COMPETITION DETAIL

Dance League and all of its staff is top notch. The dedication to technical training is outstanding. I appreciate the individual attention that give to each dancer. The instructors are all very knowledgeable and honest. Each year they bring in industry speakers and judges to help educate the dancers. I highly recommend this convention to anyone.

Dance League is by far our favorite convention/competition of the year! Professional staff, amazing faculty, and educational for all ages and levels. I truly enjoy the way that this organization teaches respect for the art of dance. Specifically, they do not allow people to roam around in and out of the competition room while performances are taking place. The doors only open in between numbers. MANY other competitions should take notes!!

Dance League is a class act!! The convention classes were all extremely educational and the competition ran smoothly. We felt that the judging was very fair as well. The faculty and staff were absolutely amazing. They truly care about the students in attendance and do their best to help the dancers succeed! Our dancers loved this past weekend and are eager to attend the next Dance League convention already!!! If you are unsure about whether or not to attend this convention/comp then take my word for it.....GO!!!

Thank you everyone at Dance League! Our students enjoyed this competition over others they have attended this year! The ballrooms were accommodating with enough space for everyone and the teachers were positive and helpful.

It was amazing!!! I had a wonderful time at Dance League I learned a LOT and that\'s good! I can\'t wait for it to come to my city again!

Things that make you go hmmmmmmm. One unfavorable review then suddenly 14 new people became members and all left five star reviews in one day. I would take them with a grain of salt.

Wow, two reviews were overly unkind. Makes me question your motive.

I wish I could rewind and start the weekend back over because it was so much fun!! Competitions that include conventions are my favorite to attend. I love to take class and to take from new people other than my year round teachers. Over the weekend I got to take 11 classes (2-Ballet, 2-Jazz, 2 Hip-hop, 1-Tap, 2-Lyrical/Contemporary, 2-Jazz Funk) and got to practice my auditioning skills by going thru the process of auditioning along side dancers my age and older to be considered for scholarships. I was given opportunities in these classes to go on stage and perform along side the company members. I got some great feedback from all of the instructors and had a well rounded learning experience. Everyone was very helpful and up beat and encouraging giving us pointers on what it\'s gonna be like trying to break out in this area of art. They made us feel comfortable in our skin and that it\'s ok to make mistakes. If we had questions they answered them. When someone in the back said they couldn\'t see well, the front half of the class sat down so the instructor could go over the steps again. They even encouraged us to make new friends by having us go introduce ourselves to someone in the class we didn\'t know. Because ya never know when one day you may be working along side or FOR the person standing next to you today. I also competed and was honored with the fact that I got First in my catagory because only 1-3 was given. The medal is easier for me to keep as a keepsake than a trophy that will only end up in an attic when I get older or in a garbage heap one day because lets face it, when you are a competitive dancer what do you do with them when you move to LA or New York. I also loved the faculty showcase where we got to see the instructors do their thing on stage. The freestyle challenge was so fun and I got to show off my best tricks! I can\'t wait to attend Dance League next year! I want to work for a company like them when my professional career comes to an end!!

Dance League is Amazing!! I attended this past weekend with my studio and had so much fun. I absolutely loved the convention. The teachers had alot of personal knowledge about what it\'s like to be a working dancer and shared it with us. They were very encouraging and answered any questions that we had. The combinations they taught were so much fun to dance and allowed us to show our creative side and style with sections we could improve along with their choreography. They gave out alot of scholarships and although I didn\'t receive one, I was really proud of myself for making it thru all the rounds of cuts which I felt was an accomplishment since it was a first for me. I had alot of fun at the competition also. I had to make several quick changes because my studio brought all of our dances (53 in all to be exact) but we easily managed. We didn\'t know the line up until we got out of class but we had two hours to get ready and get our outfits in the correct order to be ready to go. We knew the line up would be available after 12 because the information on the website that gave us our convention line up told us that would happen. It\'s not the first competition that we\'ve been to that you don\'t learn what rotation and when you perform is until you get there and buy a program book. I was in the first dance of the competition and was supposed to have 3 numbers till my next routine. Two soloists from other studios dances where held because they weren\'t ready which left me one dance to change and get backstage and it was no issue for me and my duo partner. We went on and performed because the show must go on and you just do what you have to do. I loved the whole experience and am currently waiting to find out if my mom will let me try out to be a member of their company so I can travel and do more conventions with them thru out the year! I loved the faculty and Ms. Desiree was so nice to me that next year can not get here fast enough!!

