Convention who?

Have you ever been to a convention? You know, the ones where different people come up and talk/lecture you on a particular topic or idea they have? Well within the dance world we too have our own conventions, only trust me, ours are a lot more fun!

Photo Taken By Caitlyn Tink

One big convention that has been around as long as I can remember for dancers is called "Groove Street". Personally, I have attend Groove Street for 5 years and I have to say I've enjoyed it each time. The idea behind these dance conventions is to give dancers the opportunity to be taught by other teachers, sometimes pretty big named choreographers, and learn routines to improve there dancing. Always being taught by the same teachers all the time is definitely not hindering your dancing, but its good as a dancer to get out and learn new things from new choreographers. This will only help you later in life if you are looking into pursuing dancing as a career as it also helps get your name out there. 

Photo taken by Caitlyn Tink

The way most conventions, at least Groove Street for sure, are set up is with a specific structure in mind. First, you are separated based up age. This way you avoid getting girls who are only 10 years old dancing with those who are 18 years old as they are clearly at different points in their dancing. Then you are separated based upon your skill level or years of dancing. At Groove Street there is advanced, intermediate, and junior categories that you can fit into. Although you are placed in a particular category, the faculty are really good about moving you around if you feel like something is too hard or too easy for you. Then, your days are all planned out for you depending on what category you are in. You are given a schedule that tells you what dance and what teacher you will be having to teach it at certain times through out the day. Most conventions will run all day Saturday and Sunday creating quite the busy weekend ! 

Photo Taken By Caitlyn Tink

Aside from Groove Street though there are many other conventions that take place in Calgary through out the year. There is Coastal Dance Rage, Jump, Triple Threat, and iDance. All of these are great conventions to attend, and really only vary in which choreographers they bring with them. They choreographers that come each year to these conventions usually changes, with a few regulars, as most are off trying to pursue their own dancing careers as well.

Have you ever been to a convention before? What was your take on it? Was it the most boring thing ever or did you learn something new and exciting? Conventions no matter what the form are only bettering you and your knowledge or at least opening up your mind to new ideas or ways of doing/viewing something.