While dancers all over the world are sharing the heartache of canceled classes, shows, and projects, our hearts hurt especially hard for a group of dancers we at Dance Spirit couldn't admire more: comp and convention kids. Determined to challenge your artistry and learn from cutting-edge faculty, you dancers normally brave crowded ballrooms and nonstop schedules all year long. But just because you might not be in one of those crowded ballrooms for a while doesn't mean that part of your dance life has to grind to a halt.
Many conventions and competitions, forced to cancel upcoming tour stops, have taken some of their extraordinary offerings online. They're streaming classes, holding Instagram dance "competitions," and even putting on entire virtual convention weekends. We've compiled a roundup of such events, along with all the information you need to participate. Keep that dance spirit alive, and we'll keep this list up to date.
Dupree Dance
What: "Virtual Movement Experience" dance instruction videos for dancers and teachers
When: Ongoing
Where: Watch and download the videos at www.dupreedance.net/the-virtual-movement-experience
Heat Dance Convention
What: "Heat From Home" classes. Each class includes a dance challenge; dancers can post videos of themselves performing the choreography on their Instagram using #HeatFromHome and tagging @HeatDanceConvention. Winners are announced three days later and win a full convention scholarship, half scholarship, and HEAT merchandise.
When: Classes are announced and posted on Heat's IGTV every week.
Where: Heat's Instagram
Faculty: Cat Cogliandro, Heather Morris, and more
Hollywood Vibe
What: "Vibe Live," a series of Instagram Live Q&As with Hollywood Vibe faculty and Dancer of the Year winners
When: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6pm PST
Where: Hollywood Vibe's Instagram
Faculty: Kent Boyd, Adrian Lee, and more, as announced on Instagram
Imagine Dance Challenge
What: Weekly TikTok dance challenges, with selected winners receiving Imagine merchandise
When: New challenge posted every Wednesday
Where: Imagine Dance Challenge's Instagram and TikTok
Impact Dance Adjudicators
What: A virtual dance competition for both solos and group numbers. Once you submit a video (either in the studio or onstage) of your routine, three IDA judges will provide a score sheet and feedback. Overall winners in each age category will win cash prizes and be featured on IDA's website.
When: Solo entries must be submitted by April 8th. Group entries must be submitted by April 17th.
Where: See additional rules and register at www.impactdanceadjudicators.com/virtualcompetition
Cost: $30 per entry
New York City Dance Alliance
What: NYCDA Virtual Dance Experience, featuring live classes from NYCDA's convention faculty
When: Ongoing
Where: Catch live class announcements on NYCDA's Instagram. Live classes are streamed at live.nycdance.com, and combos from the classes are posted on NYCDA's YouTube page
Faculty: Chloe Arnold, Grace Buckley, Joey Dowling, and more
Revel
What: "Rev-Virtual," an online convention experience with live-streamed classes and the chance to win scholarships
When: Apr 11-12, Apr 18-19, Apr 25-26, May 2-3
Where: Register and attend at dancerevel.com/virtual
Cost: $79.00 per dancer for a 2-day virtual convention
Faculty: Derek Mitchell, Jaimie Goodwin, Zach Venegas, and more
Showstopper
What: #ShowstopperClassics, throwback episodes of Showstopper's American Dance Championships
When: Episodes posted every Thursday at 8pm EST
Where: Showstopper's Instagram, with full episodes on YouTube.
Starpower
What: Weekly Instagram Live challenges with prizes awarded, as well as an ongoing "Bingo" dance challenge
When: Ongoing
Where: Check Starpower's Instagram for challenge announcements