COMPETITION DETAIL

This was our first time at Dupree. My dancer switched from the junior (10-12) to the teen (13-15) class when we saw the difference in class schedules. For the same price we were able to get commercial dance and jazz funk added to her schedule, which was not possible in the junior room because of all the extra breaks they'd scheduled and the "parent and me" class. We were surprised she was given a half scholarship to return next season since she was only called out by one teacher all weekend (the Bollywood teacher who also teaches for Heat convention), but we were discouraged by the way certain teachers were only paying attention to the people they were used to seeing. The ballroom easily had over 100 kids in it, so they had to break into 5 groups for the combos, and at the end of tap class, the tap teacher started asking where certain kids were by name. When they would raise their hands, the teacher would say something like, "why are you hiding in the back? I saw your solo last night, you're good, be confident." Or "so-and-so, why are you hiding, your tap shoes are a special color, you should be confident in your abilities." It's unfortunate that they expect students to push their way to the front of the class to be seen, especially in an overflowing class that size. It was also unfortunate that my daughter needed to be in the teen class to get a quality class line up, since they wouldn't be looking for her in that teen class after seeing her compete with the juniors. The competition awards were...odd...to say the least. Before adjudication scores were announced, each judge came out and gave out some awards it seemed they had made up that evening to fit the people they wanted to reward, but one comment stuck out in such a funny way, our friend who had come to cheer us on did a double take and cracked up with me. It went to a duo and sounded something like this, "the partnership work you're trying is very difficult and I know this is the beginning of your season so I can't wait to see this get good". It was like her way of saying, "I know we'll be seeing you again soon hopefully this will be better by then, thanks for your loyalty here's an award." The convention/competition was a little on the disorganized side. We had traveled 7 hours to attend, and had packed for the classes in a way that made sense with the schedule they had released, but on the morning before convention, they changed the schedule and didn't update any of the studio owners by email. They had my dancer's song title wrong somehow on the night of her solo (it was in a completely different language), and when registering for the event, the website wouldn't work so we had to be emailed a PayPal request to register which was especially hard to receive via email because of all the security in place against scammers. All in all it felt like we were in a stranger's house, visiting someone else's family.

Not a "serious dancer" competition or convention. This one is more focused on appearance than skill or technical ability when giving awards and scholarships. I understand this is a business, but it was an obvious bias to the studios they see each year. One of the judges even said during awards how excited she was to see familiar faces and award the growth. I'm assuming because they depend on the support of these studios to remain in business. But it's hard to take this convention seriously when my daughter who placed Top 12 in YAGP Regionals and was called on stage in 3 different Dupree convention classes to demonstrate wasn't even awarded a scholarship. Not that we were planning to attend Dupree Nationals so it's ok, but this just makes me question the credibility of their awards process. My daughter was very confused and a little crushed (after repeatedly being called on stage) and I had to have the conversation with her about how this is a business. Positive note is she did say she really enjoyed the Ballet class and the Lyrical class and the teachers obviously saw she was skilled but this is not how they base their awards apparently.

Stay away from this competition if you are a technical dancer who favors simple costumes. My daughter has attended dance conventions with competitions for several years and we travel to other states for regionals as well as nationals. Decided to attend Dupree in our local hometown and compete in the advanced/competitive category. We typically attend only conventions with one level and which are highly competitive. The scoring criteria used by Dupree is very different from the other large national touring conventions we attend. Not much emphasis is placed on technique. It appeared that judges based their decision largely on if they liked the costume or song, They appeared to heavily favor jazz dances and colorful sequin costumes. Which those are great but a fun song shouldn’t out place a routine with stronger technique in my opinion. My daughter performed a serious contemporary solo. The judges didn’t seem to appreciate this style and the only critique she received was that she needed to smile more and work on facials. They either misinterpreted her entire dance or they just aren’t fans of this style of music or of minimalist contemporary costuming. Several very strong technique dancers did not place overall while there were several weaker dancers who did. I was baffled as to how they out scored them and then I looked on their website at scoring system is only 25% max technique! I should have checked this before spending this much money and done a different competition.

Absolutely best convention and competition. Partners are incredible, owners are sweetest people you’ll meet. We try other conventions and are disappointed. Just makes us wish we were at Dupree. We’ve been for all four years we’ve been a studio and will never stop going.

My studio and I love Dupree! The faculty here is great! They are good about managing the size they have in convention and are really uplifting and inspiring in class! I love Terrill and Eric! This competition just gives out really good vibes and is so much fun!

Tried Dupree again after a few year break. They have really got their act together! We had a phenominal expereince. Very well run, fair judging and nice staff!

