Name: Neve Marupudi
Studio: Naperville
Year You Started in the Business: 2016
Furthest you've made it in All Stars Before Now: This is my first time doing All-Stars.
Position: Rookie
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.
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: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
NM: Going into the Semi-Finals, I was really nervous because I knew of the talented rookies around me. However, walking into each simulation I felt prepared because of the diligent training and prep I received from my team at Naperville.
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!
NM: Last minute things I did to prepare was do min-mocks with my Naperville teammates on our way to testing
NM: Going through this process has made me realize my strengths as a teacher.
I have learned how dancing can bring students so many benefits, and it is my job as a teacher to not just teach them how to dance, but to also show them what dancing can do for them and the doors it will open for them in life.
NM: At first hearing about the All-Star Competition, I was scared going against so many talented teachers after only being in the company for less than a year. But after reading the releases and getting thorough training from my fellow team at Naperville, I felt so prepared going into each stage of the All Stars.
NM: If the team wins it all this year, I would be super excited because it would be a good reflection of all our hard work and a testament of the good teaching we give to our students and the community.
NM: I would like to thank my Naperville team James Dutton, Rees McCloskey, Jenny Menchavez, Brianna Miller, and Luke Malczewski for preparing me for every step of the way with this all stars process (from one on one trainings, mocks in the car everywhere we go, and pep talks every step of the way).
I would also like to thank the Area 4 team for working so hard and the amazing team work we have achieved while being together and preparing. The lessons I have learned from this team I will carry with me throughout my teaching career.
I would also like to thank my family, for without them I would not have been able to overcome some of my toughest obstacles, or celebrated some of my most proudest victories.
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!
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