Behind every confident dancer is a teacher who saw something in them before they saw it themselves. That connection – between student and instructor – is what transforms nervous beginners into lifelong dancers.
The Arthur Murray All Star Competition celebrates the professionals who make that transformation happen. These aren’t dance competitions in the traditional sense. They test communication, problem-solving, and the ability to help students overcome their barriers. In fact, the skills being judged are exactly the ones you benefit from in your own lessons.
This article introduces you to some of the remarkable people who have reached the All Star Finals – instructors from studios across the globe who represent the best of what Arthur Murray teaching can be. Their stories reveal what it takes to excel at helping others, and what that excellence means for you as a student.
Want to understand how the competition itself works? Read our complete guide to the Arthur Murray All Star Competition.
What Makes Someone an All Star?
The path to the All Star Finals is a gauntlet. Professionals compete first within their own studio, then at district level, then at area level – and only the top performers advance to the World Championships in Las Vegas.
But here’s what separates All Star testing from other competitions: nobody is judged on their dancing ability. Instead, they face scenarios that test customer service, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication under pressure.
Can they help a frustrated student find their breakthrough? Can they solve unexpected problems with creativity and grace? Can they work with their colleagues to create an environment where students thrive?
The professionals featured below answered yes at every stage. They represent the highest standards of teaching excellence in the Arthur Murray system.
The Rising Stars: Rookie Stories
Every All Star champion was once a first-timer. These rookie performers proved that fresh perspectives and raw talent can compete at the highest level.
Caitlin Hosking – Area 4 Top Rookie (2017)
Caitlin Hosking earned the Top Rookie distinction at the 2017 All Star Finals – a remarkable achievement for someone experiencing the competition for the first time. Representing Area 4 (Canada), she demonstrated that preparation and natural teaching instincts can shine through even without years of competitive experience.
The Top Rookie category recognizes professionals who perform at finalist level in their very first attempt at the World Championships. It’s not a consolation prize. It’s recognition that some teachers arrive fully formed, ready to compete with the best.
What made Caitlin’s performance stand out? Her testing scenarios revealed someone who naturally prioritizes student comfort over technical perfection. When faced with a simulated difficult conversation, she didn’t rush to solutions. She listened. She validated concerns. Then she offered practical help.
That sequence – listen, validate, help – sounds simple. Under competition pressure, with judges watching, most people skip the middle steps. Caitlin didn’t. Her instincts served her well.
Caitlin’s success story matters because it shows what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. The All Star Competition doesn’t require decades of experience – it requires the right skills and the courage to deploy them under pressure.
Carolyn Serquina – Top Rookie (2016)
The phone call that changed everything. That’s how Carolyn Serquina describes learning she had made the 2016 All Star Finals. For a first-time competitor, reaching the world stage felt surreal.
Carolyn’s path to the Finals followed the standard progression – studio testing, district competition, area finals – but her mindset was anything but standard. She approached each stage not as an elimination round, but as a chance to learn something new about herself as a teacher.
What made Carolyn stand out wasn’t just her performance – it was her approach. She treated every scenario as an opportunity to demonstrate genuine care for the hypothetical students in front of her. The judges noticed. Her peers noticed. And she earned the Top Rookie distinction that year.
Her profile was later featured in the “Imagining an All Star Studio” vision article – a piece that explored what a studio staffed entirely by All Star finalists might look like. The fact that a first-time competitor earned that level of recognition speaks to the impression she made.
Stories like Carolyn’s remind us that the best teachers often don’t realize how good they are until someone puts them in a competitive environment. The skills feel natural to them – they’ve been using them every day with real students. The All Star Competition simply reveals what was there all along.
The Returning Champions
Making the All Star Finals once is an achievement. Returning year after year demonstrates something deeper – consistent excellence that doesn’t fade after the spotlight dims.
Charlotte Keezer – Walnut Creek (2016 and 2017)
Charlotte Keezer is the only multi-year competitor in our database with detailed profiles from both appearances. That consistency matters.
