Area 1 Arthur Murray Training Weekend 2018
Every six months, Arthur Murray International, with the cooperation of each Area Chairperson, holds a weekend training to reinforce the integrity and quality of the Arthur Murray product, recognize the individuals and team achievements, and an opportunity for Arthur Murraians to network with each other.
Last weekend, Area 1 held their semi-annual conference, the Tournament of Champions, and here's what happened.
The Big Picture
The purpose of our training is to give students around the world a consistent and up-to-date dance experience no matter the school they attend. Throughout the weekend, we trained on methods of teaching, best service practices, and how to maximize the customer experience.
We want to thank all that were involved to make our Tournament of Champions training weekend one to remember.
Highlights: Featured Speakers
The weekend was highlighted by our national trainers Kimberley Carroll, Bobby Gonzalez, and Bob Long.
Kimberley Carroll has been with Arthur Murray for over 30 years.
Originally from Area 1, she now resides in sunny Florida and is credited with opening the Orlando-area schools.
Throughout the weekend, she shared her incredible passion for people, students, and teachers, and helping them each find success.
Bobby Gonzalez started with Arthur Murray in 1981 as a pawn in a secret plot by his parents to keep him off the streets.
Years later, he's on streets all over the world as a traveling consultant teaching staff and students the latest concepts and dance techniques.
He is also known for helping develop and train some of the best minds in Arthur Murray today. 
Bob Long, Connecticut's own, is the head of the Arthur Murray Dance Board, and member of the National Dance Council of America Examination Credentials Board.
Bob held important training on the Arthur Murray certification process and gave us a reminder of what our long hours spent to certify were for.
In addition, why Arthur Murray professionals are so knowledgeable - because of our stringent teacher certification process - which is the most thorough in the dance business.
The Dance Trainers
Thank you to our awesome Area 1 Dance trainers - Daniel Heroux, Patty Contenta, and Simone Zat for putting on amazing dance sessions and taking our dancing and teaching skills to the next level.
The Staff Awards
Thank you to our homegrown high achievers from Area 1 and their awards:
Top Teachers:
Esther Frances - Arthur Murray Broadway, New York
Robert Veljanovski - Arthur Murray Broadway, New York
Niko Negado - Arthur Murray Ridgewood, New Jersey
Top Counselors:
Rocco Mecadante - Arthur Murray Morristown, New Jersey
Kia Kenney - Arthur Murray Cambridge, Massachusetts
Scott Lownie - Arthur Murray Boston, Massachusettes
Top Supervisors:
Yvette Herbert - Arthur Murray Glastonbury, Connecticut
Christian Lightner - Arthur Murray Cambridge,Massachusetts
Melissa Friebe - Arthur Murray Boston, Massachusetts
Cheers and congratulations to all of our top teachers and executives from the 2017 Fall Festival.
Special Announcement
Congratulations to our newest franchisees in Area 1.
Andrew Ross - Arthur Murray Burlington, Massachusetts
Christian Lightner - Arthur Murray Cambridge, Massachusetts
And welcome our newest school to Area 1.
Arthur Murray Seacoast, North Hampton, New Hampshire
Final Thank You
Last, but not least, a big thank you to Mark Lightner, our area chairman, Jonathan Stangel, our assistant area chairman, as well as Margaret Mottolo and Nancy Lightner, for putting together an amazing weekend.
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