings, attracting a wider range of viewers.
• The choreographer, James Starbuck, won an Emmy award for his work on the show. 
• The show had a massive and dedicated following, with millions of viewers tuning in each week.