In 2016, Charlotte represented Walnut Creek and reached the Finals by demonstrating the communication skills that define excellent teaching. Her profile from that year emphasized her ability to break down complex concepts into digestible pieces – a skill that sounds simple until you try to explain Cuban motion to someone who has never heard of it.
She returned in 2017 not as a former competitor resting on past success, but as someone who had continued to develop, refine, and improve. Her second profile showed evolution. The same core strengths were there, but applied with more nuance, more flexibility, more sophistication.
What separates a one-time finalist from a returning champion? Growth. The All Star Competition evolves each year, testing new scenarios and raising standards. Professionals who return must evolve with it. Charlotte proved she could.
Between her two appearances, Charlotte was also featured in the “Imagining an All Star Studio” vision article – another indication that her peers and colleagues recognized something special in her approach. The vision article imagined what it would be like to have every staff member operating at All Star level. Charlotte was one of the examples chosen to illustrate that ideal.
Her students at Walnut Creek benefit from that growth mindset. A teacher who challenges herself at the highest levels brings those lessons back to every beginner who walks through the door. When your instructor has faced the pressure of All Star testing – and returned for more – you know they’re not afraid of challenges.
Jay Bluhm – Area 6 (2016 and 2017)
Jay Bluhm’s back-to-back Finals appearances tell a story of sustained excellence in Area 6 (Northern California and the Pacific Northwest). The Bay Area has always been a competitive region for Arthur Murray professionals, and Jay rose to the top twice.
His 2016 profile emphasized natural teaching ability – the kind that makes difficult concepts feel accessible and intimidating skills feel achievable. Students working with Jay reported feeling safe to make mistakes, which is exactly the environment where learning happens fastest.
His 2017 profile showed how that ability had matured into leadership. By his second year, Jay wasn’t just competing – he was mentoring younger professionals in his area, helping them prepare for their own All Star journeys. The combined word count from both profiles exceeds 1,700 words, making him one of the most-documented All Stars in our archives.
That evolution from competitor to mentor represents the ideal trajectory for All Star professionals. The competition isn’t just about winning. It’s about becoming the kind of teacher who elevates everyone around them. Jay exemplified that transition.
Area 6 has produced consistently strong All Star representation over the years. Jay’s leadership contributed to that reputation. When experienced finalists invest in developing the next generation, the entire area benefits.
The Mentors: Teaching Excellence
Some All Stars earn special recognition for their teaching specifically. The Top Teacher distinction goes to professionals whose instructional abilities set them apart from an already exceptional field.
Alison Krauss – Area 2 Top Teacher (2017)
What does it mean to be named Top Teacher among All Stars – professionals already selected for teaching excellence? It means your instructional abilities are exceptional even by those elevated standards.
Alison Krauss earned that distinction representing Area 2 in 2017. The Top Teacher category evaluates how effectively professionals communicate concepts, adapt to different learning styles, and create those breakthrough moments where confused students suddenly understand.
In fact, the skills that earn Top Teacher recognition are the same skills that help nervous beginners survive their first lesson. Patience. Clarity. The ability to meet students where they are rather than where you think they should be.
Alison’s approach centered on genuine connection. She treated every testing scenario as a real teaching moment, not a performance. The judges recognized authenticity when they saw it.
Tara Christensen – Chatswood, Area 10 Top Teacher (2017)
Teaching excellence looks the same whether you’re in Toronto or Sydney. Tara Christensen proved that representing Chatswood (Australia) as Area 10’s Top Teacher in 2017.
Area 10 covers Australia and parts of Asia-Pacific – a region that produces consistently strong All Star competitors. The distances are greater, the travel is harder, and the commitment required to reach the Finals is substantial. Tara made that commitment and delivered exceptional performances that earned special recognition.
Her profile emphasizes adaptability. Different cultures approach dance differently. Different students need different approaches. Tara demonstrated the flexibility that makes a teacher effective across that entire spectrum.
Stephen O’Neill-Williams – Toronto, Area 4 (2017)
Stephen O’Neill-Williams has the most detailed All Star profile in our archives – over 2,600 words documenting his journey, philosophy, and approach to teaching. That depth exists for good reason. His path to the 2017 Finals exemplifies everything the competition is designed to recognize.
