Local Port Orange Dance Studios, like The Legacy Dance Studio get wonderful training in all styles of dance. But for the dancer who wants more, dance conventions are a worthwhile investment in addition to studio training.

Dance conventions travel the country annually to share the love of dance with dancers of all ages and levels. If you’ve never considered taking your dancer to a convention, here are a few things you should know!

What is a dance convention?

Dance conventions have been around for decades and were created as educational experiences primarily for instructors. Nowadays, dance conventions are for everyone who loves to dance!

A dance convention includes either one day or a full weekend of dance classes in different styles of dance. Sometimes, a convention will specialize in one specific style, like hip hop, and the classes will focus on the different aspects of the style.

Dance conventions also offer seminars on other related subjects, like audition advice, parent classes, and mental health and wellness for dancers.

Another perk of dance conventions is the opportunity to win scholarships or awards. Many dance conventions give away scholarships to future events or even college scholarships to dancers who demonstrate exceptional abilities in class.

Check the convention’s website for more information on what is included in the price of admission – many times it’s more than just classes!

Who can attend a dance convention?

Anyone who loves to dance can attend a dance convention!

Most conventions do have options for younger dancers, but generally, admission starts for ages 7 and up.

Adults and teachers may also attend many dance conventions but check with the company’s rules and regulations to find out whether adults can participate in all classes. Conventions often offer adult or teacher-specific classes for a discount!

Another thing to consider when looking at conventions to attend is whether you must attend through a studio or if you can attend independently.

Many conventions allow independent dancers to attend without a studio, but the dancers may not be eligible for certain awards or prizes.

What are the benefits of a dance convention?

Dance conventions are an incredibly unique way to expose dancers to new ideas, fresh choreography, and most importantly, like-minded people. If your dancer has expressed interest in dancing more, or past high school, a convention would be a great place to start easing into a more commitment-minded study of dance.

New Ideas and Styles

Port Orange dance classes are taught by wonderful instructors, but everyone needs a bit of a change every now and then! Dance convention teachers come to each event ready to challenge every student with new ways of thinking.

A dance convention class may inspire students to approach a step or a phrase in a different way. Or, a teacher may give a correction from a new point of view that finally clicks for a dancer.

Sometimes all it takes is a new experience to inspire lasting change!

Conventions also offer the chance for dancers to try out a new style of dance in a low-stakes environment. Instead of paying for an entire year of tap classes that your dancer may or may not enjoy, try a tap class at a convention to decide whether a full commitment is what you want.

Fresh Choreography

Students at Port Orange dance studios are likely learning several dance routines in a year, for performances at competitions and recitals. But one skill that might be lacking is the ability to pick up new, fresh choreography quickly.

Dance conventions pack at least half a dozen or more classes into a weekend, each with a new combination to learn in all different styles. The ability to learn and retain choreography is something that must be practiced, and many dance studios don’t have the time to teach so much new choreography every week when recital and competition dances are being refined.

Being a “quick study” in the dance world is a valuable skill, and it can only be honed by getting into multiple classes, which conventions provide.

Like-Minded People

Dancers are a special group of people, and we love to be in community with others who love dance as much as we do. By attending dance conventions, young dancers get to interact with other kids who have the same passion for dance.

There are also some instances where a passionate and dedicated dancer finds themselves in a studio class or group of students who just aren’t as committed. Knowing firsthand what that feels like, I can attest to the fact that being in class with others who just don’t care as much can be incredibly frustrating.

By attending a convention, the committed and focused dancer can be immersed in a culture that feels like home. Dancers are able to make connections and friendships through conventions that will last a lifetime

In addition to being around dancers their own age, there is much to be said about the benefit of being surrounded by professionals who live and breathe dance. Many professional dancers cite their own experiences as youths in convention settings as the inspiration for going on to dance as a career.

If your dancer is one who itches to be at the studio on their days off, loves to learn new styles, and craves interaction with other dancers, do yourself (and your dancer) a favor by looking into dance conventions.

Some popular conventions  we have attended are DanceMaker’s, Heat and Artistic Dance Exchange. Check them out and happy dancing!