Following the Semi-Finals in Portland, the Arthur Murray All Stars from the Pacific Northwest have been training regularly through the webcam given that the team is comprised of professionals from Northern California, Seattle, and Port Coquitlam, Canada.
The All Star tournament is a skills challenge that covers everything from communication, teamwork, problem solving, and, well... you know, dance instruction. While Arthur Murray Dance Studios train and develop their staff on these things daily, each school has their own points of emphasis, style, and delivery that make their location unique.
So how do you take 6 professionals from different schools and get them all on the same page?
This was the challenge of two trainers: Chris Lynam and Juan de Dios Garcia.
In addition to having an extensive history teaching together at Arthur Murray San Jose, both Chris Lynam and Juan Garcia were members of the original Arthur Murray Training Team comprised of 5 consultants, and one training director, Claudia Marshall. The team was tasked with training every corner of the Arthur Murray globe to deliver new information and initiatives for the company. The primary goal was to prepare every area for the reinstatement of an old Arthur Murray tradition known as the All Star Competition.
Russ Clark, director of the Pacific Northwest region of the company (also known as "Area 6") tasked the pair to serve as trainers for the finalist team going to Vegas.
At a time when most people are still asleep, the Area 6 All Star Finalists were dressed, rehearsing, and preparing for a test unlike any they've faced before. For these professionals, if it were a straightforward dance or teaching theory exam - there would be set criteria. But these simulations are designed like a well orchestrated haunted house - with plenty of surprises.
The Area 6 All Stars began the testing this morning at 6:30am. As of this publication, they are awaiting the results this evening (October 29th, 2016).
All Star Specialist
In his first ever trip to the All Star Finals, Jay Bluhm has developed quite an impressive Arthur Murray resume in the New Student department across the globe winning many company wide awards.
All Star Rookie
The Rookie category is the most competitive division in the All Stars. Rookies can be any role within the studio provided that they are under one year in the industry. Tim hails from Port Coquitlam, Canada and beat out a large field of impressive professionals with his seasoned, professional delivery, and calm demeanor.
All Star Teacher
Genevieve goes into the finals representing Arthur Murray San Jose, and following in the footsteps of her co-worker, Oscar David, who was part of the winning All Star Team in 2015. She brings a wealth of advanced teaching experience, and plenty of competitive dancing experience has helped equip her for the pressure of the final round.
All Star Supervisor
Following in the footsteps seems to be a running theme, and one Evan from Hayward paved the way for another Evan from Hayward in the Supervisor category. Evan Healy, part of the winning All Star team in 2015, made the switch to New Student Counselor in 2016, and of all the Supervisors competing in the Pacific Northwest, it was his co-executive, Evan Boyer, that won the top Supervisor position and is headed to the Finals.
All Star Admin
Making her first trip to the All Star Finals, Charlotte Keezer is carrying the torch for her fellow Bay Area Admin All Star, Brienne Thompson. This former All Star Winner was unavailable for the competition this year, and Charlotte, office manager at one of the busiest AM Location in the world (Walnut Creek), has served as a very capable replacement. Her ability to multi-task a wide variety of studio situations make her the central hub for this All Star team.
All Star Counselor
Officially the elder statesman of the Finalist Team, this is Joey's fourth trip to Las Vegas. As the New Student Counselor Joey is charged with solving any number of challenges that may occur with new students in the challenging scenarios in the finals. His ability to share his vast amount of testing experience greatly benefits the team of first time All Stars.
Final Thought
Regardless of the results, this team banded together, worked beyond what was expected, and enjoyed the process. Stay tuned to ArthurMurrayLive.com.com for breaking news on the All Star 2016 Results.