Gail Arias
Mrs. California International 2000

Mrs. California
Dances her way into the hearts of today’s youth
By Charlie Moore

Mrs. California International Gail Arias, resident of Thousand Oaks, and second-generation native Californian, was crowned Mrs. California last June.
In September she competed at a national level in the Mrs. U.S. International Pageant held in Tyler, Texas along with other women representing all states across America. She was selected a top finalist, and her husband Jamie Arias was recognized as the most devoted and supportive husband. This was the first time Mrs. California made it to the finals in the fifteen-year history of the U.S. International Competition. Gail Arias will reign as Mrs. California International through July 2000.

Mrs. California’s platform is “Mentoring Our Youth”. Gail has mentored children and teens for over fifteen years. “I believe that dreams do come true.” Gail says, “If we give our kids the confidence and encouragement they need to pursue their dreams, we help them to become the self-actualized leaders of our future. “Kids at Heart” is the charity I represent to help make the world a better place for kids, teens and everyone!”
When asked how dancing has helped to change the lives of kids in their studio she tells us of one boy that really blossomed. Gail said “One day a troubled teen who had been expelled from high school in his junior year, who instigated fights where ever he went and came from a dysfunctional family, walked into the Arias’ dance studio during the peak of the East Coast Swing craze out of curiosity. He had low self-esteem, no manners and did not like himself or anyone else! Gail knew he would be a challenge but she had worked with teens in trouble before and could see him becoming his own personal best over time. Gail relates, “I knew if he continued with the discipline of attending weekly dance lessons and accepted the support that is always offered through the building of self-esteem, confidence and respect along with the positive role-modeling we offer in our dance classes he could change his negative attitude and become a winner at life.”
Sure enough, in just eight months this boy had transformed himself from a place of low self-esteem and disrespect into a confident, well-mannered and well liked dancer with a very high skill level for intricate dance steps and aerials in swing. He is now even performing on the dance team.