Greg Darrough, Franchisee
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
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 Jazz, Ballet, and Ballroom, 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 2003-2004, and Top Twenty Executive 2005 to the present.
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.
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
Adam Stuckey, Dance Director
Certified Member Instructor World Professional Dance Teachers Association.
Adam competes with Partner Valerie Greene 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, Specialist/Instructor
Certified Member Instructor World Dance Teacher's Association. Arthur Murray Studios International Top Twenty Instructors 2007.
Prior to joining Arthur Murray, Justin, a California native spent 10 years in the world of musical theatre. 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. Although Justin has dances jazz, tap, and ballet, singing and music are his passion. He was a featured soloist at the Fullerton Jazz Festival in 1999 as well as on the Queen Mary, in 2004 starring in “Tibbie’s Great American Cabaret.” Justin’s favorite roles include “Annie” (Bert Healy; featured dancer; dance co-captain) “Bye, Bye, Birdie” (featured dancer); and “Mary Poppins” (Bert; choreography).
2007 Future Champion Latin Finalist, with his partner, Allison Smith. Justin brings his openmindedness, passion for music and threatrical approach to our studio which makes his teaching style refreshing and most enjoyable.
Diamahn White, Specialist/ Instructor
Diamahn performing arts background began at age seven in Ballet, and gymnastics. She acquired additional experience in Hip Hop and Belly Dancing. She was a Dance Crew Member on a Drill Team called the "High Steppers" for one year.
As staff member with Arthur Murray since 2006, she is a skilled choreographer. She is also a licensed hair and make-up artist. Currently, Diamahn is training as a Professional Competitor.
Diamahn has a wonderful sense of humor, big smile and is very dedicated to her students.
Valerie Greene, Instructor
Certified Member Instructor, World Professional Dance Teacher's Association. Licensed Nurse and Massage Therapy Specialist. Three time National Drill Team Champion.
Valerie is the recipient of 2005 and 2006 Arthur Murray International Star Performance Awards, and teaches at our Maryland Parkway location. She is an excellent dancer and lots of fun!
Trenton McAffee, Instructor
Certified Member Instructor, World Professional Dance Teacher's Association.
Trenton has been dancing competitively since the age of 14. He began as a student and danced in amateur competitions for 2 years with his partner, Alexis Darrough. He has earned many top honors and awards. At 18, Trent began training as an instructor and dancing in Future Champions competitions. Currently he dances competitively as a professional and recently placed 3rd in the 2006 North Star Dance-O-Rama with his partner Laura Holt, who is also an instructor at our Maryland Parkway Studio. Trent loves competing and dances with many students at national competitions across the USA.
As an instructor, he has earned the title of Top Instructor, 2005 International Dance Festival, Top Specialist 2006, Arthur Murray Top Twenty Honor Roll 2006, Star Performance Award Tournament of Champions 2006, Top Specialist New Student Challenge 2006. Top Specialist 2006 Arthur Murray New Student Invitational.
Trent is naturally talented and his boundless exuberance is adored by all of his students. He brings a sense of relaxed fun to the studio.
Arnell Miller, Instructor
Certified Associate Member of World Professional Dance Teacher's Association.
Arnell has been with Arthur Murray for 3 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 many 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, directing as well as landing a part in the original film "FOOTLOOSE" in 1983.
Arnell He 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.
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!
Keli Myers, Administrative Assistant
Keli is Administrative Assistant at our Durango Studio.
She has a vast knowledge in Dance. Her background is in Dance and has previously worked for us as a Dance Instructor. She loves Lindy Hop and Swing, however due to an injury she has switched gears and takes care of the front office responsibilities along with Melissa. If you need to book a lesson, purchase a gift certificate, make a payment or simply inquire about an upcoming event, see Keli. She handles the monthly calendar of events which includes information such as the group classes at both studios, upcoming birthdays and special events.
Keli is sweet, focused and aways ready to welcome you with a smile. She will be pleased to quickly answer your questions.
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 writes our Monthly Newsletters and Current Event Listings. She is member of our Las Vegas Dance Team and has competed in four competitions winning many gold medals.
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.
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