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Below you can find information about Arthur Murray and our staff. Every one of our instructors are certified and full-time, allowing you to get the best for your investment.

Arthur & Kathryn MurrayFounders
Katrina RodriguezStudio Director
Tavio MoralesDance Director
Richard StoiaCertified Instructor
Marisa AbbottCertified Instructor
Kelly LiuCertified Instructor
Jesse VargasCertified Instructor
Ryker JohnsonOffice Manager

Arthur and Kathryn Murray - Founders
The history of the Arthur Murray Dance Studios began in 1912 with Arthur himself. Arthur invented and pioneered many mainstays of ballroom dancing; using 'footsteps' to describe patterns, teaching people through a formal syllabus, and consistently researching the most emergent dances.

With his wife, Kathryn, Arthur created a trusted and recognized name that now spans 250 studios in 19 countries. His belief that dancing can truly change people's lives continues in those studios, and the one in Temecula is no different.

Katrina Rodriguez - Studio Director
Katrina started her life with Arthur Murray’s in 2001 as a specialist instructor in the Redlands Studio. There she received awards as an instructor, specialist, counselor and supervisor; including being placed in the winner’s circle in 3 different years. Then in 2008 she was given the opportunity to come and start the Temecula Studio. Since opening in 2008 the Temecula Studio has grown and achieved many studio awards.

Tavio Morales & Katrina Rodriguez started competing together and have accomplished many dancing achievements! In 2007 they were the undefeated Rising Star champions for Arthur Murray International. Since then they have traveled all over the World, competing and sharing their passion for dance.

ACCOLADES:
Winners Circle - 2003, 2007
Top Instructor - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010
Top Executives - 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
All Star Counselor Champion - 2009
Undefeated Rhythm Rising Star Champion - 2007
Open Rhythm Finalist - 2008 - 2010

Tavio Morales - Dance Director
Tavio has enjoyed the wonderful world of ballroom dancing since 2002. He has Competed in many prestigious competitions and placed in the finals many times, as well as winning the Arthur Murray Rising Star Competition making him the undefeated champion for 2007.

He enjoys technique, newcomers, couples, and people who want to take their dancing to the next level as competitors. As a supervisor, he was honored with winning the Top Supervisor in the entire Arthur Murray organization in 2011

ACCOLADES:
2007 - Arthur Murray Rising Star Rhythm Champion
2008 - Tournament of Champions Top Supervisor


Richard Stoia - Certified Instructor
Richard’s first introduction to ballroom dance came from his first martial arts instructor, who taught him the basics of muscle control necessary for becoming a master at both martial arts and dance. Up to the present Richard has taught many people from different backgrounds, which has given him insights in how to best serve each student. His teaching style flows like the Waltz, is sexy and smooth as the Salsa, and energizing as the Swing! He’s very excited to be working with you and inspire you to become the dancer you want to be.

ACCOLADES:
2010 - Future Champ Finalist: Rhythm
2010 - Future Champ Finalist: Smooth
2011 - 6th Place Future Champ: Rhythm
2011 - 4th Place Future Champ: Smooth
2011 - 3rd Place Future Champ: Argentine Tango
2011 - 2nd Place Professional Argentine Tango

Marisa Abbott - Certified Instructor
Marisa has been singing and dancing for as long as she can remember. With the love and support of her family and friends, her love for the arts grew into a potential profession. As a graduate of Pacific Conservatory for The Performing Arts, Marisa has been in a number of professional shows such as Godspell, Ragtime, Sound of Music, Cabaret, Damn Yankees, Fiddler on The Roof and others. She is thrilled to be a part of the Arthur Murray family and to have the opportunity to expand her love of the arts to include ballroom dance and can't wait to share her passion with you!

ACCOLADES:
2010 - Future Champ Finalist: Rhythm
2010 - Future Champ Finalist: Smooth

Kelly Liu - Certified Instructor
Dance isn’t just her pastime or an escape; dancing is Kelly’s life and she has a strong desire to share it with the world! And also with her extensive background in art, music, contemporary jazz/ lyrical and classical ballet she has become well equipped with the right tools to motivate and inspire those who want to reach their dreams. Kelly’s aspiration is to help build strong, confident and keen dancers here at the Arthur Murray® of Temecula.

ACCOLADES:
2011 - 6th Place Future Champ: Rhythm
2011 - 4th Place Future Champ: Smooth
2011 - 3rd Place Future Champ: Argentine Tango
2011 - 2nd Place Professional Argentine Tango

Jesse Vargas - Certified Instructor
A native of Texas, Jesse brings his Southern charm to the dance floor. Jesse has been singing, dancing, and acting his entire life.His theatre credits include Aladdin, Dracula, and the lead role of Tony in the musical West Side Story. While attending Lone Star College – North Harris he received two dance scholarships and was a member and choreographer for the LSC – Dance Company. Jesse attributes his training in ballet, contemporary, and jazz to leading him to the wonderful world of ballroom dancing. He is thrilled to be part of the Arthur Murray family and is looking forward to helping his students change their lives through the miracle of dance, just like it changed his.

Ryker Johnson - Office Manager
Ryker isn't an instructor, but he's always willing to help someone out in their dancing. Inspired by his grandmother, Ryker began dancing, and is determined to keep dancing his way up the ranks! Though he isn't an instructor, with his patience, he can help you with almost any step you need help with. You will normally find Ryker at the front desk with a smile on his face and a friendly "Hello!" right as you walk in the door. Though, if he isn't there, you will probably find him in the ballroom dancing away.


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