The Arthur Murray All Star Spotlight: Ashlyn Smith
For all the transitions you learn to make in Ballroom Dancing, Ashlyn Smith has made the toughest, most difficult one: The transition from student to teacher.
Teaching is not just about being a great dancer. Sure, it's part of it, and if you've seen Ashlyn dance - she's got that covered. Working at Arthur Murray is much more than dancing, just like working at Disneyland is much more than just riding the rides with an embroidered Mickey Mouse hat on.
It's about communication.
It's about putting the goals of the student ahead of your own, and finding new and interesting ways to deliver someone to that point where they can see and feel dance progress.
The All Star Test is a measurement for these type of skills, and Ashlyn Smith demonstrated them well enough to earn a spot in the Semi-Finals of the Worldwide All Star Competition. 
AML: What's your Arthur Murray Story?
AS: I actually started out as a student at the San Jose Studio in July of 2012. I was a very shy, self-conscious 15 year old girl who had never danced with a partner before. I was told I needed to find something to do with my summer, and this was what my parents enrolled me in. Somewhere in my first program, I realized I loved it. I loved it so much that I became known at my school as "The Ballroom Dancer" because all I talked about was dance. I was obsessed. I was a student for 3 years before I turned 18 and I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. I had to keep dancing and surrounding myself with these fantastic people. Almost 2 years later, I'm here! It's been a crazy journey from student to teacher but it's the best decision I've ever made. I am so grateful for Juan, Cari, and the rest of the staff for seeing something in me and letting me be a part of the Arthur Murray family.
AML: What was it like to find out that you made it to the Semi-Finals in Portland?
AS: I was honestly shocked. I had seen the other specialists I was competing against and was a little intimidated going to testing. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I really just wanted to do myself, my studio, and my franchisees proud. It felt great hearing that I was the one that ending up winning that round.
AML: How did you react when you got the news? Did you freak out, stuff like that?
AS: This is super embarrassing. I cried. A lot. Like I said before, I was shocked but overjoyed that I had advanced. All of my co-workers were around me at the time and the whole moment was pretty emotional.
AML: How many All Stars have you participated in?
AS: This was my second time participating in All Stars.
AML: How has the process improved you as a Professional?
AS: This process has helped me so much. All of the training has really helped me understand better ways to service our students and make their lessons the best they can be. Not only has my confidence in teaching grown, but communicating as well. I've found myself asking everyone I meet better questions during our conversations and learning so much more about them than I ever thought I would. Also, the constant preparation of mocking scenarios has made it easier for me to feel more comfortable and in control once the actual situation arises.
AML: OK, make your shameless case for why you should advance to the World All Star Finals in Las Vegas
AS: I have such a passion and love for what I do. Not just the dancing, but the teaching as well. Making it to Vegas would allow me to continue growing my knowledge in order to give our students the best service and experience possible. It would be an honor to represent Area 6 and Juan and Cari Jo as well.
Final Thought
There are students that eventually become teachers. Dance lessons may create a love and skill for dancing, but those that are successful in this transition, like Ashlyn, find that it reveals a love of communication, of celebrating the achievements of others, and being a guide in an area of their own expertise, but conscious enough to know that others may not feel the same way.
We think she's made that transition just fine, and the All Star Test is just a way to let more people know.
