Inside the Weekend
Convention faculty dynamics
The faculty is the actual product you're paying for at a convention. Understanding who they are, what they're looking for, and how the scholarship/assistant system works helps dancers get the most from the weekend — without turning it into a popularity contest.
Who the faculty are
Convention faculty are working professionals — touring choreographers, commercial dancers, company members, and studio owners with national reputations. Many built their followings through competition and convention circuits themselves, and several choreograph for TV, tours, and music videos.
How the scholarship & recognition system works
Convention scholarships
Faculty observe dancers in class all weekend and award scholarships (often back to that convention, or to summer intensives). It is class-based, not just competition-based.
Assistants
Many conventions select dancers as faculty assistants for the season — a visible role and a strong résumé/college line. Selection is competitive and faculty-driven.
Breakout / Dancer-of-the-Year titles
Brand-specific top honors (e.g., NUVO Breakout Artist, Tremaine Dancer of the Year). Prestigious but not the point of the weekend for most dancers.
How to make a good impression (the healthy way)
- Be in the front sometimes, but not by shoving — rotate lines so everyone is seen.
- Pick up choreography fast and commit fully, even when you feel lost.
- Eye contact, energy, and being coachable read louder than tricks.
- Say thank you. Faculty remember respectful dancers.
- Take the styles outside your comfort zone — faculty notice effort and range.
A word on "convention politics"
Parents sometimes worry the system rewards favorites. Effort, attitude, and consistency are what faculty actually reward across a weekend. Chasing a specific teacher's attention usually backfires; growing as a dancer doesn't.
For parents
- Your job is logistics and encouragement — not lobbying faculty.
- A scholarship is a nice bonus, not the measure of a good weekend.
- The real ROI is training, exposure, and inspiration your dancer brings home.
What should they actually take?
How to build a smart class schedule across the weekend.
Style Strategy