Representing Toronto in Area 4, Stephen approached each stage of competition with a philosophy: treat every scenario as if a real person’s confidence is on the line. Because in his actual teaching, that’s always true. The hypothetical situations in All Star testing mirror real challenges that instructors face daily.
What sets Stephen apart is his articulation of the teaching process. He can explain not just what he does with students, but why it works. That metacognition – thinking about thinking – separates good teachers from great ones. When a student asks why they’re learning a particular technique, Stephen has an answer that connects to their broader goals.
His profile includes extensive quotes about the All Star experience itself. The preparation. The pressure. The moments of doubt and the breakthroughs that followed. Reading his account gives you insight into what it takes to compete at the highest level – and what that competition demands from professionals who participate.
His students benefit from that clarity. When your teacher understands the learning process deeply, they can guide you through it more effectively. Stephen’s All Star success reflects years of studying not just dance, but the art of teaching itself. He approaches instruction the way a craftsman approaches their trade – always refining, always questioning, always improving.
Regional Excellence: Area Spotlights
The Arthur Murray organization spans 10 competitive Areas worldwide. Each brings its own culture, its own strengths, and its own approach to developing All Star professionals.
Area 4: The Canadian Connection
Area 4 produced six All Star finalists in 2017 alone – one of the strongest showings of any region. The Canadian studios have built a reputation for developing well-rounded professionals who excel across all testing categories.
Notable Area 4 finalists include:
- Stephen O’Neill-Williams (Toronto) – Detailed profile with deep teaching philosophy
- Cristina Hare (Toronto) – Known for student connection and communication skills
- Ying Cheng (Lincolnshire) – Demonstrated problem-solving excellence
- Caitlin Hosking – Top Rookie recipient
- Neve Marupudi – Strong first-time finalist performance
- Isabel Garza – Represented the region with distinction
What explains Area 4’s success? The Canadian studios emphasize collaboration over competition internally. In fact, professionals help each other prepare, share strategies, and celebrate collective achievement. That culture produces finalists who perform well under pressure because they’ve been supported every step of the way.
Area 6: The Bay Area Stars
Northern California and the Pacific Northwest form Area 6 – a region with deep Arthur Murray history and consistently strong All Star representation.
The 2016-2017 finalists from Area 6 include:
- Jay Bluhm – Two-time finalist and area leader
- Alex Coloma – 2016 champion profile featured in the All Star studio vision article
- Ashlyn Smith – 2016 finalist with strong teamwork scores
- Oscar David – 2017 finalist with detailed process insights
Area 6 studios benefit from geographic concentration. Professionals can gather for training sessions, mock competitions, and collaborative preparation without extensive travel. That accessibility translates to better-prepared finalists year after year.
Area 7: Rising Talent
Area 7 produced four strong finalists in 2017, each bringing distinctive strengths to the competition.
- Cassandra Champagne – One of the most detailed 2017 profiles, known for student rapport
- Christina Campbell – Demonstrated excellence in teaching scenarios
- Jessica Huynh – Strong problem-solving performances
- Katheryn Baca – Represented the region with communication excellence
The Area 7 finalists share a common thread: they excel at building student confidence. Their testing performances reflected genuine care that translated into high marks across categories.
Area 10: Pacific Excellence
Representing Australia and Asia-Pacific, Area 10 professionals travel farther than anyone to reach the Finals in Las Vegas. That commitment speaks to their dedication.
Notable Area 10 finalists:
- Tara Christensen (Chatswood) – Top Teacher recipient
- Ghleanna Tecala – Strong all-around finalist performance
- Kate Johnson – Demonstrated teaching excellence across scenarios
- Kyoka Okuda – Represented the region’s international reach
Area 10’s success despite geographic challenges proves that distance is no barrier to excellence. These professionals return to their studios with global perspective and connections to the broader Arthur Murray community.
More All Stars Worth Knowing
Beyond the featured champions, rookies, and teachers above, several other All Stars left profiles worth exploring.
