Name: Nicolas Cornell
Studio: Tysons Corner
All Star History: First time competing.
Year You Started in the Business: 2016
Position: Rookie
What is the AM All Star Competition?The Arthur Murray All Stars is a skills competition for every level of professional within each location around the world. The goal is to grow, develop, and reveal the professionals that demonstrate the best customer service, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. The competition begins in each studio and winners advance to small region, or District, competitions. From there the District winners advance to the large region, or Area, competition. Finally, the Area winners advance to the World Championships in Las Vegas where each Area team tests and one team is pronounced the winner.
More importantly, the real winners are the students of the Arthur Murray Dance Studios as these tests, and accompanying training, help to deliver better communication, teamwork, problem solving, and confidence from every member of the staff.
NC: Up until they announced the winners, I had assumed I wouldn't be chosen. I had gone into the whole experience with the mindset of having fun and trying my best - and not having any expectations of winning.
When they did call my name, I didn't believe it.
But then, I was thrown into an irresistible maelstrom of shock and joy! You couldn't have peeled the grin off my face if you'd tried.
AML: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
NC: Honestly, I felt lethargic, low on energy, tired and stressed - bad combination. Though, by the time I came out of each testing room, I was always on an adrenaline high. But then, after each round and until I was called into the next room, my energy would fall again, and then I'd come out again sailing on another sea of adrenaline. Each room was an opportunity to shine, laugh, and enjoy a rare experience. It was fun.
NC: To relax and loosen up before going in, I'd practice breathing and vocal exercises, as well as stretching and jumping, getting the blood to move and focusing my thoughts on the task at hand.
AML: How has this process made you a better professional?
NC: I feel more at ease when interacting with clients. I don't feel as lost or in the dark about what I should do or say. I know now, I've been trained. This puts me at ease and gives me confidence in my job, with our students, and with my co-workers.
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.
NC: First time I ever heard about All Stars was a couple weeks before the in-studio round. It's when we started reviewing the All Star training. At first, I didn't understand what the whole thing was about. Throughout the process, I enjoyed working with my colleagues studying. I benefitedgreatly by learning from their experience and wisdom.
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.
NC: I would like to give my special and heartfelt thanks to my franchisee, Steve Theiss, who was, and is always, a positive force for good, as well as Leonard Theiss for pointing me in the right direction of study, and to Mark Theiss for always ensuring everything runs smoothly.
At Tysons Corner, all my friends and colleagues helped, but especially Philip Gofreed, who took extra time to work with me and helped improve my communication skills, as well as our manager, Jessica Gladstone, for her unwavering support.
The truth is we never accomplish anything on our own; I'm privileged to have had the kindness, aid, and support of everyone at Tysons Corner and Arthur Murray. I should also thank my Mom for putting me in ballet when I was five.
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.
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