John Almeida, Franchisee

John's history with Arthur Murray Dance Studio began in 1975 as a 19 year old in Yonkers, N.Y.. Taking lessons to impress a girl. He soon was invited to the studio's teacher training program.

In 1979, he was promoted to manager of a new Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Danbury, CT. John purchased the studio in 1983 and operated it successfully for 10 years. It's now being owned and operated by his younger daughter Nicole.

In 1993 John and Lisa fell in love with Arizona while on vacation and in August of that year purchased the franchise in Scottsdale. The studio has been operating in Scottsdale since the 1960's and now is one of the top fifty Arthur Murray Dance Studio's out of over 230 worldwide. The Scottsdale Arthur Murray Dance Studio was honored in 2006 & 2007 with Studio of the Year Award by Arthur Murray International, Inc.

 Lisa Almeida, Franchisee a.k.a. Mrs. Boss

Lisa has been with Arthur Murray since 1989 where she started as a student in Danbury, CT. Married John Almeida and moved to Scottsdale, AZ in 1993 to open the Scottsdale Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Chief responsibilities are managing staff and whipping staff into shape.

Jim Dorholt

At the height of the Big Band Swing Era of the 1930s and ‘40s, Johnny Doran managed the bustling Arthur Murray Studio in Chicago. Johnny's dance career was sidelined due to an injury in WWII but it didn't stop him from teaching his entire family the Arthur Murray Way upon his return to Minneapolis. "I was born into the Arthur Murray way of dance," remarks Jim Dorholt. "My Uncle Johnny taught the whole family. For us, swing and mambo are as much a holiday staple as cake and ice cream." Jim's Uncle Johnny instilled in him a love for music and dance that would become a dual career. Johnny noticed a keen sense of rhythm in his nephew and insisted he have a set of drums at age 5. Jim still plays drums, guitar and writes his own songs. He has been a fixture of the Phoenix music scene for over 20 years and was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2006.

In 1983, looking to put his dance skills to work, Jim signed on at the Arthur Murray Studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. The studio was then owned by Arthur Murray legends Jacques and Roz DeBeve. Arthur Murray champions, Steve and Georgetta Platt were also in the organization as was future 12-time U.S. rhythm champion Bob Powers. Jim soaked up the expertise of this esteemed staff and became a nationally recognized top teacher in each of his first three years. Jim was promoted to manager of the studio and did so until 1990 when he decided to become involved in raising his daughter Alex, and playing music.

Jim returned to Scottsdale Arthur Murray in 1993 as studio counselor for new owners John and Lisa Almeida. His role in the studio is to train new staff on the Arthur Murray system of dance, teaching and customer service and to oversee the new student department, helping new dancers embark on a course that is just right for them. Keeping with family tradition, Jim's wife Jere, and daughter Alex have learned the Arthur Murray Way and are beautiful dancers themselves.

Janelle Call

It all began several years ago at a nightclub in Santiago, Chile, where Janelle was introduced to Salsa and Merengue. Having danced from age 3, she was taken away with the tropical trend of Latin dancing rather quickly. It didn’t take long for her interest to expand into other partner dancing, including ballroom. Janelle has been part of Arthur Murray Scottsdale since 2005 and is dedicated to bringing the same fun and enjoyment she finds in dancing to everyone. She continues to pursue her dance interest and participates in various professional competitions. Outside the studio, her interests turn to music, hiking, baking, and spending time with the coolest kid in the world…her daughter.

Kristie Lynn Almeida

Born in Germany and raised in West Palm Beach Florida, Kristie has relocated to the valley of the sun.  Since she was young, she has enjoyed the spotlight through competitive gymnastics and dancing Hip Hop and Salsa.  At the age of 16, she fell in love with ballroom dancing and has participated in several competitions through private studios as well as Arthur Murray’s.  We are very fortunate to have Kristie, as she is excited to continue her experience with the Arthur Murray family.

 Mark Joseph Gorton

Mark began dancing when he started walking. Whether it was big production musicals or pop music videos, he always had something to inspire him to move. He has had a love for choreographed dancing since he was young and never turns down an opportunity to perform. Ballroom dancing was something that Mark was new to but fell in love with very quickly. He hopes to inspire the love for dancing that he has obtained over the years, in others at Arthur Murray.

  Reese Gonzales

Reese was born and raised in Chicago where she discovered her passion for dancing and choreography while performing in several different venues.  After relocating to Arizona, she continued to follow her passion for dance performance throughout the valley with local and celebrity artists   Soon after she was introduced to Ballroom dancing through Arthur Murray’s.  Thrilled with the idea of partner dancing and how much joy it brings to a person’s life, her true mission is to introduce a better quality of life to her students one step at a time through Arthur Murray’s.

Freddie Maese

Freddie is a native to the Arizona sun and, originally from the small miner town of Morenci, He made his way to the Phoenix area in the mid 80's. He has a long standing background and appreciation for all of the arts. Over the years he has made his way through music performance, drama & theatre, and dance. Freddie finds his home in the arts because it gives one a means of expression and celebration of the human spirit. Freddie has been dancing for a great deal of his life, but found a home at Arthur Murray in April of 2008. Ballroom provides a wonderful outlet where he is able to combine his celebration of expression with the beauty, grace, and poise of the smooth dances in addition to the character, style, and flare of the more rhythmic dances; while celebrating sense of self through movement.

 Jon Olen

Throughout Jon’s entire life, he has had a strong connection to music whether it be composing, rehearsing, or simply just listening.  When he puts on his favorite song and pumps up the volume, you can see his weightlessness and carefree attributes come alive in his eyes and in his adoring smile.  Jon feels that dancing gives him a chance to physically connect to an otherwise untouchable source of happiness.  When he is not in the studio, you will find him rock climbing, playing soccer, or training for a triathlon.

 Anabel Quintana

As a former Arthur Murray instructor, this Latin sensation has made her way back to the valley where she belongs.  She is extremely excited to share her love and passion for dance with others.  With years of formal training in private studios, thru college and several Arthur Murray Studios, Anabel is sure to have you dancing in no time!  “Let’s step into happiness.”