Don't let the humorous demeanor fool you... Jay Bluhm is a serious talent.
Far and away, Bluhm (pronounced "Bloom") is one of the most "interesting personalities" in the dance world, and yet for every comedic nerve he possesses, there's an equal and greater ability to deliver a quality experience at one of the top dance schools in the world.
But he didn't become an All star finalist this year because of funny jokes or whoopee cushions. Then again, you should never rule anything out with Mr. Bluhm.
JB: My journey started almost 8 years ago as a student in the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in St. Paul, Minnesota. I had a friend who was taking lessons, and she coaxed me to come in to the studio for a party. It took months of her trying and telling me about it before I finally gave in. I definitely thought dancing was for "some other guy".
I ended up having a surprisingly great time!
I loved it so much I purchased a foundation course that night! I was the dance equivalent of a gym rat for the next few months; so I thought I'd see if I could work at the studio. I asked the franchisees, and they were thrilled with the idea (and so was I).
I taught in St. Paul for four and a half years before relocating to the Seattle area and started teaching in my new home, Bellevue, Washington three years ago.
AML: If someone had told you 5 years ago that you'd be a dance teacher advancing to the world championships in an A.M. skills competition - what would you have thought?
JB: I've always believed I can do anything I put mind to, so there's a strong chance that I would've believed you if you told me 5 years ago. I've always thought it would be nice to be an area representative at All Stars, but I hadn't visualized advancing to the Finals until recently. It's amazing the things you can do when you put your mind to them!
JB: It is a great honor to be selected as the Top Specialist in Area 6! We have arguably the most competitive areas in the A.M. organization and a legacy to uphold. I am totally up for the challenge and ready to make Area 6 proud!
JB: I had visualized seeing my name on the screen at our awards dinner before we ever did our testing Friday night, so when I saw my name come up on Saturday, it was just as I imagined. It was a great relief and the reality set in immediately!
JB: I'm sure I would celebrate with my team and Area 6 friends! Dance-o-Rama's always end with a big celebration with all of our Arthur Murray friends, so I'm sure it'll make it extra special being in Vegas! They don't call it "SUPERama" for nothing!
JB: This process has been one of the best training experiences in my nearly 8 years with the company. We constantly strive to better serve all of our clients on a daily basis with training in our studio, however the focus that this year's All Star training has put on communication and professionalism has really given me a fresh perspective. I think the All Star training should be looked at as a jewel in the Arthur Murray crown that really sets us apart as an organization and helps to make our teachers the best we can be!
Dance teachers work tirelessly to be respected by their students. For some, reaching the summit of that mountain is a career long ambition, which can lead to a sigh of satisfaction. Then there are those teachers who are wired differently. They see student respect as a milestone of progress towards a far more challenging destination - the respect of their peers.
For Jay, the All Stars is that second mountain. It's validation at the highest peak, from peers, from students, and leaders in the industry. October 29th 2016 will be his moment, his curtain call, his ascent up the mountain of validation.
Charlie Chaplin once said, "anyone can make them cry, but it takes a genius to make them laugh". If you're around Jay for a minute, you'll know you're dealing with the latter.