2017 Arthur Murray All Star Spotlight: Area 4
There is so much more to what we do than just teaching dance.
An Arthur Murray Dance Professional wears many hats: We are goal setters, dream weavers, dance doctors, listening ears, even the occasional referee!
It requires spontaneity, critical thinking, high functioning communication skills, and the ability to wrap it all together into a fun, professional package.
Welcome to the world of the Arthur Murray All Star Tournament. It's the system we use to determine who the best of the best are in customer service in our industry.
Each Arthur Murray Professional is grouped into one of six categories: Specialist, Teacher, Counselor, Supervisor, Rookie, and Administrator.
We train all year using chosen topics that, in the end, will make us the strongest danceprofessionals possible. then we square off - first in the studio, then within our district, afterwards in our Arthur Murray Area (there's only 10 areas in the world) and, lastly, we take it to the finals in Las Vegas.
Each team from each area worldwide have been training hard to prove they represent the best of the best in the world of Arthur Murray. In the end, the real winners are the students across the globe whose instructors grow and go to great lengths to ensure every student who walks through our doors have an amazing, outstanding experience.
Without further adieu, drum roll please! Allow me to introduce the Area 4 All Star Team!
TOP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:
Isabel Garza from Arthur Murray Glenview
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
IG: It has given me a new perspective. The training and preparation has given me new communication tools to use when interacting with new and current students in the studio.
AML: What's your All Star backstory?
IG: In the 10 years I have been in the company I have participated 4 times. Each of the times I have learned something new and helpful that I have put into use over the years. This is my first time representing my area, so I am very honored.
TOP SPECIALIST: Katie DeSalvo from Arthur Murray Lincolnshire
AML: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
KD: The night before the competition, I had to handle a very difficult real life situation in which I did use some of my All-Star communication skills. So going into Semi-Finals, I felt like, "Hey, I can do this! I've already 'won' the real life all star so whatever happens, happens." Also, I felt a great camaraderie with my team and the other Arthur Murray staff.
AML: What will it mean to you if your team wins it all this year?
KD: If our team wins this, it will be very fulfilling, especially since four of my teammates have been on previous All Star finals teams; I think most of all I will be excited to see the looks on their faces. Also, it will mean that I can never again tell myself that I'm incapable.
TOP COUNSELOR:
Ying Cheng from Arthur Murray Lincolnshire
AML: First off, congratulations on moving on to the finals in Las Vegas. How did you react when the announcement was made?
YC: At first I was super excited because Katie DeSalvo, representing the specialist in Lincolnshire, made it to the finals for her first time! That was my happiest and super proud moment!
My second thought is that Area 4 has to win first place this year no matter what.
AML: What will it mean to you if your team wins it all this year?
YC: It will mean so much to me when we win it all this year! We have so many amazing trainers in Area 4. We want to make this area proud. And also, it's a special thanks to my franchisees Bryan Stewart and Chia Ling Chang who put in so many hours to train us.
TOP TEACHER:
Cristina Hare from Arthur Murray Yorkville
AML: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
CH: Surprisingly, I was pretty calm. Lots of nervous energy but it was my third year at the Semi-Finals and some of those initial "what the heck have I gotten myself into" fears have subsided. Now it's something I actively look forward to every year!
AML: What kind of last minute did you do prepare? Was there a pep talk? Did you do yoga in the hallway? Give us the scoop!
CH: My mind runs in overdrive, so it's mostly organizational stuff! Figuring out which of the 8000 thoughts I have is going to help me succeed, and pushing away everything else.
TOP SUPERVISOR:
Stephen O'Neill Williams from Arthur Murray Yorkville
AML: Who are some people who helped you get to this point?
SOW: Lisa Maclaggan, my franchisee is such an inspirational woman to me. She has given me the freedom to try new things, make mistakes and learn from them, all the while providing incredible training each week.
I've had the change to work with so many great coaches and trainers out there over the years and I try to suck their knowledge dry when I can! Shout outs to Kimberly Carroll. Lola Valair, TJ Lacy, Chris Lynam, Juan De Dios Garcia, Amy Novotny, Brian Stuart, and Chia Chia Ling.
Also, my AM Yorkville team! I work with a staff that is not afraid to take chances and try something new. I hold them with such deep respect for their professionalism and their passion for what we do. Never stop learning!
AML: Last question: what does this mean to you? What makes it special?
SOW: We each have things that set us apart from the pack. Some people are world class competitors, some are certified examiners, and others are incredible teachers.
I think inspiring people to become the best versions of themselves is something that I've learned to do and being recognized over the years for my ability to connect with people, problem solves and inspire when in tough situations, means more to me than most people will ever know because it's validation that I'm impacting people's lives every day.
The fact that this year I'm paired with such an outstanding team of qualified, intelligent, enthusiastic individuals just makes the entire experience a milestone for me.
Onwards to Vegas! Charge!
Read the Full All Star Interview with Stephen O'Neill-Williams Here
TOP ROOKIE:
Neve Marapudi from Arthur Murray Naperville
AML: First off, congratulations on moving on to the finals in Las Vegas. How did you react when the announcement was made?
NM: When the announcement was made, I was in such chock that the Naperville staff had to help me stand up to go and received the award. I will never forget the joy that came over me and the support of the team around me when they announced my name.
AML: What does this mean to you? What makes it special?
NM: This All-Star experience has taught me so much about teaching. I have learned so much about myself as a teacher, and also what kind of teacher I want to be as I keep growing and progressing. I am so grateful for this experience, and excited to see how it all goes at Vegas! Go Area 4!
Read the Full All Star interview with Neve Marupudi Here
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