Katheryn Baca Advances to the 2017 Arthur Murray All Star Championships
- Name: Katheryn Baca
- Studio: Orange
- All Star History: First time participating in All Stars
- Year You Started in the Business: July 2017
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.
AML: First off, congratulations on moving into the finals in Last Vegas. How did you react when the announcement was made?
KB: I was very surprised when I heard my name being announced. I remember looking over at my coworkers and seeing the excitement on their faces, and it was such an incredible feeling to walk up and accept my certificate.
AML: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
KB: I felt prepared but still was a little nervous because I wanted to do well in the testing. I think I put a little bit of pressure on myself because I have always been the type of person to prepare for exams and really try my best.
AML: What kind of last minute things did you do to prepare?
KB: I continued to study the material and prayed to do well.
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
KB: I fell like I'm able to utilize this information and these methods with similar situations that happen in the studio. I am more aware of these situations and feel prepared to confront them in a positive manner.
AML: What's you All Star backstory? If you can give a little synopsis of the highs and lows of this competition over the years.
KB: This is the first time I have participated in the all star testing, because I have only worked for Arthur Murray for three months. However, with the first testing, I really didn't know what to expect, so I was pretty nervous. For the second round of testing, I had a much better idea of what to anticipate, but still felt a little nervous. When I advanced to the semifinals, it really motivated me to study even more so I could do well.
AML: What will it mean to you if the team wins it all this year?
KB: If Area 7 wins this year, I will be so excited and feel so blessed to be part of an extremely hard working team. This journey has been an incredible experience that I will never forget.
AML: Who are some people that helped you get to this point?
KB: I definitely thank God for helping me get through my testing. And of course I want to thank all of the wonderful people I work with, because they were all so helpful by participating in my training.
AML: Last question: what does this mean to you? What makes it special?
KB: The fact that I am able to be a part of the final all star team is such an honor,because this is the first time I have ever participated. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to learn and grow so much within the few months I have been with Arthur Murray.
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