Mardis Gras is Tuesday, February 9th. So what happens when a city, known for fun and festivities is visited by a pack of Arthur Murray students, know for that same thing? The World Dance-O-Rama®.
AML: &Without giving too many of your secrets away, what is something that you are really excited about with this event in New Orleans?
TM: The energy of New Orleans is electrifying as it draws visitors from all over the world! You cannot help but get excited about the live music, food, fun and wonderful culture that is uniquely Cajun – the beautiful Garden District with its French style homes, the lively night life that is always occurring in the French Quarter (all right outside the hotel’s front door). And everyone knows the best beignets are found at Café Du Monde!
AML: How long is the planning process to put on an event of this scale?
TM: Normally we select a city and hotel location three years out from the proposed date of the event. The general planning begins 18 months from the event, and the specific planning begins one year in advance. For example, we are already working on the Superama 2016 at the beautiful Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas.
AML: Is there a moment at the event when you can take a breath and know that it all came together?
TM: Yes, absolutely. Saturday Evening when we are all seated in the ballroom for dinner. Everyone is elegantly dressed, the ballroom is beautifully decorated, and you can see that people are relaxing after several days of dancing. We can then breathe and know all is well (at least for the next hour as we eat). Then it’s back to work to finish the professional championships.
AML: What are some of the biggest positive trends you've seen over the years at Dance-O-Rama®?
TM: Whoa, that’s a BIG question. When I first started with AMI, we only had Superama and World DOR. Now we have over ten Dance-O-Ramas® a year, so that is one BIGGY! Another one is the number of attendees and most importantly, the biggest positive is the camaraderie found among all participants. All you need to do is visit or attend an AM DOR and you will immediately be impressed by the energy, fun and excitement going on. There are no other dance competitions like a DOR!
The Mariott Hotel on Canal Street sits at the entrance to the famous French Quarter. This location, and the city as a whole, means this event will truly live up to the description, "dance vacation". With nearby restaurants, watering holes, and tourist destinations - you will be in walking distance of some of the best that New Orleans has to offer.
Arthur Murray World DOR New Orleans - March 16th*-20th 2016
*Early package holders arrive the 15th. Each package, and each event, is promoted at the franchisees discretion in your local market.
Let's say you've been following along diligently, keeping your lessons close together, and marking off events on your deluxe Arthur Murray competition calendar - then Spring in New Orleans is a no brainer. However, that is only one small group of students that make up the studio you call your home, hangout, or dance sanctuary. Events like this are total immersion dance environments, and are designed for any level of student.
If you decide to attend, develop your dance confidence, and have a great time doing it - great.
If you get to celebrate with a Cafe Au Lait and beignets afterwards.... even better.