You may have heard about a little event in Orange County this year.
It's the Unique Dance-O-Rama® and it's sort of popular in the Arthur Murray dance world. Okay, it's super popular, a hit for dancers of all levels, and you should definitely make plans to attend in 2017.
We asked some of the top Arthur Murray Experts about their thoughts on this year's event.
Arthur Murray Experts Reflect on the 2016 Unique Dance-O-Rama®
Gabriela Young
"Unique Dance-O-Rama® is always epic each year, and it gets bigger and better. Just when you think that Steve and Georgetta Platt, and everyone who works so hard to create this spectacular event, have out done themselves, they create the next phase of wonderment. It was great to see all the students, franchisees, and professional dancers doing what they love and evolving their skills with every round of dance. Unique is like being home for me, and I think we all grow from the experience. "
About the Expert: Gabriela Young is a Traveling Consultant for Arthur Murray, a member of the Dance Board, and a long standing judge at the Unique DOR. We recently interviewed her right here on ArthurMurrayLive.com, and when she isn't traveling the globe developing the dance skills of students and teachers, she is also the co-Franchisee of Arthur Murray Santa Monica.
Paul Killick
"Unique is a very unique experience. Steve & Georgetta put their heart and soul into this wonderful event. Every detail is delivered with a sense of pride and thought. Spending a few days doing what we love and having the opportunity to share this with like minded people is very special to me. "
About the Expert: Paul Killick has won every major award in Latin dancing as an Amateur and Professional. After retiring from competitive dancing in 2004, Killick continued to make major contributions to the Ballroom and Latin dance scene, and has his own Killick Classic Dancesport event. When he isn't traveling the globe as an ambassador for Dancesport, he's also the franchisee of Arthur Murray Beverly Hills.
David Woodbury
"Unique is an amazing experience. The organizers, Steve and Georgetta Platt, plan every detail and every day is action packed. Georgetta makes sure everyone has an unforgettable time in the beautifully decorated ballroom. Every night there is a special theme. The dancing is at a world-class level and this is a competition where the students always come first! Plan for the 25th Unique in 2017 and plan to have a life-changing experience!"
About the Expert: Up until 2016, David Woodbury had danced with his students in every single Unique DOR. This year, he was asked to judge. This charismatic co-Franchisee of Arthur Murray Santa Monica, Traveling Consultant, and National Guest Director for Arthur Murray adds a spark to every room he enters.
Unique Dance-O-Rama® 2016 - Irvine, CA from Maude Productions on Vimeo.
Jill DeMarlo
"It was truly an honor to Judge this year's Unique Dance-O-Rama® for Steve and Georgetta Platt! They added a day so we could all sleep a little longer, but who wanted to! The theme and decor never disappoints, but this year they really outdid themselves! The Disney night was amazing--and what could go together more with how we feel about all that Dancing does than the idea of "The Happiest Place on Earth"? Disney and Arthur Murray.
The Little bit Country, Little bit Rock 'n' Roll show was exciting--full of energy and creativity as always. For Friday night, the "It's a Small World Professional Show" and Ballroom were just spectacular, Christy Melgoza came out on a huge Martini glass, and the Formation challenge between Ballroom Tango and Argentine Tango was Brilliant!! I was really impressed by the level of dancing all weekend, but especially in the Scholarship divisions as well as the Professional Competitions. The hardest part was choosing the Recalls into the Finals as everyone really looked so good!
Unique has something for everyone from beginning to end; top notch dancing, amazing themes and costumes, great shows, fun music and amazing camaraderie. No wonder it's one of the largest events in the entire dance industry."
About the Expert: Jill DeMarlo is chiefly responsible for revitalizing Chicago, and the surrounding areas, for Arthur Murray. In addition to the schools she has opened, she has also helped to create successful teachers, managers, and new franchisees. In addition to her work as a Keynote Speaker, Traveling Consultant, and Master Franchisee, Jill has created an incredibly successful Fundraiser, Dancing with Chicago Celebrities, to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer.
Taras Denysenko
"Wow, the 2016 Unique DOR. One word: Exhilarating. Steve Platt, and his gorgeous wife Georgetta, organized another Arthur Murray experience that was filled with exciting competitive events, a fantastic professional show, and the ambiance like no other.
Every detail was planned and organized, and our students from Virginia Beach left excited and motivated for next year. This event is sure to be an experience we will all remember."
About the Expert: Taras Denysenko is a former Open American Rhythm Finalist, Traveling Consultant, and co-Franchisee of Arthur Murray Virginia Beach. In addition to his well traveled consulting career, Taras is a highly sought after emcee for prestigious Dance Competitions, and plays bass guitar in his band, The Hip Doctors.
Joe Howard
"On the final night of the Unique DOR I asked Steve Platt if his black pocket square with a white border was folded so it would resemble the petals of a rose.
Steve confirmed my observation.
The pocket square caught my eye because I just knew it couldn't have been random. The whole theme of Saturday's banquet was based around black and white geometric designs interspersed with bouquets of red roses. Beauty and elegance at its best...courtesy of his wife, Georgetta.
This small ornament is a minute example of the meticulous nature that every detail, from the decorations to the schedule, are considered. You might think that with such a 'perfectionistic' approach the event would run as a stuffy and overtly orderly event. But, it's that perfection that allows the artistry of the event to speak to the participants.
There is a warm and inclusive feeling that everyone can share. It began with Steve doing an eight legged dance, followed by several hundred people doing "The Wobble" line dance, a polka train to join one couple all alone on the huge floor and ends with spectating some of ballroom dancing's best. There is so much more I've left out. However, I know that Steve and Georgetta have thought of it all...and that, is what makes it 'Unique'."
About the Expert: Joe, and his wife Leisa, are former United States 9 Dance Champions, Traveling Consultants, members of the Arthur Murray Dance Board, parents, and they also own a successful studio, Arthur Murray Columbia. In addition to his work in all areas of the organization, Joe was part of the original Arthur Murray Training Team responsible for training and developing Arthur Murray personnel across the globe.
About the Event
The Unique Dance-O-Rama® is organized by Steve and Georgetta Platt. 2017 will mark the 25th anniversary of the event. In addition to the excellent service, decor, and dancing, part of what makes this event"Unique" is the Matinee Show - a vaudeville-esque solo routine exhibition for dancers that love to add production value to their dance numbers. Each Unique DOR includes a themed dinner dance, professional competitions, and student freestyles for every age and dance level.
