Name: Katie DeSalvo
Studio: Lincolnshire
Year You Started in the Business: 2015
Furthest you've made it in All Stars Before Now: Not far!
Position: Specialist
What is the AM All Star Competition?
The Arthur Murray All Stars is a skills competition for every level of professional within each location around the world. The goal is to grow, develop, and reveal the professionals that demonstrate the best customer service, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. The competition begins in each studio and winners advance to small region, or District, competitions. From there the District winners advance to the large region, or Area, competition. Finally, the Area winners advance to the World Championships in Las Vegas where each Area team tests and one team is pronounced the winner.
More importantly, the real winners are the students of the Arthur Murray Dance Studios as these tests, and accompanying training, help to deliver better communication, teamwork, problem solving, and confidence from every member of the staff.
KD: During the testing, I was happy that I made the judges laugh while still being authentic and hitting the structured points. So when it came to the announcement, I was willing to accept whatever decision was made. When I heard it was me, I felt at peace. But my team's excitement definitely sparked some giddiness in me.
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.
KD: I got to know each of the other Specialist's names and I chatted playfully with them in the hallway.
KD: I studied interpersonal communication and also improvisational comedy in college, and for some reason, I wasn't feeling like those skills were coming into play in my dance instructing. I think this process has tapped into the skills I knew I already possessed, giving me an outlet to use them more effectively with students and other AM professionals. It has definitely helped me to feel validated, which is important in boosting my self-esteem to help make me a better working professional.
KD: The first year, I did the in-studio testing, but my superiors chose the other rookie over me which was totally fine. And then the second year, I actually opted out of the competition. Something about it overwhelmed me. But this year, something changed within me, and I just went for it.
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.
KD: My team at Lincolnshire! Cha Cha and Brian, Amanda, Zach, Ying, Yura, Michael, Elina, and Cesar!
KD: What makes this special is that when we came back from semi-finals, our students were so complimentary and excited for us! They are used to us giving them encouragement for their performances at Showcase or at a Medal Ball, so when we do something relatable, they love to give the love back to us, often in the same highly energetic way that we do for them. It's a lovely, affirming cycle.
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