As dancers, we don’t get much of a break, and we’re okay with that!  After some summertime rest and rejuvenation, we’re heading back to class and into convention season; where we have the opportunity to learn from some of the top professionals in the dance industry!

Here are 7 things we’re looking forward to this convention season:

Learning new material

At a dance convention, we get to learn new choreography from some of the best teachers, choreographers and mentors in the dance world!  This is probably the most thrilling part because at it's roots, a convention is about sharing our love for dance.

The social buzz

Dancers everywhere will be buzzing on social media about which conventions their going to and who they’re looking forward to taking from!  We also get to see other dancers from a magnitude of conventions across the country via their shares on YouTube, Instagram, etc. Jo+Jax loves to see your posts, too!  

New Threads

We love getting new dance clothes! Always keep in mind to wear something that you’re comfortable in.  The ideal outfit is flattering on your body type and is versatile enough to layer with for different styles.  Bring a hoodie or sweats and kicks if you plan on taking hip hop. You’ll want to be sure that your outfit and appearance is appropriate for all the different kinds of classes you'll be taking throughout the day.

Trying New and Different Styles of Dance

African drum? Yes please!  Broadway Tap? Sign me up! Contemporary Hip Hop? Let’s do it! A convention is the perfect opportunity to try new classes and styles!  How fun is it to learn something out of the norm that you don’t usually get the chance to?  Take advantage of these unique teachers and their classes! 

Working Intently and Fiercely on ourselves 

Come convention season, we’re ready to put our own personality and interpretations into the material we learn. We’re really ready to grow and expand our personal understanding of dance, so we can take it with us into next competition season or into our professional pursuits!

meeting choreographers, teachers and new dance friends

Being able to meet and connect with other dancers in the industry provides us with so much support.  There’s no bond like a dancer bond!  We also get to meet choreographers and teachers!  And if we work very hard, they may just take notice of us in class.

Rising to the occasion 

While a convention environment is sometimes overwhelming, there’s no place like it to get that kind of expansive, intensive experience.  The point is to be challenged.  So it may be crowded, and you may be sore, but you will grow tremendously by working hard and staying focused through it all.

Which convention are you attending this season? Let us know in the comments!