Dance Teacher Conventions in 2018: Plan, Prepare, Pirouette

It is always good for teachers to keep on top of all the latest dances and teaching methods. Dance teacher conventions are a great way to attain continuing education. These provide many benefits, including networking with other teachers, dancers and choreographers. Pike13 has prepared a list of 2018 dance conventions. 

American Academy of Ballet Teacher’s Intensive

This is a four-day workshop held at SUNY Purchase College. Learn different choreography for a variety of age groups and observe teachers instructing the Summer School of Excellence program. Organizers state many teachers return to their own studios “with renewed vigor and confidence – encouraged by the insights, understanding and techniques” they gain during the seminar. Faculty is subject to change year to year. Past instructors included Karin Averty, winner of the Grand Prix at Varna and Principal Dancer with the Paris Opera Ballet; Iain Macdonald, Principal Dancer with PACT Ballet and McCree O’Kelley who toured internationally in the Broadway production of Cats.

Dance Teacher Summit

You will not only have dance classes at this three-day conference, but business and marketing seminars, a fashion show, and access to the industry’s leading dance vendors. Organizers say the summit is unique in that it “strives to bridge the gap between the expertise of legendary master teachers with the cutting edge styles of today’s most influential choreographers.” Instructors include Mark Meismer, a Los Angeles dancer who has worked with Madonna, Ricky Martin and Britney Spears as well as choreographing TV shows such as Dancing With The Stars; Misha Gabriel who danced on tour with Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson; and Stacey Tookey, a Canadian choreographer and dancer, known for her frequent appearances as a resident choreographer and guest judge on So You Think You Can Dance.

Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo

Considered a “must attend” event for beginner to seasoned instructors, this includes business tips, teaching workshops, curriculum planning and choreography. Workshops promise practical material that can be put to use in your own studio. Fresh and unique ideas about driving retention and building revenue are also part of the program. Networking opportunities include a cocktail reception, fashion show and daily themed events. Faculty includes Aja DePaolo, currently dancing in the Britney Spears “Piece of Me” Las Vegas Residency; Dolly Kelepecz, affiliate assistant professor of ballet at UNLV; and Merle Sepel, one of only 180 examiners worldwide for the Royal Academy of Dance and judge for the American Academy of Ballet’s Performance Awards.

Pike13 will be attending the upcoming Dance Teacher Web Conference & Expo on July 30-August 2, 2018.