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Greg Darrough, Franchisee

Greg Darrough

Arthur Murray Studio Manager since 1977.  Las Vegas Arthur Murray Studios Franchisee since 1984. Certified Master Instructor, World Professional Dance Teacher's Association,  specializing in American and International Style.

Winner of over 50 awards, including Arthur Murray Open Professional Smooth Dance Finalist 1997 and 1998.  Arthur Murray International Instructor Achievement Award 1990-2005, Arthur Murray International Top 20 Executive Achievement Award 1998-2006 and Arthur Murray International VIP 2006-2007.

Greg has received many additional honors for community service and advertising.  He owns and operates the Las Vegas Arthur Murray Studios with a staff of highly qualified, certified instructors, and administrative staff.  

 

 

Tiffany Thomsen, Assistant Manager

Tiffany ThomsenCertified Member Instructor, World Professional Dance Teacher's Association.  Tiffany is an Instructor and the Assistant Manager of our Durango Studio.

Dancing from an early age, with a background in different styles of dance, she was a performer with Troupe Allegro at Moorhead State University, MN, 1995-1996.  Bachelor of Science in Business Management/Marketing from Valley City State University, ND 1999. Top Teacher Tournament of Champions 2001.  Top Specialist Tournament of Champions 2003.  Arthur Murray Worldwide Top Twenty Specialist 2003-04, and Top Twenty Executive 2005 to the present. Top Counselor New Student Challenge 2006-2009.

Tiffany is very intelligent, friendly, and fun. All of her students love her. She is a true team player and is always at the forefront of planning our studio events. She adds a lot of creativity to her lessons, staff routines, and promotional activities.  Tiffany also enjoys dancing with her professional partner, Justin McClendon!

Lucie Zolcer, Instructor, Assistant Manager Maryland Parkway Studio

Lucie Zolcerova was born and raised in former Czechoslovakia.  Upon immigrating her country with her family, she settled in Southern California where she discovered her love for performing.  Lucie started singing at the age of 4, but her love of acting and dancing were discovered in her early teens.  Lucie has toured all over the world with shows like "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Annie", "The Music Man", and "Oklahoma!".  She has even done several operatic concerts in Europe.  After 16 years of performing, Lucie turned her attention to modeling and singing live with a rock band.  During this time, she was also completing a BFA in Musical Theatre, a certification in Holistic Health, and opening her very own Spa.  Today she is focused on only two projects; helping her talented other half fulfill his dreams, and managing the Maryland Parkway Arthur Murray Studio!  Lucie is excited to be a part of the Arthur Murray Family and sharing her love of the Arts with her students and fellow teachers!

Joni Stevens, Instructor/Coach

JoniJoni’s Arthur Murray life began at age 16 as a student.  In September 1979, she began her Teacher Training in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She taught in Salt Lake City for several years and won numerous awards as a Specialist and Teacher. 

After a few years she moved to Omaha, Nebraska where she completed her Adjudicator Certification at the age of 21 and won awards for Top Counselor and Top Specialist.  In 1984 she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to become the Dance Director and Co-Franchisee with Greg Darrough for several years then retired from Arthur Murray to raise their daughter, Alexis. 

Joni returned to us a few years ago and brings a wealth of knowledge and technique with her three decades of dance experience.  Joni writes our newsletter; "The Waltz Street Journal" and Monthly Calendar, organizes our monthly Saturday evening Themed Parties, host our monthly "Champagne Guest Parties, and has published many "I-Mixes" on I-tunes.

She takes great delight in teaching and coaching the students and staff. Joni teaches by appointment on Sunday afternoons at our Durango Studio, loves all of the students at both Las Vegas locations, and is highly spirited - perhaps one of our most outrageous personalities! 

 

Adam Stuckey, Dance Director - Maryland Parkway Studio

Adam Stuckey

Certified Member Instructor World Professional Dance Teachers Association. 

 Adam competes with partner  Denise Giancola in American Style Rhythm.  2006 Top Twenty Specialist - Teacher.  Star Performance Award, Tournament of Champions 2006.  Third Place 2007 International Dance Festival.  Adam says, "I started dancing in the womb".  His life long background includes Tap, Jazz, Adagio, Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, and of course, Ballroom and Latin dancing.  He has been Instructing and Choreographing Dance for 20 years. 

Adam is an accomplished Musician, Vocalist and Theater Actor. He has performed professionally in dance shows, pagents, parades, musicals and AIDS benefits across the US.   He believes that "Whatever happens in Las Vegas, happens at Arthur Murray".

 


Justin McClendon, Dance Director, Specialist/Instructor - Durango Studio

Justin McClendonCertified Member Instructor World Dance Teacher's Association.  Arthur Murray Studios International Top Twenty Instructors 2007-present.

