Changing Lives through Dancing by David Woodbury
Arthur Murray Dance Studio Santa Monica
From a lifetime of dancing and training with Arthur Murray Dance Studios, this blog theme is one of my favorite things I have learned.
This all resulted in my becoming a franchisee for my first studio. When walking back for the attorney after signing the final purchase papers, the man I bought my school from put his arm around me as we walked to the school. We had tears in our eyes, and I thanked him for selling his school to me.
His answer floored me. He said, “It has been your school for a long time, today was just the paperwork. You have been doing the work of an owner for several years.” I will never forget his words.
BE VISIBLE
My whole career was being seen. In dance camp or in any training, I always raised my hand first. I always jumped up if someone was needed to demonstrate. I had on blinders. I just wanted to be in the front and to learn.
As a new owner to be, I made sure I was always there for my boss. Doing all that was needed and trying to never have to asked to do any task, for I was already doing it!
BE EASY
When asked to do something for my boss or school, I made it a habit to always say “I’d be happy to do that for you”. I still say that today. When a request came my way, even if it was a big interruption, I stopped, smiled, and immediately turned my attention to the new task at hand. I did it with respect, enthusiasm, and with a smile. I was always easy when I was needed.
BE USEFUL
“Can you emcee for our Graduation Medalist Ball (with 800 people).” My answer, “I’d love to!” And I did that at the then Westin Bonaventure downtown LA. What an experience that was for a kid who was a stutter and I had a stammer (still do).
I helped to move to a new location and painted and moved furniture. I was happy in my work.
Take out the trash, wash the dishes, train the staff, speak at a meeting, work at a fair booth, yes, I’ll do all that.
I made sure to do the hard tasks, especially the ones that I had no idea of what I was doing and tasks no one else wanted to do.
I’ll never forget being asked to drive a car, behind a franchisee’s lead car, through the streets of San Francisco and over the bridge to a place I knew not where, in rush hour traffic. I have a horrible fear of driving (not public speaking). I did it. I’ll never forget it.
I’ll never forget driving a friend to find his car after a tow-away. I drove to seven locations through out LA in heavy traffic. I did it willingly and I still remember my hands hurting from gripping the steering wheel. I was indeed useful no matter how hard that was!
BE READY
Last year I was honored to the closing speaker for a large Arthur Murray two-day training camp. I was super prepared, having spoked my notes 4 times and having given the speech twice privately. I love to speak.
Upon entering the venue, the organizer walked up to me and said the opening speaker had missed his flight, and would I open the weekend session.
I gladly said “Yes”, and I gave myself just a moment to click in gear and off I went. I had a powerful closing speech that turned into a powerful opening talk. It went well. I had great applause and a standing ovation. It was a joy and an honor.
At the end, my jacked was wet from the energy that went through me. It was thrilling.
I was ready. I was prepared and was awarded a great opportunity. The weekend was fantastic after that and I was so glad to have spoken first.
This is such a great formula: Be Visible, Be Easy, Be Useful, Be Ready.
In my 49th year with Arthur Murray, I’m ready for my future and eager to move forward. I have hope and I’m excited!
Thank you for reading and Keep on Dancing!
“Dance & Thrive in ‘25”
David Woodbury