Fall brings crisper air, leaves changing, and Dance Conventions!
The Fall Season has always been one of my favorite times of the year! It always feels fresh and full of new beginnings. I am sure the start of school and dance seasons create a bit of that, but the crisper nights, leaves changing, and pumpkin spice lattes create a buzz in the air. Going back to school can be exciting and starting the new dance season can be even more! There is always a bit of a change in your dance classes and with that come a new motivation for excellence.
The Fall brings us new classes, new teachers, new friends, and new opportunities. One of the biggest opportunities for a studio dancer this time of year is attending a Convention. There are Convention workshops all over the country offering an array of classes taught by leaders in the dance industry. Spending a day working with some of the teachers and choreographers can really advance your dancer to the next level.
I love seeing full studios take advantage of a one-day Convention workshop. Not only do they get a great schedule of different classes, but they can also work with their team outside of their typical studio space. Just changing location when taking a class can really make the dancer see things from a whole new perspective. Often when I teach at these conventions, I ask the dancers when they come out to perform the choreography that they stand somewhere else on the floor than they were. It creates a little chaos for the brain and can really help growth. Now imagine how much growth can happen when you dance 15 miles from your typical, safe studio space! It is also always great working with your team in a less stressful atmosphere and feeling alright making mistakes, encouraging each other, and even making friends and being inspired by dancers from other studios.
As a single dancer attending a Convention, you really have a great opportunity to push yourself. Maybe one style isn’t your strongest, but you are insecure in your studio with that style. Being able to let yourself independently show up and show out can be a great boost to your confidence. You have the chance to stand out from your studios “style” and represent you and make great connections with your faculty as well.
Conventions often offer the opportunity for an Audition or Audition style class. This is also so important for the journey of a dancer and any exposure to that at a young age is really helpful. Mostly these Audition experiences are for scholarships and recognition and not for an actual job, so the pressure can be off while you figure out how to manage an Audition.
And finally, Conventions should be about inspiration! Obviously, your Faculty should be providing a lot of that inspiration, but look around. The dancers around you are killing it and learning in such different ways. Noticing and acknowledging other dancers in these convention classes is a boost for them and you. Every dancer wants to be chosen for the “final group” from their class, but not everyone will be. Always remember to encourage and be inspired by those chosen and not get discouraged. It is a positive moment for those dancers and not a negative one for you. When you do get called to be in that last group, believe me, you will want to know that everyone is excited, inspired, and encouraged by you at that moment, so pay it forward.
Conventions are a fun break from the usual studio atmosphere. You get to work with a fun faculty for just a day in all styles of dance. You get to be inspired by others and maybe make a friend or two. You get to control your experience and maybe even get recognition or a scholarship at the end! Take advantage of all these opportunities, you will be glad you did!
For a great 1 Day Convention, check out the Platinum Dance Experience Convention Tour, and if you are looking for more of a weekend long experience, make sure you check out the Platinum Dance Collective, by visiting www.DancePlatinum.com
Chris Suchan is very proud to be the owner and Executive Director of Platinum National Dance Competition. He has been dancing for over 25 years and teaching since the age of 16. As a performer, he has most recently been on the National Tour of The Pajama Game where he performed in the ensemble and served as Dance Captain and Associate Choreographer for the show. He also performed in the Broadway National Tours of The Producers and Crazy for You, and the International production of 42nd Street in Moscow. Chris hails from Washington, DC where he grew up competing in all forms of dance. He has also been a member of several dance companies including Dancin’ Unlimited, Stage Crew, and Jazz Danz DC based in Washington DC. He has taken master classes from some of the greatest stage performers of all time including Gwen Verdon, Ann Reinking and Ben Vereen. Chris has performed as a member of the Jean Ann Ryan Company on Norwegian Cruise Lines as a dancer and singer. He has choreographed numerous musicals and productions, as well as award winning routines at competitions. Chris’s passion for dance and all things dance has led to a wonderful career in the dance industry and he is so excited to share that passion with you!
Chris Suchan
Executive Director
Platinum National Dance Competition
Instagram - @suchanchris
TikTok - @danceplatinumco0