Prior to joining Arthur Murray, Justin, a California native, spent 10 years in the world of musical theatre. An accomplished vocalist, he spent two years touring the nation with The Young Americans, teaching dance and vocal technique to kids of all ages, as well as promoting music education in schools. He was a featured soloist at the Fullerton Jazz Festival in 1999, as well as on the Queen Mary, in 2004-05 starring in “Tibbie’s Great American Cabaret.” Justin’s favorite roles include “Annie” (Bert Healy; featured dancer; dance captain) “Bye, Bye, Birdie” (featured dancer); and “Mary Poppins” (Bert; choreographer).

 2008 Future Champion Division Winner, World Dance-O-Rama Las Vegas with his former partner, Allison Smith.  Justin brings his openmindedness, passion for music, and theatrical approach to our studio which makes his teaching style refreshing and most enjoyable.  Justin now loves dancing and competing with his professional partner, Tiffany Thomsen!

 

Arnell Miller, Instructor

Arnell Miller

Certified Member of World Professional Dance Teacher's Association.

Arnell has been with Arthur Murray for several years.  In 2006 he was an Amateur Showcase participant for the "Dancing With the Stars" Tour, Las Vegas, and Amateur 3- Dance Finalist, Superama, New Orleans;  Arnell has participated as a student and a professional in several national dance competitions.  He competed as an Amateur Full Bronze Medalist 2004-2006;

Arnell comes to us with a diverse background.  He supervised the design, construction and state inspection processes for 10 years for custom homes built in Utah, Arizona, California, Wyoming and Montana.  For 6 years he was a Certified Clark County School District K-8 Elementary Education Teacher where he taught at the Gilbert Magnet School for Creative Arts and is a specialist in the Gifted and Talent Program. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Motion Picture Production from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.  After graduating, he worked as a Film Production Crew Member for 7 years, where he participated in all aspects of the film industry including editing and directing, as well as landing a part in the original film "FOOTLOOSE" in 1983.

Arnell believes that his previous experiences give him a unique perspective to tell stories through the "Passion of Dance" which qualifies him to communicate with people from all walks of life. He is delighted to be a member of the Arthur Murray Las Vegas Studios.

Denise Giancola, Instructor

Denise is an Arthur Murray Silver level graduate and former student.  She loves dance and has followed her passion to become a Dance Instructor at our Maryland Parkway Studio.

Denise has ajudicated many of our "Dancing With the Las Vegas Stars" studio events.  She is currently competing with her professional partner, Adam Stuckey.

Alisa McAffee, Information & Technology Director

Certified Member Instructor, World Professional Dance Teacher's Association.  Professional Middle-Eastern Dance Performer/Teacher 1992-Present.  Professional Dancer at Caesar's Palace (1998-1999).  Bachelor of Science in Education from UNLV in 1998 - Magna Cum Laude.  Served in Burkina Faso, West Africa, with the Peace Corps 1998.    Arthur Murray International Top Twenty Specialist 1999, Arthur Murray International Rookie of the Year 1999.  Top Specialist International Dance Festival 1999, 2000.  Top Teacher Tournament of Champions 1999.

Alisa serves on the Board of Directors, and is our Information & Technology Director for the Las Vegas Arthur Murray operations.  Her website designs are widely popular in the Arthur Murray Studio system.  www.am-solutions.biz

Regina Espinueva, Accountant

Regina, "Gigi" is our company accountant for both of the Las Vegas Arthur Murray Studio operations.

She has an extensive background as an accountant and financial analyst.  She has great attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.  She is proficient in many computer applications and has high standards.  Gigi is a great asset to our studio.  She is a dedicated team player and works dilligently at building strong relationships with our staff.

Gigi has a BS/BA in Accounting, Banking and Finance from the University of the East in Manilla, Philippines.  She is quiet, yet friendly and shares the front office with Keli and Melissa.

Carmen Peterson, Bookkeeper

Carmen PetersonAmateur dance Top Competitor for 17 consecutive years and very possibly, the oldest competing dancer in Nevada (maybe even the world!). 

Carmen is a 55 - year resident of Henderson, Nevada and 40-year veteran employee of the Riviera Hotel and Casino. She is the cornerstone of our studio and watchdog of our operations. Few people can compare to the life and personality of this outstanding hobbyist dancer. She has been spotlighted in the View newspaper as well as the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Carmen is an Honorary Staff Member and is truly and inspiration to all of us. She is firey, strong-willed dancer with legs that most 20 year olds could envy!

 

Cynthia Kestler, Design Director

 

Cynthia is our Interior Design Consultant.  She is a Registered Interior Designer with over 20 years experience in Hospitality Design.  She has a Bachelor of Fine Art and has been a Design Team member for Hilton Hotels, MGM Mirage Design Group and Paul Steelman Design Group.  Some notable Las Vegas Projects she has been directly involved in are the Icehouse Lounge on Main Street and Hannah's Asian Bistro in Summerlin.

Cynthia provides Design Direction, Marketing and Promotional Consultation for both studios.  She collaborates our Monthly Newsletters, Calendars and Current Event Listings with Joni Stevens.  She is member of our Las Vegas Dance Team and has competed in seven competitions winning many gold medals.

 

 

 

                                  

 

Diamahn White