Maybe you've seen her, but do you know the whole story?
The vivacious personality that is Gabriela Young may have crossed your path at some point in your dance journey - and you'd never forget it. She is an esteemed member of the Arthur Murray community, and one of the truly unique personalities in the dance world.
Here is her story.
Anyone Who Loves Dancing Should Meet Gabby
AM: We want the whole story. Let's start with some highlights.
GY: Well, I've spent most of my career as a traveling dance consultant for Arthur Murray Dance Studios. My competitive dance career spans three continents and includes being the United States Rising Star Champion in both International Latin and American Rhythm.
I was also a North American and United States finalist in Open Professional Latin and American Rhythm. I had a chance to earn international recognition as a Semi-finalist in Open Professional Latin at the world-renown dance sport competition in Blackpool, England.
AM: That's an impressive resume. Speaking of which, give us the scoop on being a part of the Arthur Murray Dance board. That's a really big deal.
GY: Definitely! As a member of the Arthur Murray Dance board, I have had a chance to co-create the Bronze and Silver Salsa syllabus for Arthur Murray, which are used and taught all over the world.
AM: So let's go back to the early years. Before all the championships and the consulting. What was Gabriela Young doing before you became a dance teacher?
GY: I was finishing High school and worked at my mothers restaurant as a waitress and hostess.
AML: How did you get your first dance job?
GY: Technically, I started my own dance troop in Junior high school so we could perform in the variety shows at school. So you could say I gave myself the job of a dancer and choreographer at that time. But my career happened because I was taking lessons for a year at a studio and I realized I wanted to dance all day long, so one day I told the manager that I wanted to become a teacher.
AML: Good for you. Did you get the job on the spot?
GY: She turned me down! A week later I told her I was no longer going to continue my lessons and I was canceling the rest of my program. She said that if I could wait a month, she would put me in the teacher training program.
AML: And the rest is history! So when did you realize that this was more than just a job?
GY: You know, I never knew this as just a job, I always knew it as an opportunity to dance all day.
AML: You always seem to take people up a few notches in their confidence, is that an intentional thing?
GY: I certainly hope that I am. After all, building confidence is the job as a coach and mentor.
AML: You recently became the co-owner of the Santa Monica studio. What has that transition been like?
GY: It's been like getting on a roller coaster with all the excitement, anticipation, and scariness all at the same time.
AML: How would you sum up the journey you started as a former waitress?
GY: When you actually get to live out your child hood dream of being a dancer as a life long career, I cant think of a bigger achievement than that. That is what I am most proud of at this point in my life. I just feel so blessed!
Rapid Fire Questions
1. What is your comfort food?
Anything involving cheese, or French fries.
2. Where is the best place to go Salsa dancing in the Los Angeles area?
3. Describe your perfect day
Sitting at the beach.
4. What is something you have always wanted to take lessons in?
Anything to do with the mystical realm.
5. What are you currently reading?
"Life is a Gift" by Gill Edwards
6. What should every Arthur Murray student try once in their lifetime?
Any Dance-O-Rama
Final Thought
Gabriela took a risk, motivated by a passion, and now she shares that with the world. She is an Arthur Murray celebrity, a coach, and motivator, and sometimes that can make a consultant seem out of reach, and difficult to relate to. If you've learned anything from Gabriela's story, it's that she is still that girl that wanted to dance all day, one job removed from being a waitress, and feels blessed to get a chance to do what she does.