Amy Greco – Area 1 (2017)
Amy Greco’s Area 1 representation in 2017 came with one of the more substantial profile documents in our collection – over 1,200 words detailing her approach to the competition and to teaching.
What makes Amy’s story compelling is her focus on student confidence. In her testing scenarios, she consistently prioritized building belief over demanding perfection. Her philosophy: students who believe they can improve actually do improve. Students who feel judged shut down.
That insight sounds obvious in hindsight. In practice, under competition pressure, many professionals revert to critique mode. Amy stayed focused on encouragement without sacrificing honesty. That balance is harder than it looks.
Christina Chapman – 2016
Christina Chapman’s 2016 profile runs nearly 1,300 words – among the longest from that year’s competition. She was also featured in the “Imagining an All Star Studio” vision article, indicating that colleagues saw something special in her approach.
Her story emphasized the relationship between personal growth and professional development. Christina didn’t arrive at the Finals as a finished product. She grew through the competition process itself, learning from each stage and applying those lessons to the next.
That growth mindset – the willingness to improve rather than the belief that you’ve already arrived – characterizes the best teachers. Christina embodied it.
The Best Stories We Found
Some All Star profiles stand out not for titles or distinctions, but for the stories they tell about what it means to teach dance.
Ian Kelley – Area 5 (2017)
Ian Kelley’s profile is one of the longest in our archives because his journey deserved detailed telling. Representing Area 5 in 2017, Ian brought a philosophy centered on meeting students where they are – not where you expect them to be.
His approach to problem-solving scenarios reflected real teaching wisdom. When faced with difficult hypothetical students, Ian didn’t default to scripted responses. He listened, adapted, and found solutions tailored to each situation.
That flexibility is exactly what makes a difference in actual lessons. Students don’t arrive with predictable challenges. The best teachers have a toolkit of approaches and the judgment to know which tool fits each moment.
Carolina Bonilla – Area 2 (2017)
Carolina Bonilla represented Area 2 with performances that emphasized connection over technique. In a competition that tests teaching ability, she demonstrated that the human element matters most.
Her profile reveals someone who genuinely loves helping people discover what they’re capable of. That enthusiasm isn’t performative – it’s the same energy she brings to every student at her studio.
In fact, judges often note that the most effective All Star competitors are those who forget they’re being evaluated. They simply do what they do every day: help people become better dancers. Carolina exemplified that authenticity.
Julian Ferguson – 2017
Julian Ferguson’s 2017 profile highlights the teamwork dimension of All Star testing. Dance instruction isn’t a solo endeavor – it happens within a studio culture where professionals support each other and collaborate on student success.
The scenarios Julian faced tested his ability to work with colleagues, resolve conflicts constructively, and contribute to a positive studio environment. His high marks in these categories reflected real skills that make studios function smoothly.
Students benefit from that teamwork even when they don’t see it directly. When instructors collaborate well, scheduling works better, information transfers seamlessly, and the overall experience improves.
Tom Selba – 2017
With nearly 1,800 words of profile content, Tom Selba’s All Star story is one of the most detailed in our collection. His journey emphasized the relationship between personal growth and teaching effectiveness.
Tom approached the competition as a learning experience first and a competition second. That mindset allowed him to stay present during scenarios rather than getting caught up in evaluation anxiety.
His profile quotes reveal someone who thinks deeply about the teaching process. Why do students struggle with certain concepts? What approaches help them break through? How can you build confidence while correcting technique?
These questions don’t have simple answers. Tom’s willingness to sit with that complexity makes him the kind of teacher who can help students through their own complicated journeys.
What This Means for You
You might be wondering: why should stories about professional teachers matter to someone just looking for dance lessons?
Because these are the people who will teach you.
Arthur Murray studios worldwide participate in the All Star system. The training that prepares professionals for competition – the scenarios, the feedback, the relentless focus on communication and problem-solving – that training shapes how they teach every student.
When you walk into an Arthur Murray studio for your first lesson, you’re not getting someone who simply learned dance steps. You’re getting someone trained in the art of helping people overcome barriers. Someone who has practiced solving exactly the kind of challenges you’ll face as a beginner.