We attended in New Orleans with our studio. Several of us had tried to find reviews or information beforehand but was unable to do so. Several of us plan to right reviews now that we have found this website. I really try to find the good in something even when things aren\'t going well because I want my child and our other studio dancers to have a positive memory. It should have been a sign when we were unable to get the lineup beforehand to give to relatives that wanted to attend. We were given the lineup about noon the day of the performance and it started at 4:30. When we noticed that the lineup had all of our dancers (and we were the biggest school there but there were very few school in attendance) with almost impossible changes, it didn\'t matter. They were not willing to work with us or the other school we talked to. I understand quick changes but it was not realistic, especially when the dressing room is not next to the back stage entrance. When you have dancers having to change tights, hair piece, hair style (ex. bun to ponytail) costume and shoes, in about 4 to 6 minutes is not realistic and causes unnecessary stress. Had we known in advance, our studio could have worked out a plan and talked it over with the dancers but being that we didn\'t have the lineup until hours before (The kids didn\'t know the lineup until after their classes, which was 2:30), no plan was made. Very unprofessional. Our studio did well but in the end, it was so small that all studios placed in something. About classes - my dancers (ages preteen to teen) said the classes were \"okay\". Another daughter said that on a scale of 1 to 10 of all the conventions she has attended, she rates it a 3. They did say that they enjoyed the jazz class but other than that, nothing was \"that great\" and the hip hop teacher \"didn\'t know how to teach kids\". Overall, very disappointing.

As a professional dancer of 14 years and a teacher on Dance League, I feel compelled to counter one of the reviews. In professional auditions, numbers are not always assigned to dancers nor are they always necessary. At Dance League, the auditions are closed to non-auditioners, but I can assure you that we do not utilize numbers because we are extremely efficient and do not need them. However, as in professional auditions, we do assign dancers to groups, and then certain dancers are selected to move to the next round. At Dance League, we want to give dancers an experience that mirrors situations they will encounter as professional dancers. We are extremely excited to see all of you next season!!

I have to say my daughters absolutely LOVED this event!! I can give a very unbiased review because I am a mother of twin dancers. Although they are twins they both had very different experiences and both want to return. One of my girls won an overall for her solo and a scholarship while the other did not. The one that did not still walked away feeling inspired and encouraged. She knew that this was a REAL competitive experience where only the top performers of the day would receive the awards. Both of my girls stood out in convention classes and got the chance to dance on the stage with the company members and got some extremely nice compliments from the instructors. I sat in and watched the classes and was VERY impressed by ALL of them. The dancers were given some very good helpful industry tips for the dancer who wants to make it in today\'s dance world. As far as the competition goes I liked the fact that someone was posted at the door to stop people from entering while a performance was going on. Someone who has never themselves danced in such a medium may not realize how detrimental it is to a dancer to have the distraction of light changes and chaotic movements going on while they are performing. So quick entry in and out of the performance venue is necessary not only for their safety but also to keep things flowing in a timely manner. Our dancers did have some quick changes but it was easily managed since this is what is preparing them to be professionals. The routines that could not accomplish that were held and they made an announcement that they were returning to that number and they were allowed to perform. We even had a dancer get ill on the stage and she was allowed to return later and perform her dance again. My kids loved the freestyle showcase before awards. The closing show was amazing!! The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. This is a new and up coming convention/competition that we definitely will return to with pleasure!

Dance League is a breath of fresh air on the convention scene. We have attended since the beginning and have attended 3 cities each year. The class sizes are great and allow for more personal attention from the teachers. The teachers and staff are the most personable people I have encountered in the convention/competition arena. They are always open for comments and questions and follow up quickly. The teachers are amazing and are very approachable. Whenever my daughter sees a teacher outside of class, they smile, wave, give hugs and encouragement. Desiree Robbins has it right. She wants to encourage all dancers. Her attitude is shared by the staff and teachers as well. We will definitely be back.

I wish I could give more stars! Dance League is by far a very professional, organized and well run event! The entire staff was very helpful in making changes in the schedule due to quick changes, they were also all so supportive and encouraging to the dancers backstage. The convention was amazing! I\'d say one of the best conventions I\'ve been to in a long time. These teachers know how to teach and really take the time to encourage all students! Desiree Robbins is a class act, so professional and very accommodating. We will definitely return!

my 6 year old DIVA loved it!!!! She loved the teachers and the atmosphere! She learned lots and the competition was fantastic! The long day was killa for the young ones but we know weeks prior it was gonna be tough! The staff was very welcoming to all Dancers and encouraged all levels of dancers to step out of their comfort zone!

