The Arthur Murray All Star Spotlight: Charlotte Keezer
For every twist and turn you learn when you begin taking dance lessons, there can be a greater number of twists and turns you had to navigate to begin your dance journey.
With professionals, it is no different.
Charlotte Keezer is advancing to the Semi-Final round of the Arthur Murray All Star competition for the first time, but what makes this story special is all of the twists and turns she navigated to arrive at this point in her career. 
AML: What's your Arthur Murray Story?
CK: I found Arthur Murray at a time when I desparately needed a change in my life. I was working in retail and was looking for a career I could feel good about that would give me a sense of satisfaction.
I started out as a teacher in Livermore but I was going through a lot, and the timing just wasn't right.
I ended up leaving and going back to retail, but every once and a while, Daisey would come in the store I was working at just to say hi and check in.
These days we joke around about her stalking me to come back.
I came back three years later as an Office Manager in Walnut Creek, and really found my calling. I truly fell in love with the studio I was working in, the staff and especially the students. I learned that the path your life takes may not always be the one you planned, but it's the one that's meant to be. I'm so happy for how this journey has worked out for me, and I look forward to what the future has in store for me!
AML:What was it like to find out that you made it to the Semi-Finals in Portland?
CK: It was both exciting and scary. You always try your hardest at these things but you have no real way of know how well you did until the results come back. I'm used to hearing that I did well but just wasn't quite good enough, so this was a nice change of pace!
AML: How did you react when you got the news? Did you freak out, stuff like that?
CK: I'm not going to lie, I freaked a little bit. The nerves had finally passed after the first round, but then when I found out I made it to the Semi-Finals they came flooding back! After a celebratory glass of wine I was okay though.....well maybe after two glasses ;)
AML: How many All Stars have you participated in?
CK: I competed in one as a teacher... once upon a time a million years ago, but this was my third as an Admin.
AML: How has the process improved you as a Professional?
CK: I think it's really helped to hone my skills. The information in the releases if always so great and if you read and apply the material it can make you so much better at your job. The best part of the material though is it teaches you how to apply it and then you get to actually practice it in mock scenarios before you use it in the real world. It really prepares you for what may come in your studio and teaches you how to act under pressure.
AML: OK, make your shameless case for why you should advance to the World All Star Finals in Las Vegas
CK: I have no case to make. I'm just going to go out there and try my best because that's all anyone really can do. Who knows? Maybe I'll even surprise myself and come out on top!
Final Thought
As an Office Manager, Charlotte is chiefly responsible for creating a bridge from the outside world to the dance floor at Arthur Murray Walnut Creek. That can present it's fair share of challenges. For every person that is determined and excited to show up, there are an equal number of people who second guess the idea, pump the brakes, and waver.
But these are just twists and turns, and Charlotte's been there.
So it's no wonder that, more often than not, those wavering students find a safe passage to their dance lessons.
