Tag: competitions

Where Should You Stand in a Convention Class?

Convention classes are inevitably packed. To have the best possible experience while surrounded by hundreds of fellow convention-goers, put some thought into where you choose to stand in the room. Start with a goal: “What people seek from class absolutely informs where they stand,” says Dana Wilson, hip-hop teacher for New York City Dance Alliance. […]

How to Keep Your Dance Costumes Looking as Good as New

Competition season is here, and you’ve finally received your beautiful new costumes. But how can you keep these ensembles looking stage-ready through Nationals next July? Here are the tips and tricks you need to prevent and troubleshoot costume problems. It’s All in the Bag According to Rhonda Bass, who has been making costumes by hand […]

The Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks To Get You Through Nationals

Nationals season is just around the corner, and we’re getting SUPER pumped. Although it’s truly one of the greatest times of the year for dancers, Nationals are also insane, tbh. Between running from convention classes to onstage performances to award shows, and trying to squeeze in a bite to eat or stay hydrated, it can […]

School Buzz: Future Star Award Winners 2009

DS traveled all over the country to see you shine at Nationals. check out the winners of the 2009 Dance Spirit Future Star Award. Congrats, winners! Emily Deahl Age: 17 The Southern Strutt, Irmo, SC Starpower, Orlando, FL       Meghan DeGraff Age: 18 The World of Dance, Albany, NY StarQuest, Virginia Beach, VA […]

Prodigy Miko Fogarty Grows Up

Miko Fogarty doesn’t buckle under pressure. Competing at the Moscow International Ballet Competition, one of the most prestigious dance events in the world? No sweat. Dealing when, en route to that competition, the airline loses her luggage, leaving her stranded with little more than her pointe shoes? Not a problem. Coping after the live orchestra […]

The Season's Best

Comp kids, you never cease to amaze us. Summer after summer, you come to Nationals rocking fresh looks, innovative choreography and solid technique. And 2014 didn’t disappoint: This year brought us new trends—from fashion to footwork—that we’d love to see stick around (and some we’d like to see disappear). (Clockwise from left: DGS Photos, Courtesy […]

My Week at the Prix de Lausanne

Houston Ballet II’s Tyler Donatelli was one of only 10 dancers from the United States accepted to compete at the prestigious Prix de Lausanne this year. To get the inside scoop on the ballet competition, DS asked Tyler to keep a diary during her week in Switzerland. —Jenny Dalzell January 26 I just arrived in […]

"Dance Moms: Revenge of the Candy Apples" Recap

Last night’s episode of “Dance Moms” was traumatic, to say the least. There was so much yelling, too much cursing and not enough dancing from those talented kids we adore. But as always, we’re not here to complain about Crazy Christi (um, Chloe got a solo and that still wasn’t good enough for Christi, but […]