Alison Krauss Advances to the 2017 Arthur Murray All Star Championships
Name: Alison Krauss
Studio: Silver Spring
All Star History: I had only won the studio level previously
Year You Started in the Business: 2014
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?
AK: Up until the moment the winner of my category was announced I was feeling restless standing with my peers in front of everyone. I was elated and relieved when they called my name as Top Teacher.
AML: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
AK: I felt prepared and confident going into the semi-finals. I had looked over the simulations at length but wasn't exactly sure what to expect from the short answer questions.
AML: What kind of last minute things did you do to prepare?
AK: My last minute preparation was a very technical process of obsessively reviewing the All Star handouts, sipping coffee, and pacing around the hallway.
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
AK: The All Star material has helped both the teaching and business aspects of my profession. Learning new teaching techniques has helped me adapt my style to any type of student. As for the business side, I've learned how to empower our students to overcome obstacles and alleviate concerns as efficiently as possible.
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.
AK: In the past, I've had success passing the studio level of testing. This is the first year I have advanced in the district and area level. The only lows I've experienced during All Star testing are the anxieties and pressures associated with competing. Fortunately, these feelings are temporary because Iv'e had the moral support of my studio as well as fellow competitors. The high for me is when I'm feeling totally gratified implementing the practices I've learned at all Stars and seeing them come to fruition with our students.
AML: What will it mean to you if the team wins it all this year?
AK: Coming home All Star Champions for Area 2 would be a huge morale booster for my team and I. The only way to win is by achieving this together as a team and I think we are up for the challenge.
AML: Who are some people that helped you get to this point?
AK: Ashley Kipps, our studio counselor, has been a tremendous help getting me to this point. Every day her and I would work together on simulations with the Silver Spring staff. We were even quizzing each other the night before the competition. Shout out to Jumarcelon Castro, our supervisor, for leading the team by example, as well as Linda Theiss and Tara Mungra our franchisees, for all their love and support.
AML: Last question: what does this mean to you? What makes it special?
AK: It's always a wonderful feeling when your hard work has paid off.
Being recognized and appreciated for my efforts is important to me. I'm the type of person who is always striving to grow and share. All Stars has given me a new platform to do both of those things. It's an honor to represent Area 2.
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