It’s no secret that competition dance is expensive. Like, really expensive. Add in a global pandemic that has left millions of Americans unemployed and it can seem downright outrageous. Still, dancers need to dance! Dreams need to be chased, technique needs to be honed, and vital career relationships need to be established. So, how can […]
Between travel restrictions and the economic burdens of COVID-19, you may not find yourself able to convention-hop every weekend as per usual (or you might find yourself attending virtual, rather than IRL, convention events). But that doesn’t mean your dance training has to suffer—especially if you’re conscientious about applying your convention lessons and corrections to […]
As conversations about racial justice have continued across the country, members of the dance world have focused inwards and reflected on how we can all do better. The close-knit competition and convention community is no different. Dance Spirit had the chance to talk to five judges from National Dance Showcase, as well as one of […]
Kati Simon has worked as a teaching assistant with ADRENALINE Dance for more than four years. Though the convention circuit has been put on pause by the COVID-19 pandemic, in the past, she’s had the chance to dance alongside industry notables like Sonya Tayeh, Nick Bass, Sarah Reich, and more. And according to Simon, there’s […]
“I wish I had a better story about the name,” says Molly Long, founder of the Orange County, CA–based dance studio Project 21. In truth, it’s a play on the fact that she was born on the twenty-first of August, and 21 is her favorite number. “I was away on a teaching tour, the audition […]
Attending multiple conventions throughout the year has become increasingly popular among dancers. Conventions provide valuable exposure to world-class faculty, not to mention coveted scholarships and assisting opportunities. But most dancers at weekend conventions also have a full plate of classes at their home studios during the week—a difficult lifestyle to maintain. So, should you be […]
Whether she’s opening the Billboard Music Awards with Taylor Swift or starring in one of Kyle Hanagami’s concept videos, Maycee Steele’s silky moves and powerful lines make her mesmerizing to watch. Originally from Kansas City, MO, the commercial phenom found early success on the convention circuit, and was soon assisting Brian Friedman, Tessandra Chavez, Tyce […]
When teaching convention classes, many choreographers start combinations mid-song, allowing dancers the freedom to improvise a few eight counts before the piece begins. How do you use those moments to learn and grow as a dancer, even if you’re new to the style of dance? DS spoke with convention teachers about the best way to […]