Un.Convention™ is a 4 day dance workshop that delivers the best aspects of a dance convention in an intimate, studio setting, offered exclusively at Joanne Langione Dance Center.
Although there are many summer dance conventions, Un.Convention is a unique intensive set apart from the rest. Hence the name. . . the “UN” convention.
So why choose Un.Convention over any other summer master class? Let’s dive into the 3 major benefits that make Un.Convention Boston unique.
1. The intimate setting
“We started Un.Convention because we wanted to take all the greatest aspects of a large dance convention and create a more intimate experience for our dancers that features small classes and lots of time for feedback from the master teachers.” – Jaime Langione Endreny, JLDC Executive Director stated.
The major downfall to typical conventions is the sheer size. It is not uncommon for dance conventions to be held in a hotel ballroom, or even convention center where dancers are dancing on top of each other.
While there are many unique experiences gained from being in a room filled with hundreds of dancers in a similar age group, the connection built between the teachers and students can be lost within the crowd.
At Un.Convention Boston, the students have an opportunity to not only dance with some of the top dancers in the world, but they also are able to speak with them, ask them questions, and soak in all of the knowledge offered to them inside of the studio. And for the shy dancers who prefer the back row (you know who you are), is a chance to be noticed and receive feedback.
Last summer, JLDC piloted a new aspect of Un.Convention that included solo critiques for our teens.
In addition to four days of master classes, students could also choose to perform their solo work from competition for guest teachers and then discuss one-on-one areas of strength and areas to work on.
“The addition of the solo critiques was a true highlight of the program last summer,” Endreny adds, “because it provided dancers the unique opportunity to receive invaluable feedback from professional dancers outside of our JLDC circle – giving them a new perspective and insight that they can take with them throughout their dance careers.”
Which is a perfect segway into benefit number two!
2. The Master Teachers
Un.Convention™ dancers take classes with world renowned guest teachers and choreographers. We add new and exciting teachers to the roster each year but we also provide the consistency of familiar faces that return year after year for students to look forward to.
Jeff Lapes is one of those familiar faces.
Jeff has been involved in the dance industry since the age of 8 when he began training in all styles of dance. Hip-Hop became his true passion after training with and mentoring Dan Karaty of SYTYCD fame.
He started working as a dancer in his teens and toured with artists such as Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, Ne-Yo, and Lil Mama. He has been seen on MTV, CBS, Broadway promos, and several music videos. On top of his professional dance experience, Jeff has hosted and performed alongside the students of JLDC in our annual Hip Hop Show.
Another exciting addition to the Un.Convention Faculty is So You Think You Can Dance winner Amy Yakima.
On top of winning So You Think You Can Dance season 10, Amy has an extremely impressive dance background and career. She has toured with Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound dance company and was a performer in Lindsey Stirling’s Shatter Me National/International tour.
She made her Broadway debut as Peter Pan in Finding Neverland in which she performed there for over a year. She also has most recently been on the National Tour of Wicked as the Witch’s Mother and spent this past winter wowing audiences at Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular. We are honored to have her back for a second time as a guest teacher at Un.Convention 2023.
Billy Griffin, who joined for Un.Convention Winter 2022 is a New York City based choreographer and dance educator. As a performer, Billy was in the Broadway National Tour of Mary Poppins, White Christmas, and Young Frankenstein.
He has also choreographed countless productions such as the currently touring Friends! The Miss America Organization, The Joffrey Ballet School, The Steps Conservatory, NYU, and Pace University just to name a few.
Billy truly brings such a light into his classes, and the students of Un.Convention Boston soaked it all in.
3. The Opportunity to Grow
When choosing a summer dance program, convention, or master class, there is usually an obvious and specific reason behind enrollment. Whether that reason is to improve technique in the studio, learn from different teachers, or simply to dance alongside some of the best dancers out there.
Luckily all of the reasons why someone might enroll in a summer master class series can be found at Un.Convention Boston.
The opportunities for growth inside the four day summer workshop are trulyunmatched. There are moments designed to allow dancers to step out of their comfort zones, as well as learn new and exciting dance techniques.
There are also countless moments to learn from other students inside of the studio. The beauty of being inspired by fellow dancers and growing together is something that can be carried long after Un.Convention ends.
In the students words:
“I loved Un.Convention! It was really challenging but I really liked the new experience it gave me.” – Age:8
“I would love to go to Un.Convention next year because it was so fun! I learned many new styles and strengthened my technique.” – Age:14
“I love how I get to work with such inspirational teachers while working on new skills.” – Age: 12
Join Un.Convention Boston from August 21-24th 9:00-4:00pm. Open to dancers of ALL levels ages 6 and up.
