The Arthur Murray All Star Spotlight: Genevieve Paz
There are those that teach, with limits to the instruction - they seek to convey the learning of their past and then repeat the process. Then there are those that teach that are constantly learning. The information of their past is refined, reevaluated, and re-imagined as they continue to forage through new, unexplored areas of learning. Genevieve Paz is one of those teachers.
This former all purpose dancer could easily have stuck with any of the many disciplines of dance she has studied, parked in a hip hop, ballet, or jazz dance studio, and taught her wealth of information to others.
Not her.
Genevieve is advancing to the Semi-Finals in the All Stars because she is constantly advancing in her learning. Never satisfied, and thirsty for more, she's not parking anywhere.
AML: What's your Arthur Murray Story?
AS: I have always been involved with dance is some way shape or form since I was a little girl. Growing up in San Francisco, I would get my friends together and choreograph routines for local talent shows and the like. In high school, I became part of the school's first dance company where I was introduced to dance styles such as modern, jazz, and ballet. I was even awarded Choreographer of the year my senior year there.
I was a member of many hip hop, samba, and Mexican folkloric dance troupes from the Bay Area to Los Angeles including: City Shock, Culture Shock, Mind Over Matter, No Label, Aquarela, Pac Modern, and Breed - to name a few.
Having the dream of being a back up dancer for Michael Jackson, I used college as an excuse to move to Los Angeles where I got my fair share of auditions and gigs. After graduating from Long Beach State I moved back up to San Francisco with the intention of returning until I answered the craigslist ad for Arthur Murray of San Jose. I was open to learning any style of dance I could get my hands on, and the ad was promising ballroom dance skills - which was something I had always wanted to do. It sounded too good to be true so I had to see what it was all about.
At first I was very skeptical but, seven years later, it wasn’t a hoax after all!
AML: What was it like to find out that you made it to the Semi-Finals in Portland?
AS: I was shocked and excited! Its always nice being recognized for a job well done.
AML: How did you react when you got the news? Did you freak out, stuff like that?
AS: Juan came into the room and had a bouquet of flowers then walked over to me and told everyone I had won. Naturally, I played it cool. "Thanks Juanito, now out of my way for I must teach”!
AML: How many All Stars have you participated in?
AS: This is the second time I have made it to the semi-finals as an instructor.
AML: How has the process improved you as a Professional?
AS: Preparing for the test in Hayward, and now for Portland, has given me motivation to work on my teaching and communication skills. This process has allowed me to focus on my delivery and transparency. Going through this has forced me to take a look at where my weaknesses are and improve on them using the training manuals that were given to us this year.
AML: OK, make your shameless case for why you should advance to the World All Star Finals in Las Vegas
AS: I should advance to Vegas because not only am I passionate about dance but I inspire passion for dance in all my students. I genuinely care about what I do as an instructor for Arthur Murray and believe in its methods. I want to show all the other areas that area 6 kicks ass!
Final Thought
As a dancer, Genevieve is easy to notice. She seems to use every aspect of her multi-discipline dance background at all times. The All Star Competition, however, tests for skills in human interaction, problem solving, and teaching - none of which could be brushed aside with great Latin technique and a fiery look in her eyes.
Besides, that would mean she was settling on something, resting on past talent, and not pushing forward.
That's not Genevieve, and that's why she won.
