132: Gary Edwards - CEO of Arthur Murray Dance Studios, World Champion Ballroom Dancer,International Judge, and Michael Jackson’s Cha Cha Instructor.

About this episode

Gary Edwards shares his journey from a young dancer to CEO of Arthur Murray Dance Studios, discussing the business of dance and personal resilience.

Interview date: May 3rd, 2026 Episode Summary: In this episode of The Business of Dance Podcast , Gary Edwards shares his remarkable journey from a seven-year-old boy in London learning to dance so he could attend his mother’s events, to becoming a world champion ballroom dancer, international judge, and now CEO and partner of Arthur Murray Dance Studios. He reflects on the unwavering conviction he had from a young age that dance would not just be his passion, but his profession, despite pushback from a world that did not yet see dance—especially for boys—as a serious career path. From his first paid job at 17 to years spent performing, judging, and teaching around the world, Gary’s story is one of persistence, adaptability, and saying yes to opportunity. The conversation also dives into the business side of dance in a powerful way. Gary discusses how Arthur Murray has remained successful for more than a century by focusing on fun, connection, and community, while also explaining the urgent need to modernize through social media, updated systems, and broader visibility. He shares entertaining stories about teaching Michael Jackson a cha-cha to “Billie Jean,” spending time with…

People in this episode

Host: MENINA FORTUNATO

Guest: Gary Edwards

Topics covered

• dance career
• ballroom dancing
• business of dance
• celebrity interactions
• resilience in dance

Keywords

• Gary Edwards
• Arthur Murray
• ballroom dancer
• dance business
• Michael Jackson
• resilience
• dance career
• celebrity dance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Arthur Murray Dance Studios

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