Live from Unique Dance-O-Rama® - Day 2
Think of the last time you had a great meal and you were convinced you couldn't eat anything else... until they brought the dessert tray by the table. That is the only way to describe the "Hooray For Hollywood" Professional Show at the Unique Dance-O-Rama®.
The Opening Act
Fact: Asking an Arthur Murray instructor to dance in front of people, is like asking kids if they like Disneyland.
Asking an Arthur Murray instructor to sing while dancing is a different story.
Justin McClendon and Jessica Holty opened the Friday Night show in spectacular fashion with both singing and dancing. While this may not be a great idea for all Arthur Murray Professionals, it certainly is for this dynamic duo as they sang the title song, "Hooray For Hollywood". This opening act set the stage for a large group of Arthur Murray professionals all over the Southwestern United States dancing a group floorshow.
The Headliners
Every year, the Friday Night professional show features "Headliners" from the Arthur Murray world. These celebrity guest stars work in secret with the Unique Dance-O-Rama® choreography team, headed up by Tommy Belmontez. With featured Headliners like Ballroom Champion Agnes Kaszmierczak as Audrey Hepburn, or United States American Rhythm Champion, Bob Powers, as Austin Powers... these aren't your typical cameo appearances.
The audience goes nuts!
With "Hooray For Hollywood" as the theme, the cast put on a show that would make a community theater director quit and become a barista. It was that good. The headliners happen to all be incredible dancers, Arthur Murray franchisees, and esteemed members of the Arthur Murray community.
The King And I: Ingvar Geirsson & Sara Geirsson
Sara was the picture of the character Anna. The franchisee, and mother of two, made an elegant return to the dance floor and reminded us that she was, and still is, a talented dancer and performer.
Ingvar as Yul Brynner was almost too perfect. The fact that he continued to judge in his Siamese outfit suggests that he is petitioning for a more permanent role as King going forward.
We'll see if Anna/Sara has anything to say about that.
West Side Story: Juan De Dios Garcia & Cari Jo Garcia
"Thoughts On the Show"
An Interview with Juan De Dios Garcia
AML: How did it feel being asked to be a Headliner in the professional show at Unique Dance-O-Rama®?
JG: It was a surprise and honor to be asked. A year ago when they asked us, the conversation kind of went like this:
Steve & Georgetta: Would you like to...Juan & Cari - "YES!"
AML: What was your favorite moment of the show?
JG: I hate to be biased, but dancing with my wife steals every bit of the show for me. And, I'm sure when she reads this, I'll get major brownie points!
AML: What did it feel like performing at that level again?
JG: It was really fun getting that feeling again performing for everyone.
AML: What do you think makes the Unique Dance-O-Rama® so special?
JG: Ever since we started, Unique has been the Dance-O-Rama® to go to for everyone on the west coast. So it's kind of like a warm welcome for us, and it just feels like home every time you're here.
Burlesque: Jill De Marlo
The final headliner featured Arthur Murray megastar, Jill DeMarlo, in a role she currently plays on a daily basis. You know, provocative outfit, leading a group of well trained dancers, and being rolled around in a cage on wheels doing leg lifts, a shimmy or two, and back bends.
This sexy performance had plenty of sex appeal and jaw dropping choreography that included chairs, great costuming, and the aforementioned rolling cage.
Just another day at the office.
Read Jill DeMarlo's Article: 5 Ways Learning to Dance Can Lead to Career Opportunities
Closing Out The Closed Category
The closed category freestyles featured every dance style imaginable from Country Western to Salsa, Paso Doble to Waltz. There was no shortage of effort, enthusiasm, or expression.
The closed category day is capped off with the very popular division: The All Around Competition
What Is The "All Around" Competition?
The All Around competition is built to improve a student's skill and technique in their dance program. This category features dances drawn randomly that the students, and their teachers, must execute. They must only dance within the level they are entered in or they may be disqualified. Since the inception of the All Around, the caliber of dancing and teaching across the company has improved due to the extra emphasis on sound fundamentals and technique.
All Around Facts
- Associate Bronze is the only level with 2 dances selected, all the others are 4
- This category has so many participants it regularly has a Quarterfinal, Semifinal, and Final rounds.
- The Winner receives a trophy or medal
The Home Stretch
With over 14,000 entries, and participants from all over the globe, Unique Dance-O-Rama® offers the big event pizzazz, with small event service. (As evidenced by organizer Steve Platt, as per the norm, assisting with the seating chart, and his wife, Georgetta, greeting guests all over the ballroom.)
At the halfway point, there have been nothing but rave reviews from all of the Arthur Murray students, professionals, and the staff of the Hotel Irvine.
