Dustin Johnson '10 Reflects on Experience at Arthur Murray Dance Studios
Published on
By: Lauren F. Carlson '12
"Coaching people to get in shape and teaching dance are very closely related. Both of them help make differences in people's lives," said Dustin Johnson '10, who graduated from Aquinas with a major in Health and Physical Education. Having completed an internship at Arthur Murray Dance Studios during the summer of 2010, Johnson discussed how his experience closely reflected his education while teaching the essentials of managing a dance studio and a variety of recreational areas.
"I like helping people feel good about themselves through either fitness or dance," said Johnson, explaining that the two are similar due to each activity’s ability to relieve stress or accomplish a personal goal. Through his internship experience, Johnson gained useful knowledge in his chosen field, as well as carved out a job opportunity for the next year and a useful step toward a successful and knowledgeable career.
An Iron River native, Johnson began his academic career at Northern Michigan University. Although he was always interested in studying health and physical education, his decision to participate on the track team evolved after two years in college and served as motivation to search for a school with a focus on teamwork.
After transferring to Aquinas his junior year, Johnson continued with his major while participating in athletics and exploring his future career. While sifting through a variety of internships in the Grand Rapids area, Johnson stumbled upon a position at Arthur Murray Dance Studios advertising "athletes wanted.” With a focus on athletics, he had never before considered dance, yet soon found that the connection between the two served as a strong interest and useful career jumping point.
“I actually never showed any interest in dance until I started working there at the studio,” said Johnson. Turns out his internship demonstrated an entirely new career prospect for a student interested in physical education. While working at the studio, Johnson was responsible for dance classes, sales to potential students, and personality training, which requires effective communication skills. Within these tasks, he was able to further his study of physical education while learning more about the nature of a dance studio.
While earning college credit, Johnson learned more about his newly found dance concentration as well as earned an exciting job opportunity. After a three month internship, he was offered a one year contract. The position opens the door to future prospects as well as provides useful knowledge in the field of dance and recreational management. As Johnson begins his full-time position, he has altered his future career plans to include ballroom dance instruction as well as personal training.
After an unforeseen internship peeked a new interest, Johnson is excited to include dance in his career aspirations. Of his new passion for dance, Johnson said, “It has basically become my life.”
"Coaching people to get in shape and teaching dance are very closely related. Both of them help make differences in people's lives," said Dustin Johnson '10, who graduated from Aquinas with a major in Health and Physical Education. Having completed an internship at Arthur Murray Dance Studios during the summer of 2010, Johnson discussed how his experience closely reflected his education while teaching the essentials of managing a dance studio and a variety of recreational areas.
"I like helping people feel good about themselves through either fitness or dance," said Johnson, explaining that the two are similar due to each activity’s ability to relieve stress or accomplish a personal goal. Through his internship experience, Johnson gained useful knowledge in his chosen field, as well as carved out a job opportunity for the next year and a useful step toward a successful and knowledgeable career.
An Iron River native, Johnson began his academic career at Northern Michigan University. Although he was always interested in studying health and physical education, his decision to participate on the track team evolved after two years in college and served as motivation to search for a school with a focus on teamwork.
After transferring to Aquinas his junior year, Johnson continued with his major while participating in athletics and exploring his future career. While sifting through a variety of internships in the Grand Rapids area, Johnson stumbled upon a position at Arthur Murray Dance Studios advertising "athletes wanted.” With a focus on athletics, he had never before considered dance, yet soon found that the connection between the two served as a strong interest and useful career jumping point.
“I actually never showed any interest in dance until I started working there at the studio,” said Johnson. Turns out his internship demonstrated an entirely new career prospect for a student interested in physical education. While working at the studio, Johnson was responsible for dance classes, sales to potential students, and personality training, which requires effective communication skills. Within these tasks, he was able to further his study of physical education while learning more about the nature of a dance studio.
While earning college credit, Johnson learned more about his newly found dance concentration as well as earned an exciting job opportunity. After a three month internship, he was offered a one year contract. The position opens the door to future prospects as well as provides useful knowledge in the field of dance and recreational management. As Johnson begins his full-time position, he has altered his future career plans to include ballroom dance instruction as well as personal training.
After an unforeseen internship peeked a new interest, Johnson is excited to include dance in his career aspirations. Of his new passion for dance, Johnson said, “It has basically become my life.”