The Award Arthur Murray Walnut Creek Finally Won
There have been years where they were new. Other years where they had moral victories, and a few close finishes, but as of the Heavy Medal Ball in February 2017 - Arthur Murray Walnut Creek has finally won the Flash Formation Trophy.
Alexis Morales knows a thing or two about Walnut Creek's struggles to take home the Flash Formation trophy. As a long time instructor, and former dance director in the school, he was one of the key people leading the charge in each Medal Ball. Now, as the new Supervisor in Arthur Murray Stockton, he shed some light on what this means for the team in Walnut Creek.
"I was so proud to see that Walnut Creek finally won. The hard work Karen and the students put into all the formations over the years has finally been rewarded with the ultimate prize! Now I know how Cubs fan felt when they won the world series! Great job Team Walnut Creek!"
Madisen O'Laughlin, another Walnut Creek alum and current franchisee of Arthur Murray Stockton, knows exactly how long this moment has taken, and what it means to the staff and students.
"This victory is a long time in the making. They totally deserved it! We couldn't be more proud of how hardcore they brought it, and how fabulous the whole Walnut Team has developed!"
What Changed This Year
"Sometimes, you've just got to do the Haka" says Supervisor Karen Prado. While many schools will have well rehearsed entrances before the music begins, "we had some students that really got behind the idea of doing it (the Haka), and everyone got on board."
The Haka is a dance that began with the Maori Warriors in New Zealand designed to challenge and intimidate their rivals. The dance has regained notoriety over the years with celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and the New Zealand's Rugby team performing it during the Rugy World Cup in 2011 - which has amassed a whopping 13 million views on YouTube alone.
For Charlotte Keezer, New Student Counselor in Walnut Creek, the difference was clear. "Everybody worked really hard, but there was a change in our team when we all did the Haka. I felt like, right there, we won.”
The Moment it All Happened
we wonnnnnnn! from Arthur Murray Walnut Creek on Vimeo.
From tears of joy, to primal screams of victory - the Walnut Creek team celebrated a well deserved win in a variety of ways. Their effort over the years, with staff past and present, was evident in their enthusiasm, and the applause of congratulations from the other studios.
We send Dance Advice, DWTS coverage, and plenty of dance-related humor to our subscribers once a week - all our best stuff, without the search, direct to your inbox.
If you haven't already, we'd love to have you join our Subscriber Community
