The Arthur Murray All Star Spotlight: Joey Sena
Joey Sena first interviewed for an instructor position at 22429 Foothill Blvd in Hayward, California.
What's the significance, you may ask?
That was the address of the Hayward Studio up until 2006 when it moved a few doors down to 22445 Foothill. When that new location opened, it also marked the beginning of the remarkable career achievements of Joey Sena. Currently, Joey is representing Northern California as the top New Student Counselor in the All Star Competition, and here's how he got to this point.
AML: What's your Arthur Murray Story?
JS: My Arthur Murray story is really not what you'd think. I was in college playing baseball and needed a summer job. I didn't want to work at a Fast food chain or retail store (nothing wrong with that, just wasn't for me). So I went on Craigslist, saw the ad, and figured since they're teaching me, I could get paid to learn how to dance over the summer.
Ten years later, this is turning into the best summer job I've ever done.
But it's 100% because of the people. Chris and Daisey became second parents mentoring me in and out of the studio to this day, the staff became an extended family, as well as the students, who I have learned so much from and shared so many great memories with.
AML: What was it like to find out that you made it to the Semi-Finals in Portland?
JS: I was so happy. I mean this year I felt the competition was stacked. We have some of the top New Student Counselors in the world in our district and, not to mention, Evan Healy being a 2015 All Star Winner. So needless to say, I felt very honored.
AML: How did you react when you got the news? Did you freak out, stuff like that?
JS: Honestly, I played it pretty cool. On the outside, we were clapping for all the results for the other divisions, and kind of skimmed passed my name. But inside, I pretty much did a touchdown dance. Lol
Joey Sena All Star Flashback: "Livermore is Happy"
AML: How many All Stars have you participated in?
JS: I'm not quite sure how many All stars I've participated in to be exact, I think since 2008 or 2009, whenever they brought the all stars back. Now I sound old...but, I know since 2011, I've made it to the finals 3 times: 2011, 2013, and 2015. We won it two of those times, and took 3rd in 2013... and it still stings.
Read More from Joey's All Star Past: Livermore Sends Two to Tango at World Championship Event
AML: How has the process improved you as a Professional?
JS: The All Stars really has changed the game for me personally. I mean, they are real situations that we may encounter every single day. And to get extensive training on ways to improve real life situations with students is an incredible opportunity.
AML: OK, make your shameless case for why you should advance to the World All Star Finals in Las Vegas
JS: That's pretty tough to make a case when there are so many fantastic Counselors out there. I mean, you look anywhere in our Area, and I feel any of them could be top counselors and take home the title for our Area. But, I have to prove this could be won more than just every other year...kind of like the Giants. So may the best counselor win.
Final Thought
Joey Sena has logged more time at this stage of the competition than most, but you'd never know it. He possesses the capability of perfectly balancing both skill and humility, which is why everyone will cheer for him, and he'll be too consumed in celebrating someone else's success to notice.
