2017 Arthur Murray All-Star Spotlight: Area 2
We have a mission statement in our studio that I think, not only embodies the sentiments of Area 2 but all of Arthur Murray:
"To provide extraordinary instruction, service, and care to our students because we know what we give them is more than just dance lessons."
The All-Stars program has been like a compass for us, keeping our mission in our focus. Of course, we would be happy to have our Area win, but if there was any competition where everyone was a winner, it's this one. Just by participating we can't help but to improve our skills in teaching and communication - enabling us to give our students more than just dance lessons.
Recently, Area 2 hosted their All-Star testing, and Arthur Murray Live was there to chat with the winners. Here they are.
TOP ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:
Jamie Pinder from Arthur Murray Princeton
AML: First off, congratulations on moving into the finals in Las Vegas. How did you react when the announcement was made?
JP: For everyone who didn't get to witness my overdramatic reaction, I cried, followed by screaming, then I jumped, and cried again. It was just so surreal to know all my hard work of studying and practicing paid off.
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
JP: It gave me great insight on how to better myself with Arthur Murray and outside of work. I've learned to speak slower (I'm from Jersey, so we speak a mile a minute) and it has also taught me to become more involved and connected with students.
[Read the Full Interview with Jamie Pinder here]
TOP SPECIALIST:
Alison Krauss from Arthur Murray Silver Spring
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
AK: The All-Star material has helped both the teaching and business aspects of my profession. Learning new teaching techniques has helped me adapt my style to any type of student. As for the business side, I've learned how to empower our students to overcome obstacles and alleviate concerns as efficiently as possible.
AML: Last question: what does this mean to you? What makes it special?
AK: It's always a wonderful feeling when your hard work has paid off.
Being recognized and appreciated for my efforts is important to me. I'm the type of person who is always striving to grow and share. All-Stars has given me a new platform to do both of those things. It's an honor to represent Area 2.
[Read the Full Interview with Alison Krauss here]
TOP COUNSELOR:
Jessica Maughan from Arthur Murray Wexford
AML: What kind of last minute things did you do to prepare?
JM: I danced around my room a little to energize myself, as well as my roommate, Alyssa, who was competing at the semifinals for the first time. I practiced visualization and focused my mind on positive thinking. I sang songs and joked around with the other contestants, cheering them on every time they went out for their turn. I receive a free massage, and of course, I studied my notes.
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
JM: My ability to listen to, and understand the needs of others continues to grow. I continue to learn new ways to communicate on so many levels and to come up with solutions to people's concerns, fears, and dreams. It is amazing what we can do when we show we genuinely care. At the same time, it is the experience of getting better at our profession daily that also just makes us better at this process.
[Read the Full Interview with Jessica Maughan here]
TOP SPECIALIST:
Tom Selba from Arthur Murray Arnold
AML: What kind of last minute things did you do to prepare?
TS: We went through test simulations with the staff throughout the week. I read, re-read, and the read some more. I used the test simulations embedded in the releases and pictured talking to specific students in our studio. Jackie Christy said, "You're going to Vegas! This is your year!" There was support, many "good lucks", and confidence building from the staff. I had a Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte with four shots of espresso! (Maybe that's the secret.)
All the District finalists in the waiting room clapped every time someone went to a testing room. We practiced on each other in the waiting room. We listened to "Eye of the Tiger" and many other inspirational 80s ballad rock songs.
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
TS: Winning came with a huge boost of self-esteem, confidence, and dedication to the craft. In some cases, an open mind allowed me the opportunity to see new approaches to handling situations in the studio. The process also highlighted some of the missing links in my approach of really excelling in this business and creating a successful studio.
I've considered myself a social butterfly, but often I forget to keep my objective in mind, to have a goal and plan of action, to remember the little techniques of service that make Arthur Murray the best. Looking back on my time with Arthur Murray, I realize that smallest details can make or break the success of a plan, a program, a student, or a studio. The preparation and use of the training can really take your success in the studio to the next level.
[Read the Full Interview with Tom Selba here]
TOP SUPERVISOR:
Carolina Bonilla from Arthur Murray Columbia
AML: What's you All-Star backstory? If you can give a little synopsis of the highs and lows of this competition over the years.
CB: The first year I tested in All-Stars I won for in my studio - I believe as teacher - and I was too scared to go to the next round, so I asked someone else (Brandon Jones, who was next in line) to go instead. I thought I was safe and would never have to do this ever again because, honestly, I thought and believed it was a one-time thing! Not a once a year thing.
Well, the joke was on me [laughs].
If I'm speaking openly and honestly, for the first few years in the company, I did not look forward to all-stars at all. It was hard for me to see how it was beneficial to me and my career. But, the more we studied, the more we practiced, the more times I had to do a presentation in front of staff or in front of my franchisees, Joe and Leisa Howard, the more I realized that everything and everyone were just trying to help me help my students grow and be better.
I think what really impacted me and made me realize All-Stars was a phenomenal thing was when I realized that learning how to communicate, learning how to deal with different personalities, learning how to adapt to different situations, learning how to work as a team, not only was helping me grow as a professional, but it was also helping me grow and develop myself, my relationships, and even personal situations outside of the studio.
That, for me, was huge.
AML: Last question: what does this mean to you? What makes it special?
CB: To me, personally, it will be a huge stamp of personal growth and development. it will be a great example and testimony that hard work will always be rewarded.
It will be a great reminder that things won't always be easy, and you're going to want to quit, but if you keep fighting, if you keep learning, and keep growing, it will all be worth it in the end.
[Read the Full Interview with Carolina Bonilla here]
TOP ROOKIE:
Nicolas Cornell from Arthur Murray Tysons Corner
AML: What will it mean to you if the team wins it all this year?
NC: That would be fantastic! It would mean that we're the best in the nation. It would mean that we'd proved and improved ourselves, showing that we're capable of running a studio and being worthy representatives of Arthur Murray to the wide world.
AML: Last question: what does this mean to you? What makes it special?
NC: We only live once, only know these rare, few people that we meet, and are lucky enough to get to know. I'm privileged to have met all of you. Each meeting - each connection - is priceless.
Each conversation is irreplaceable.
I'm fortunate to have had this opportunity, but more, I'm grateful for every person at Arthur Murray from whom I've listened and learned. Now, having this chance to represent myself, my studio, and every other amazing person in Arthur Murray Area 2 at nationals humbles me and fills me with astonishing pride. I've been told that the all-star training is an attempt to cultivate the next generation of executives. If so, then I know I've been making the right decisions and ma on the right track.
Getting to go to Vegas and to nationals feels like I'm being rewarded, and rightly so, because you're saying I've earned it. Thank you.
[Read the Full Interview with Nicolas Cornell here]
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