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Highlights From the Heavy Medal Ball 2017

Written by Chris Lynam | Mar 5, 2017 11:36:07 PM

Bigger and better seems to be a recurring theme with the Arthur Murray Live events. 

The 2017 Heavy Medal Ball was no exception.  

For the first time, the Rock themed graduation event surpassed 300 guests for dinner, dancing, and plenty of celebration for the many Arthur Murray student graduations.   

Highlights from the 2017 Heavy Medal Ball

1.  Judging Connection

David Woodbury, franchisee of Arthur Murray Santa Monica and National Guest Director for Arthur Murray, worked as consultant for the event alongside his long time mentor, and former employer, Jacques De Beve.  

2.  Honor Dances 

An Honor Dance is a special routine performed by a student who has graduated from an entire standard in their dance program (Bronze, Silver, or Gold).  This event has had an average of 4-6 honor dances on the program.  The 2017 Heavy Medal Ball had a total of 12 Honor Dances.  

4.  Welcoming the Jungle

The Flash Formation is a fun competition between the participating studios centered around a common piece of music.  This year’s Flash formation was “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N Roses.  With all 8 locations assembling fantastic routines, it was up to Jacques De Beve, David Woodbury, and Tonia Kosovich to determine which school took the Flash Formation trophy home.  For the first time since it opened in 2011, Arthur Murray Walnut Creek took home the award.  

5.  New Owner

While there wasn’t a new location announced at this event, there was a new franchisee included in the introductions of the owners.  As a new junior partner in Livermore, Joey Sena received a rousing round of applause from all in attendance. 

6.  Crowded Pictures

Each student who performs an Honor Dance takes a picture with any, and all, teachers that they took lessons with along the way.  Each and every student that achieved the milestone took group pictures with at least three teachers.  

7.  Multi-Media Coverage

If you've kept track of our 2016 Arthur Murray Live content resolutions, it should be pretty obvious, but the Medal Ball was being covered on Facebook Live, Instagram, and Snapchat.  

8.  The Big Reveal

Following the announcement of Walnut Creek winning the Flash Formation, the announcement was made for the theme, and Flash Formation song, of the next Medal Ball in August 2017:  "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".  

The event, on Friday August 25th, will be a Neon 80's Themed spectacular centered around Cyndi Lauper's hit 80's single.  

What's Next? 

April 8th and 9th brings the return of the District Showcase - The Arthur Murray Northern California and Nevada Freestyle Spectacular.  Featuring two days of events for every dance level from Newcomer through Gold, and a professional show multi-talented dance couple Jimmy Mulligan and Dani Atkins.  

Saturday evening will feature the theme "April in Paris" as well as a special presentation by the Arthur Murray Live professionals dancing to the music of the hit movie "La La Land".  

This event is one of the most popular events on our calendar, so talk with your teacher and studio manager for details on participation or dinner tickets.  

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