David’s introduction to dancing didn’t occur until college. After his first lesson he was hooked and the rest is history.

Beginning with an Arthur Murray training class in 1984, David has been actively involved in teaching and pro-am competition and has been a counselor, supervisor, guest director, studio manager and franchisee. He also very much enjoys studio and staff development and has a passion for training, not just in sales/procedures but also in how to personalize teaching to get the very best from every student.

Having trained with many of the great dance coaches and mentored by some of the greats in the business, David now owns/operates the Cary, NC Arthur Murray franchise.

How did you first get introduced to dancing?

As a freshman in college I went to a “How to do the Carolina Shag” mixer. I was excited to go out with friends and try out my new skills. After about 15 seconds on the dance floor the girl I was trying to impress stopped abruptly and (very frustrated) asked “What ARE you doing?” I was quickly demoted to the poor sap who stood there and held purses and drinks while everyone else had a good time on the dance floor. Fast forward one year, I finally got up the courage to enroll in a Beginning Social Dance class. After the first class I was hooked. This lanky guy with no self-confidence began to have fun, meet people and learn a new skill – a skill that he had no idea would become a career. After dancing the rest of my college career I was faced with moving forward in my chosen career field or doing what I really loved. So here I am some 30 years later helping others change THEIR lives through dancing.

What sets Arthur Murray apart from every other dance studio?

Number One – personalization. Arthur Murray professionals take the time to get to know each and every client, each program – each lesson, is individually planned to meet the personal needs of each individual client. Along with that is the fact that Arthur Murray professionals have the know-how to make each and every client feel good every time the client walks into the studio. It takes training to effectively teach a box step, but it takes caring and dedication to be able to teach the box step and have the student feel absolutely great about themselves while learning! That is the lead in to Number Two – Caring and dedication. Every successful Arthur Murray professional (regardless of job title, from administrative to franchisee) is not just doing a job, he/she is dedicated to the career of changing lives through dancing.

Top 3 books everyone should read

1. The Cadillac Treatment – Bud Howard (Read, re-read, have your staff read, rinse and repeat)
2. Don’t Give Up…Don’t Ever Give Up: The Inspiration of Jimmy V – Justin Spizman & Robyn F Spizman
3. My Husband, Arthur Murray – Kathryn Murray

Anything else you want to share?

My strengths in this business lie in training, creating a positive work environment for and with staff, studio planning, and creating not just a successful ‘sales’ school but also a successful ‘service’ school.