Convention Tips

Convention Tips

1. Dress to Impress

Make sure you are dressed in appropriate dance clothes and have a style of shoe for each class. 

For hip-hop, do you look like a hip-hop dancer? For ballet, do you look like a ballet dancer? Know your styles and dress appropriately (and professionally). Example: For ballet you should have tights/leggings and a leotard with your hair pulled back. For hip-hop do you have joggers and a t-shirt or sweatshirt to throw over your leotard and clean sneakers? 

Pack your dance bag a few days early to be sure that you are prepared. 

2. Physically Perform, Mentally Engage

Dance convention classes require physical exertion for performance, but they also require an equal amount of mental engagement and focus.

3. Be Prepared

Arrive early, be well rested, hydrated, and have a plan in place for healthy meals and snacks throughout the workshop. Take care of your body! 

4. Remove Yourself from Distraction

Remove yourself from your in-class friends and parents (if they are observing). Find your own spot in the room where you can focus and absorb the information. Leave your cell phones and iPods outside.

When you are in the dance room, you have to be in the zone.

5. Focus

When you are in class, be focused, engaged, and connected with the material being taught. If you disengage at any point, you will likely fall behind in the choreography/instruction.

If you fall behind, do not give up. Work hard to catch up, and keep trying! If you have a thoughtful, relevant question, do not be afraid to ask it. Make sure to do so only after the choreography has been taught completely. NEVER ASK WHAT IS NEXT, if they are not done teaching.

6. Be Respectful & Kind

Treat ALL dancers, instructors, and attendees with the utmost amount of respect.

Think about how your words, actions, and gestures may be interpreted. Do not leave or sit down in the middle of a class. Stay throughout the entirety of a workshop.

7. Push Yourself Beyond Familiarity

Use the convention environment as an opportunity to explore and attempt new styles. Take EVERY class. Do not sit out.

You will strengthen yourself as a dancer and may realize a new interest or love for a particular style.

8. Thank Your Instructors

Take the time to thank your master teachers. It is a great showing of respect and a resourceful networking tool.

Also, take the time to thank your parents for providing you with this wonderful opportunity.

9. Do It for the Right Reasons

Attend workshops for the right reasons– i.e. receiving a scholarship should not be your motivation to attend. Go in with the mentality that you there to work hard, learn, and improve yourself as a dancer.

10. Apply the Lessons & Skills Beyond the Day

Retain the information, tips, and techniques shared at the workshop. Apply it to your everyday dancing and make the experience last far beyond the weekend.

-by Chasta Hamilton