A promotion is a big transition.
Alexis Morales has made a few transitions in the past, has made incredible strides as a teacher, and will be the new Supervisor at the Arthur Murray in Stockton. Great teachers in any field leave behind a group of supportive, yet sad, students. For Alexis, it's no different. This interview is designed to share his story, and also his heart in making this special move in his career.
Alexis Morales Moves to Manage Arthur Murray Stockton
AML: How did you begin your Arthur Murray journey?
ALEXIS: My journey began as a student in 2008. I was looking to learn some salsa, and found Arthur Murray on a web search. I had a friend that was supposed to take lessons with me, but she was busy with school. I decided to try it out on my own and fell in love with it. Because of the economic downturn, I was let go from my previous job. I heard that that Arthur Murray was hiring so I thought I would give it a try. If being a student was fun I thought being a teacher would be 10 times more fun! It was the best decision I could have made. Being a a dance instructor has been one of the best experiences I have ever had!
AML: You were a part of a pretty incredible Walnut Creek school - especially growing so quickly right from the start. Describe the growth of Walnut Creek and what it has meant to you.
ALEXIS: When I started at the W
alnut Creek Studio it had been open for only 1 month. Because it was a new studio, it was difficult to know how the energy would be. My feelings quickly subsided when I started to meet the new students coming in. It was great to see all the people from the area so passionate about dancing. The students came from different avenues of life but were brought together because of dancing. It was great to see everyone becoming one big family. I can remember the first couple of group classes and parties where there were only 2 maybe 3 students. The nice thing is that some of these same students are still taking lessons years later. It has been such an honor to help them get to the
ir goals and watch them grow. In teaching them to dance they taught me a lot about life. Each student has giving me something that I will always cherish. From cooking recipes, to movie recommendations, to books to read, everyone has taught me something. It has been so much fun watching this studio grow.
AML: What are some great Walnut Creek moments that will always stick in your mind?
ALEXIS: One of the great moments I can remember was when we brought a team to the San Francisco Dance-O-Rama®. Walnut Creek feels like such a family when we are in the studio that it was nice to have that feeling on the road. Although San Francisco is not that far, it was nice to represent our school when the whole Arthur Murray world was there.
AML: Describe what this next chapter in your career is, and what it means to you.
ALEXIS: I am so excited to start this next chapter in my career. I'm looking forward to the challenge of taking
the Stockton school to the same level as Walnut Creek. It's never easy to start all over but I'm looking forward to all that comes with it. Having this opportunity shows a lot of trust from Madisen, Chris, and Daisey. I just hope I don't let anybody down.
AML: What will your role be at Arthur Murray Stockton?
ALEXIS: My role in Stockton will be as the Supervisor. Having the opportunity help guide the students and teachers through their dance journey is probably what I'm looking forward to most. Being able to watch someone grow from their 1st steps in the studio to gliding across the floor at a Dance-O-Rama® is such a special experience. Its like watching your kids take their first steps, to watching them walk across the floor for their wedding!
AML: What do you want to say to the students in Walnut Creek?
ALEXIS: One of the most important things to remember is that when anyone first came into to take lessons you came in for the joy of dance and learning. Like a kindergarten teacher that we love, its hard to say goodbye and move on to the 1st grade. When we all end up looking back that teacher was there to help us get to the next level.
Change is never easy, but it is important in the growth of everyone. Although this was not an easy decision to make it was the one that is going to help me grow as person and as teacher.
AML: What should everyone know about the Arthur Murray Walnut Creek staff?
ALEXIS: The Walnut Creek Staff is the best staff that I have ever worked with. They are the hardest working teachers and care so much about their students and the team. I have never seen a group come together to try and accomplish all the goals of the students as well as their personal goals.
AML: Anything scary about this new move?
ALEXIS: The scariest part it is also the most exciting part, starting something new. Its never easy but I am looking forward to the new challenge.
AML: Where can people see you next?
ALEXIS: Up next I'll be at the Medal Ball in August, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone and all the progress they have made.