Dance League is an amazing organization! The convention/competition this weekend was educational and inspiring for all of our dancers and faculty who were lucky enough to attend. The versatile faculty and diversity of classes that Dance League offers is...sadly...unmatched in the dance convention world these days. The staff members were extremely friendly and overall this was a very smoothly run event. LOVE that the competition only awards the top three in each category! We will return next year!

We just did Dance League for the first time. My daughter said it was her favorite convention so far! The classes and staff were wonderful. I felt the competition was fairly judged, and it was overall a great weekend!

Amazing convention teachers & competition. Everyone is very friendly & professional!!!! We will be back for sure

This was our first Dance League Convention/Competition. My just-turned 15 year old was registered as a Senior, the first time for her to be in that division, so was understandably somewhat nervous. One of the Dance League Company dancers went out of her way to talk to her and make her feel at ease immediately, as did the ladies who helped us at the registration area on the first day. The classes were focused on the students and teaching. My daughter especially enjoyed the ballet, contemporary, and tap classes, along with Desiree Robbins\' classes. The teachers used positive communication to teach the student and the classes provided diverse training. This is a smaller convention that is less stressful than the larger ones. There were a few small things that could be tweaked, - I don\'t know of a dance convention where no tweaks are needed and everything is perfect - but it definitely is a top, high-quality convention. We go to quite a few each year, though not always the same ones. This is one we have put on our list to attend, again, next year, and my daughter is greatly looking forward to it.

An amazing convention and competition! All of the teachers and staff were very friendly and kept things rolling smoothly. All of the staff was informative and there was no confusion or rushing dancers backstage. Loved everything about the weekend! Definitely one of my favorites! I know we will be back next year.

I absolutely loved Dance League!!! I was so impressed with the diversity of the classes and the amount of classes in two days for the students. I have noticed in other conventions the same type of dance is repeated and repeated, the students are not getting diverse dance training. The faculty of Dance League were involved with talking to students about what to expect in the professional career. They gave TONS of scholarships to the students!!! I appreciate the competition awards of only First, Second and Third, I consider that a real competition. Thank you for an amazing weekend!!!

The worse convention/comp we have attended ever. Quick changes of only two to three dances in between (some solos had one dance to change) and they would not budge on this stating that if you miss your slot, you couldn’t compete. The most tears, hyperventilation, stress-filled kids, and melt downs I have ever seen at a competition. The rudest staff we have ever encountered in all areas. Young girl was used to block the door between dances and she opened it for about 45 seconds to let people in and out. Kids were told to “hurry up and get back stage” as they were all scrambling around with quick changes. Teachers were not allowed to enter backstage. The kids stated that they were talked to in a rude tone once back stage. Awards – three winners in each category, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd so the award ceremony is short. Award was a cheap ribbon with a metal (and only for the top three winners. One ribbon per winning group dance, not one per child.) The stage was a large platform provided by the venue (a large hotel ballroom) about 2 ft off of the ground with no marley and only one side to enter and exit from, no side wings. It was thin wood that was sticky which made it very difficult to turn on. Regarding the convention classes – one good teacher and the rest were average. There was no building up the kids and creating an exciting/fun environment like we have had at other conventions. Auditions – Kids were not given numbers. They did a ballet combo across the floor and some kids were pulled out to continue on to learn a jazz combo. They learned it, performed it, then some kids were pulled out and told to go give their names to someone. The scholarships were like coupons, meaning $50 to $150 off of their next Dance League convention. I think there were one or two full scholarships given. There were many other issues but this review would be too long. I can’t imagine that this one will be around very long.

Absolutely LOVE Dance League! Desiree and her staff are very professional and caring. The instruction is very personal and technical and that is something that is getting lost in a lot of conventions.

My daughter said that the floors were too slippery.Not like other competitions.

Excellent teaching faculty! Open to feedback. Great well-rounded class curriculum. Classes that focus not just on dance but on life and how things can to their young lives. Stress free classes. Have attended since first year and love that it is only a 3 place competition. Highly recommended!

Our dancers attended Dance League for the first time this year. All of the girls came back inspired and they all had an amazing time in classes! Desiree is awesome! We love Dance League and definitely plan on attending her events in the future!

I am impressed with intimate setting Desiree is giving to the dancers and teachers in the dance community . Thank you

Dance League was amazing! Everyone was so friendly and my students really learned! The judges were very kind. Anna Manzo was simply amazing and so was Desiree! I made so many connections and new friends!

I love this competition/convention. They are so judges are so positive and they inspired my new dancers.

Biased competition in Louisiana.