The competition world is filled with so many talented dancers that for one dancer to stand out, they need something special—not just legs up to their ears or seemingly never-ending turns, but something more. For many comp world standouts, it’s a certain, special confidence: The confidence in what they, and only they, can offer. Dance […]
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 […]
Commercial dancer Kaitlynn Edgar was in Travis Wall’s class at NUVO when she realized that competitions and conventions could lead to big things. Like joining-Shaping-Sound big. “After class, Travis started asking me all these questions, like when I was graduating,” she recalls. “Everything fell into place, just because I happened to be a senior that […]
“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 […]
When you’re bored in the house (and you’re in the house bored), Nationals can feel like a dream that might never come true. But Kendall Moshay, Hollywood Vibe’s Intermediate Dancer of the Year 2019, knows that now is the time to make like a Girl Scout and be prepared: “Sooner or later, everything will go […]
Competitions offer dancers the opportunity to showcase their talents and gain valuable feedback from judges. But they can also be mentally and physically stressful, with demanding, long days of performances. How do you keep your mind and body in top condition to avoid injury or burnout? We spoke with experts about how to take care […]
In April 2015, Alyssa Allen found herself in a nearly unprecedented position. It was Vegas Week on Season 12 of “So You Think You Can Dance,” she was a clear favorite for the show’s Top 20—and she respectfully declined the opportunity. In a conversation with judge Nigel Lythgoe, Allen said she strongly believed she should […]
Take another bow, comp kids: Nationals 2019 was INCREDIBLE. From jaw-dropping solos to showstopping production numbers, you guys brought nothing less than your A-game to every number—and it showed. Before visions of next season start dancing in your heads, let’s reflect on some of the top trends of this past summer’s Nationals. 1. Mission Im-props-ible […]