Tag: competition dance

Clips of convention standouts are perennially popular on social media, so it’s unsurprising that filming at these events has become commonplace, with many organizations hiring professional videographers. But the etiquette around filming by students can be murky—and the pressure dancers face to post constantly makes these situations even more difficult to navigate. So when is […]

For competition kids, pursuing a dance degree is a natural extension of the years of dedication they’ve put into their craft. But the transition from the fast-paced buzz of the competition and convention scene to the college classroom isn’t always seamless. As two former champions and a college dean share, once on campus, competitive dancers […]

Competitive dance routines are all over social media feeds these days. For choreographers, studios, and dancers, this kind of viral fame can be thrilling—and it can help a mainstream audience discover the brilliance of competitive dance. (Molly Long’s inescapable “Pop Muzik” choreography for Project 21 has even trickled down to school playgrounds.) What does it […]

College dance auditions often require students to present a short solo. While this solo can be an ideal way for competitive dancers to show their skills, a college audition room isn’t the same environment as a competition stage. How can dancers repurpose competition solos effectively? It starts by knowing your audience. “You have to research […]

Competition routines can be opportunities to showcase stories from a range of cultures and perspectives. But without careful consideration, the line between inspiration and appropriation can begin to blur. Here’s how to avoid cultural appropriation and instead create routines that will help students of all backgrounds expand their horizons. What Is Cultural Appropriation? In a […]

Competition dance trends become popular for a reason, but even the most exciting fads eventually run their course. Four competition judges discuss the dance trends they believe it’s time to leave behind, and offer suggestions on how to refocus routines on clarity, safety, and individual artistry. Nonstop Gymnastics While a well-executed tumbling or gymnastic element […]

Most dancers who participate in competitions and conventions attend with a dance studio. But each year, a small group of soloists opt to go for it as independents, without a studio affiliation. There are plenty of benefits to this approach—as well as a few possible drawbacks. Before you sign up, consider what you’re willing to […]

When Kamille Upshaw arrived at The Juilliard School in 2007, she’d been a competition dancer for a decade. “There was still a bit of a stigma about competition dancers,” says Upshaw, who attended Baltimore School for the Arts and trained at Spotlight Studio of Dance in Millersville, Maryland. “We were seen as being all about […]