The Skills That Transfer to Your Lessons
Consider what All Star testing actually evaluates:
- Communication – Can they explain concepts clearly? Can they adjust their explanation when the first approach doesn’t land?
- Problem-solving – Can they identify what’s holding a student back and find solutions that address the root cause?
- Customer service – Do they prioritize the student’s experience? Do they make people feel welcome and capable?
- Critical thinking – Can they make good decisions under pressure? Can they balance multiple priorities?
- Teamwork – Do they collaborate effectively with colleagues to create a positive studio environment?
Every single one of those skills directly impacts your learning experience. A teacher with strong communication skills makes dance feel less intimidating. A teacher with strong problem-solving skills finds the approach that works for you specifically. A teacher with strong customer service instincts creates lessons you actually look forward to attending.
How to Find All Star Excellence Near You
Not every instructor at every studio has reached the All Star Finals. But the system touches everyone. Professionals who haven’t competed have been trained by those who have. The standards, expectations, and approaches filter throughout the organization.
When you visit an Arthur Murray studio, ask about their All Star participation. Studios with strong All Star representation often celebrate that accomplishment publicly. It’s a point of pride – and rightfully so.
The All Star Competition exists because Arthur Murray believes that better-trained teachers create better student experiences. These profiles prove that belief in action.
Want to experience the difference for yourself? Find an Arthur Murray studio near you and discover what All Star-quality instruction feels like.
The Full Honor Roll: All Star Finalists (2016-2017)
The professionals featured above represent a fraction of the talent that reached the All Star Finals. Here is the complete list of finalists from the 2016 and 2017 championships:
| Name | Studio/Area | Year | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Coloma | Area 6 | 2016 | Featured in All Star vision article |
| Alison Krauss | Area 2 | 2017 | Top Teacher |
| Amy Greco | Area 1 | 2017 | Strong profile content |
| Andria Ruiz | Area 5 | 2017 | Finalist |
| Arin Crumley | Walnut Creek | 2017 | Finalist |
| Ashlyn Smith | Area 6 | 2016 | Teamwork excellence |
| Bruno Lamberti | – | 2017 | Process insight quotes |
| Caitlin Hosking | Area 4 | 2017 | Top Rookie |
| Carolina Bonilla | Area 2 | 2017 | Connection focus |
| Carolyn Serquina | – | 2016 | Top Rookie |
| Cassandra Champagne | Area 7 | 2017 | Student rapport |
| Charlotte Keezer | Walnut Creek | 2016, 2017 | Multi-year finalist |
| Christina Campbell | Area 7 | 2017 | Teaching scenarios |
| Christina Chapman | – | 2016 | Strong narrative profile |
| Christopher Strotridge | – | 2016 | Finalist |
| Cristina Hare | Toronto, Area 4 | 2017 | Communication skills |
| Edwin Cabrera | – | 2016 | Finalist |
| Evan Boyer | Hayward | 2016 | Featured in vision article |
| Genevieve Paz | – | 2016 | Finalist |
| Ghleanna Tecala | Area 10 | 2017 | Pacific excellence |
| Ian Kelley | Area 5 | 2017 | Flexibility and adaptation |
| Isabel Garza | Area 4 | 2017 | Regional representation |
| Jamie Pinder | Princeton | 2017 | Finalist |
| Jasmine Ventocilla | Fremont | 2017 | Finalist |
| Jay Bluhm | Area 6 | 2016, 2017 | Multi-year finalist, mentor |
| Jessica Huynh | Area 7 | 2017 | Problem-solving |
| Jessica Maughan | – | 2017 | Finalist |
| Joey Sena | Livermore | 2016 | Finalist |
| Julian Ferguson | – | 2017 | Teamwork excellence |
| Kate Johnson | Area 10 | 2017 | Teaching excellence |
| Katheryn Baca | Area 7 | 2017 | Communication |
| Katie Desalvo | – | 2017 | Finalist |
| Kyoka Okuda | Area 10 | 2017 | International reach |
| Ludovic Moureau | – | 2017 | Finalist |
| Mattia Venturelli | Area 8 | 2017 | Finalist |
| Melanie Bridge | – | 2016 | Finalist |
| Neve Marupudi | Area 4 | 2017 | First-time finalist |
| Nicolas Cornell | Area 2 | 2017 | Regional strength |
| Olivia Cianci | Chatswood | 2017 | Finalist |
| Oscar David | Area 6 | 2017 | Process insights |
| Stephanie Romanko | – | 2017 | Finalist |
| Stephen O’Neill-Williams | Toronto, Area 4 | 2017 | Most detailed profile |
| Tara Christensen | Chatswood, Area 10 | 2017 | Top Teacher |
| Tom Selba | – | 2017 | Deep philosophy profile |
| Tyler Schiller | Millbrae | 2017 | Finalist |
| Ying Cheng | Lincolnshire, Area 4 | 2017 | Problem-solving |
This honor roll represents professionals who reached the World Finals level of competition. Thousands more Arthur Murray instructors participate in All Star testing at studio, district, and area levels each year.
