Dance conventions: Which one should you choose?

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Story by Valeria Munoz, Editor In Chief

Pack your dance bags, grab your water bottle, and put on your shoes, convention season is now upon us! As soon as I open my Internet browser I am bombarded with dance convention ads, each promotional poster advertising a different A-List choreographer. From taking a contemporary class from Shaping Sound’s Teddy Forance or learning a hip hop combo from ImmaBeast’s Josh Killacky, how will one ever choose? With Jump to NRG Dance Project taking place in our backyard, the opportunities for dancers to hone their skills are endless.

Jump Tour

Where:  Miami Airport Convention Center

When:  Sep. 23-25, 2016
Jump Tour features So You Think You Can Dance choreographer, Mandy Moore, Step Up’s Misha Gabriel, and ImmaBeast Company creator, Willdabeast among others. To say the lineup is amazing is an understatement. The event kicks off with Friday night classes from improv to hip hop and the Jump Off show, which includes an introduction of the teachers and their assistants. Classes continue all day Saturday until students perform in team and solo competitions later that night. On the last day of convention, dancers are given the chance to audition for studio and class scholarships before attending the closing ceremony.
Pulse on Tour

Where: Orlando, FL     

When: Dec. 2-4, 2016

Originated by dance legend, Brian Friedman, this tour encourages young dancers to develop industry experience from auditions to interviews. Pulse offers scholarship opportunities and young dancers are chosen to become Pulse proteges. This elite team assists in dance classes and participates at the end of the event show. Students are also chosen to join the proteges or bring a choreographer’s’ vision to life. A recent addition to the schedule has been Matt Steffanina in select cities. Parents can also practice their skills in classes specifically designated for their age group. They are even invited to share a bagel or a chat with directors. Pulse caters to all demographics and offers a unique dance experience for parents and kids alike.

NRG Dance Project

Where: Orlando, FL

When: Jan. 13-15, 2017

This convention has the traditional structure of the others with classes every day but it also stresses the enjoyment factor over competition. NRG Dance Project’s lineup includes Josh Killacky, Nick Gonzales, Step Up’s Robert Hoffman, Emma Bradley and many more.  Students or dance studios can register beforehand to compete in “The Show.” Each competition entry receives free videos and pictures. The convention offers industry exposure as attendees train beside the best of the best and competitors can also gain cash prices along with scholarships. Their main goal is to “energize the dance industry by making sure everyone is involved and having a great time.”

Overall, there are no excuses for dancers to fall back on this season regarding on the accessibility to gain valuable training.  Granted, most of the conventions are centered in Orlando but a three hour road trip is definitely worth it in order to learn from the professionals.

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