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.
GT: When the news first broke of the team that would be sent to Las Vegas, I was completely shocked. I have only been in the industry for 1.5 years, so to make it to the finals was a wonderful surprise.
AML: How did you feel going into the Semi-Finals?
GT: So I had just gotten my wisdom teeth taken out a week before Semi-Finals, so I was pretty under the weather. But I went in with no expectations because it was the first time I had ever made it to this round and I was just happy to be there amongst some of the best All Star competitors.
GT: I've always been a crammer (which isn't the best for my anxiety) so about an hour before the finals as I was traveling on the train, I was reading though all the different training releases. But 20 minutes before the actual exam, Caitlin Hosking and I decided to do some quick fire round to make sure all the information was there.
I tried to keep to myself and do some breathing exercises as the deadline got closer just to re-centre myself. I like to go in with a clear head and no expectations.
GT: I think this process has helped me understand my students a little bit more and how to actually have conversations with them. I feel a little more authentic in my interactions with them inside the studio.
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.
GT: I absolutely hated doing training simulations when I was first introduced to All Stars - which was a year ago - but I grew to love it when I came to the realisation that these simulations are actually rehearsing conversations you can have with your students.
GT: I think it would be absolutely amazing if we win the entire competition this year. It's the first time that Area 10 has been able to compete as a team so I'm excited to see what the finals hold for us.
GT: Caitlin Hosking has been the most amazing mentor throughout this whole experience.
I have already told her but I really wouldn't have gotten through this competition without her week to week training, constant love, support, and amazing advice.
Thank you so much for investing so much time in training us at Parramatta - I know everyone has appreciated it!
GT: I've only been in the industry for a year and a half, so to make it this far into the competition has been a humbling experience.
I think this is special for everyone on the Australasian Team! It's great to be a part of a team with so much talent and heart!
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