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 […]
Courtney Schwartz seems to be every comp kid’s idol. Each week, she assists Talia Favia in a different city for Radix Dance Convention, but it’s her high energy, super-cool movement, and genuine passion that truly inspires. Schwartz trained at Studio 19 in Pittsburgh, PA. After high school she attended Point Park University for one semester […]
Convention classes are inevitably packed. To have the best possible experience while surrounded by hundreds of fellow convention-goers, put some thought into where you choose to stand in the room. Start with a goal: “What people seek from class absolutely informs where they stand,” says Dana Wilson, hip-hop teacher for New York City Dance Alliance. […]
It’s no secret that “So You Think You Can Dance” alum Carly Blaney—who’s now Sidekick program director for 24 Seven Dance Convention, and who recently performed at the Grammys—can turn for days. We needed to know just how she does it. So we caught up with the pirouette princess to find out her tricks for […]