Augusto Schiavo: Champions, Changes, And Ciao Amore

If you haven't heard already, there's an Arthur Murray event every year called the Ciao Amore Dance-O-Rama®. It has its own theme song, line dance, and by the way, it's in Italy... and it's awesome.

The organizers of this increasingly popular event are Augusto Schiavo and his wife, Brigita. In addition to running 10 Arthur Murray schools worldwide (may have become 12 at the time of this publication), they are also new parents, and general dance celebrities.

We caught up with Augusto to get his take on the Ciao Amore 2015, why it is successful, and what his plans are to top what they pulled off in Rome in 2015.

Augusto Schiavo: Champions, Changes, and Ciao Amore

AML: It seems like every year this event gets more participation. How was this one in comparison with the others?

AS: "We had an increase of 22% from last year. I guess people love Rome and therefore, it was an easy and interesting destination for everyone."

AML: What does it mean to you to know that there were 10 countries in attendance?

AS: "This was great, unfortunatly we did not had time to run the parade of flags. Hosting 10 country is a great achivement we are very proud of this, our target is one day to have all the country where AMDS is to be present at the CIAO AMORE DOR we are working on this STAY TUNED."

AML: Whose idea was the toga party? And How did you manage to get two live horses into the ballroom?

AS: "We can’t reveal all the secret we can only say that we came down from Elephant and Tiger to horses but it was still a Grand Entrance from the President of our wonderful company. I think it will not look as good riding an Elephant."

AML: What was your personal highlight of the event?

AS: "The Highlight for us is always to see people having fun. We try to run a fun and friendly event. We want people to socialize and meet new friends. This is our primary object for the Ciao Amore DOR, and yes it is a competition, but is among friends, so everyone is a champion for us."

AML: What is the plan for Ciao Amore 2016? 

AS: "During the 4 days I had the manager and representative of the city of Venice to come over and see what happens (at the event).

I left them and said, "now guys you need to do better than this for next year." They looked at me, and told me, "We can have something that can be better then this for sure."

AML:  So do you believe them?

AS: "A few years ago in Venice, for the early arrival activity, we took everyone on SAN MARCO SQUARE to See Andrea Boccelli Live in concert, that was breathtaking. So let's see what happen next year."