Greg Darrough, Franchisee
Greg has been an Arthur Murray Studio Manager since 1977, and Las Vegas Arthur Murray Studios Franchisee since 1984. He is a Certified Master Instructor, World Professional Dance Teacher's Association.
He is winner of many awards, including Arthur Murray Open Professional Smooth Dance Finalist placements, Arthur Murray International Instructor Achievement Awards 1990-2005, Arthur Murray International Top 20 Executive Achievement Awards and Arthur Murray International VIP.
Greg has received many additional honors for community service and advertising. He owns and operates the Las Vegas Arthur Murray Dance Centers with a staff of highly qualified, certified instructors, and administrative staff.
Tiffany Thomsen, Assistant Manager
Certified 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!
Joni Stevens, Instructor/Coach
Joni’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, Senior Instructor - Maryland Parkway Studio
Certified Member Instructor World Professional Dance Teachers Association.
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
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!
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
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
Amateur 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.
