Sometimes, it helps to know someone.
It's no different with a judging panel at a ballroom dance event. Now, keep in mind, the following judges may know who you are, may have helped you on a recent dance routine, but they have a very important role to play at this 2016 District Showcase.
They provide an objective, professional opinion.
James Dutton is the franchisee of two Chicago area Arthur Murray Dance Studios. As a competitive dancer in both American Smooth and American Rhythm, and an easy candidate for most hilarious dance coach, James brings great knowledge and entertainment to his work as a judge and consultant. When he's not working in his schools, or consulting in others, James is the drummer in the band, The Hip Doctors.
Tonia Kosovich began her AM career in 2005 as a traveling consultant, but her dance career took off much earlier than that. Born in Australia, this dancing world traveler made her mark as a competitive Latin Dancer in worldwide competitions, most notably, Blackpool where she and her partner were semifinalists. She and her partner were also featured dancers in the first ever installment of Burn the Floor.
Read More about Tonia Kosovich:
Remember this city, "Lamezia Terme". This is the city in Southern Italy where we can find Daniele and Alla's Arthur Murray location. This dynamic pair are the featured dancers at the Fall District Showcase 2016, and the students and teachers are in for a visual treat. With their extensive background in the International Standard and Latin dances, and recent addition of the American Style competitive dances, Daniele and Alla have an infinite array to keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
As the long time emcee at the District Showcase, and co-owner of 5 Bay Area Arthur Murray locations, Chris has also been an Arthur Murray Dance Judge and Consultant for 12 years. In addition to a successful competitive dance career with his wife, Daisey Lynam, Chris is also a father of 3, and the author of the ArthurMurrayLive.com blog.
Mario began dancing when he was 12 years old in a cotillion program in Santa Barbara, California. Mario started with Arthur Murray in 1995 and became a Certified Adjudicator & Professional Examiner in 2000. In the summer of 2000, Mario, and his wife Vanessa, took some time away from the business to start a family. Today they reside in Reno, have three sons, and are the franchisees of the AM Reno studio.
Bobby Gonzalez is no stranger to the District Showcase, having worked in the Hayward, Carmichael, and San Jose studios as a teacher, executive, manager, and every other school as a traveling consultant. He began his career at an Arthur Murray in Ohio at the end of the disco era, and has gone on to become a highly sought after influencer within the company. As a member of the dance board, the author of the AM Salsa syllabus, a competitive dancer, trainer, and mentor to many professionals - Bobby could be the chancellor of the District Showcase.
Read More about Bobby Gonzalez:
Gabriela has spent the majority of her dance life as a traveling dance consultant for AM Dance Studios. Her dance journey has spanned three continents, and she has achieved some incredible results as a competitive dancer including the Rising Star championship in both the International Latin and American Rhythm styles, and finishing as a semi-finalist in Blackpool. She makes her home in West Hollywood and is now the co-owner of the AMDS in Santa Monica, California. Every day Gabriela sets foot on the dance floor she brings a passion for teaching, and a love for dancing.
"Judges" by itself can seem scary. These judges aren't there with a gavel and a nasty countenance. They are consultants, expert teachers, and their feedback is designed to add a professional recommendation to anything you may be feeling.
Nervous to carefree, frustrated to "I finally did it", these Dance Judges have felt them all, seen them all, and assisted anyone who has felt them all.