The Journey to Las Vegas
Every All Star finalist shares a common journey: months of preparation, multiple rounds of testing, and the pressure of representing their studio and region on the world stage.
The process begins at the studio level. Professionals face their first testing scenarios among colleagues they see every day. That familiarity brings its own challenges. It’s hard to demonstrate teaching skills when the “students” in your scenarios already know you.
Winners advance to district competition – a larger pool, unfamiliar faces, higher stakes. The scenarios become more complex. The feedback becomes more detailed. Professionals learn where their skills need development.
Area competition narrows the field further. By this stage, everyone remaining has proven themselves capable. The differences between finalists become subtle. Execution matters. Presence matters. The ability to stay calm under pressure matters.
And then Las Vegas. The World Championships. Area winners gather from around the globe to compete for the ultimate recognition. The scenarios are designed by experts who understand what excellent teaching looks like. The judging is rigorous. The competition is fierce.
Every finalist in this article survived that gauntlet. Every name in the honor roll below earned their place through months of work and multiple rounds of proving themselves. That’s what “All Star” means.
Celebrating Excellence in Teaching
The All Star Competition isn’t about trophies. It’s about building a culture where teaching excellence is recognized, developed, and celebrated.
Every professional featured in this article returned to their studio after the Finals with new skills, new connections, and renewed commitment to their students. The competition pushes them to grow – and that growth benefits everyone they teach afterward.
Safe to say that the students at these studios are getting something special. They’re learning from people who have tested their skills against the best in the world and proven they belong.
That’s what All Star teaching means. Not perfection – growth. Not competition against students – competition to serve students better.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Find an Arthur Murray studio near you and take your first step with instructors trained to help you succeed. The same dedication that creates All Star champions will guide your journey from first lesson to confident dancer.
Every All Star was once a beginner who decided to take that first step. Your story starts now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my local studio has All Star instructors?
Ask at your studio. All Star participation is a point of pride, and studios often recognize their finalists publicly. Even if your specific instructor hasn’t reached the Finals, they’ve likely participated in All Star testing at some level – and benefited from the training that prepares professionals for competition.
Does being an All Star make someone a better teacher?
The competition recognizes skills that translate directly to teaching effectiveness: communication, problem-solving, patience, and the ability to help students overcome barriers. All Star success doesn’t guarantee chemistry with every student, but it indicates proven competence in the skills that matter most.
Can I request an All Star instructor for my lessons?
Studios typically match students with instructors based on scheduling, personality fit, and teaching style. You can certainly express interest in learning from an All Star finalist, but trust that the studio knows which instructor will serve you best.
What’s the difference between All Star testing and dance competitions?
Traditional dance competitions judge dancing ability. All Star testing judges teaching ability through scenario-based evaluations. Professionals face simulated student interactions that test communication, problem-solving, and customer service – not their personal dance technique.
How often does the All Star Competition happen?
The competition runs on an annual cycle. Professionals compete at studio level, then district, then area, with World Finals typically held in Las Vegas. The process takes several months from initial testing to final results.
