Arthur Murry started teaching dance in 1912 at the Grand Palace in New York City. He pioneered social dancing, attracting adults to classes after teaching children for years and opening the world's largest chain of dance studios. Murry also had one of the longest-running TV Dance shows, The Arthur Murry Party, which ran from 1950 – 1962. This photo was taken in 1952 when Murry’s influence was widespread nationally, and couples flocked to learn to dance. The studios taught more traditional steps like waltz and other ballroom dances, but it was a golden age for new dances as well. 1950s dances like The Twist, The Stroll, and later the Handjive were all influenced by new music called rock and roll and were part of the younger generation's dances. Also seen in this photo are the Jockey Billiards Club at 118 E Lafayette and J W Cooper Realtors at 126 Lafayette.  

Excitement hit this block in July 1954 in a noontime raid on the Jockey Club next door, and five people were arrested. The following year, the state beverage director revoked the club’s liquor permit, and they closed. By 1958, Arthur Murry’s had moved to 908 Franklin St. Still in business today, there are two Arthur Murray Dance Centers in Tampa, one on Gandy Blvd and one on North Dale Mabry.

In the early 1970s, this entire block was leveled, and the First National Bank of Tampa, a 36-story office complex, was constructed. Now known as Park Tower, the building has been refurbished and resold several times.

© Chip Weiner. All rights reserved