Professionally ran, insightful critiques, very fair, fun for dancers of all ages (and parents)

This convention/competition was a strange experience. I am always skeptical of conventions that do not issue entrant numbers. This made it very awkward during the classes as teachers tried to remember which dancers they wanted to call out for demonstrations or scholarships. One teacher even referred to the process as "where's Waldo." The convention rooms were bare minimum with low tech AV equipment,very small stage, and no backdrop. It was very uninspiring for the dancers. There was only a handheld mic instead of a headset so it was useless for the teachers to try to demonstrate and speak at the same time. The faculty was ok. The ballet guy was great but the jazz teacher was literally on the phone while on stage in the middle of class. Very confusing. The competition judging was a joke. The critiques were very positive but made no mention of why a dance or dancer might have scored high or low. Our school did well but maybe too well? We can't figure out why some of our groups scored high when they shouldn't have and vice versa. The solos divisions were equally confusing. One little 8-and-under girl was clearly the winner but they gave the first place to a little boy who didn't actually do much dancing. He did an adorable skit but it wasn't dancing. It was more of the same for the other divisions. Perhaps the judges were just exhausted? I also spoke with some of the family who own Dupree and some of their children were competing that day. I am not accusing any judges of favoritism but it seems like a conflict of interest to have your children compete at your own competition. Just looks bad. This competition/convention was such a disappointemnet that we won't even return to use our full scholarship. I would recommend this convention if you have very beginner dancers who need a "first time experience" for conventions. It was very low key so it wouldn't be intimidating like some of the bigger conventions. On a positive note , they had 2 great vendors on site. Sadie Jane and another custom dancewear company were on site the entire weekend which was great.

Last year was our first year at Dupree, frankly I found it to be okay, we did their nationals and again thought it to be okay. This year was a total different story. The judging seemed to be much more fair and no favoritism played towards specific studios. The convention is by far one of my favorites. Not a fan of the street sign awards but they are unique

We love Dupree! Great Staff, well organized. Family Friendly! Zac and Kari are awesome. We have returned for the last 10 years and will continue to kick off each year with Dupree. The Host hotel really challenged us this year but Dupree pulled off an amazing experience despite some challenges!

Enjoyable competition. Loved the convention classes offered to the dancers.

Dupree is by far one of my favorites! I recently attended their 3 day summer intensive. Classes had amazing choreography and instructors! Judging has gotten a little tougher. Classes are definitely challenging, so put in some thought before choosing a phaze. Many awards and scholarships given out. Instructors give great individual attention!

We had a great experience with Dupree Dance this past weekend. My daughter enjoyed the convention classes tremendously; she felt challenged and inspired to do well. The competition judging seemed good, too, with diamonds being few but deserved. They did give out 4 of their 5 levels of awards, which is always good to see. The faculty seemed very enthusiastic about what they were doing, and our dancers had a great time learning from them. Awards are pretty no-nonsense, which we as parents certainly appreciate after a long day! The dancers enjoyed watching their teachers as well as the faculty dance during the showcase. We would enjoy attending Dupree again in the future!

We had a great time at the competition and workshop classes! Very organized and on time with a friendly staff!

This competition is by far one of my favorites! The choreographers/judges are so much fun and interact with the dancers. Going to convention classes is my favorite part! They give out tons of scholarships, which is a great opportunity for many dancers. The competition also hands out lots of fun judges awards as well. I would recommend this as a \"tester competition\" for the pre-season or even during competition season. My dance company coach loves this one so much that we\'re going to their all-new Nationals this June.

Love it!

We enjoyed the workshops, and will definitely go back!

Love Dupree my daughter has been going for the last 4 years and it\'s always her 1st competition of the season and it\'s such a refreshing & very professional dance competition & my daughter loves the convention to they are so fun

We love Dupree! Always look forward to it every year!! Great group of teachers!

We have been going to Dupree for years. The faculty remember our girls when we walk in the door. The staff is wonderful. They have told me that they really have seen an improvement in my child over the years. The kids have a great time and learn a lot. That is the most important part. My only complaint is the competition seems to run a little late making the mornings a struggle, but I really don\'t see a remedy for that. Highly recommend!

Love Dupree Dance Expo...it was my daughter\'s first convention ever, years and years ago. Still a favorite today. So professionally run, with caring and top notch instructors.

Went to Dupree for the first time this year. I did not know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised: The faculty was very professional, currently working dancers, and very nice, upbeat and kind. It was a positive experience with lots of interaction, not just a professional onstage showing off. My favorite part was at the end when the faculty was reintroduced, each came out and performed an amazing solo, then halfway through their solo, called up the kids from one of their classes! For example, the tap teacher called up the juniors from her class that day, while the jazz teacher called up the teen class... Everybody was a Star, dancing with the pros in front of their parents and friends! This was so much better than watching one of the performances from last night over again. The judging was fair and professional and everything was on time, loved it! Will be back!

We love Dupree.

I have been with Dupree for over 30 years and have watched the new owners take them to great heights. I love their faculty. I do not like the fact that they started charging observers last year. Classes are packed, fun, and positive.

Dupree will always be my favorite convention. The teachers are incredibly genuine and helpful and not to mention very talented. They all really care about each dancer taking class to the point where they know many names of returning students and get off the stage to help students individually. Also, their scholarship program (Dupree Dance All-Stars) was the best dance experience I\'ve had. The choreography was incredible and I have the fondest memories of the experience of being surrounded by such amazing, committed, inspiring dancers and people. I would definitely recommend that you attend Dupree at one of their tour stops - It\'s a fabulous convention!

This was my studio\'s first year here and we LOVED IT. The convention sizes were smaller than others that i\'ve been to and that made it totally better. The teachers actually came down off of their stage to help you! The competition was so fun overall.

Loved it! Their instructors are highly qualified and friendly. My daughter looks forward to it each fall!

We have gone to Dupree every year since my oldest daughter started competing. They run a first rate convention! The competition is just a part of it! They run a full day and a half of workshops that are just amazing! It is far and away the kids\' favorite competition. Everyone associated with Dupree is fantastic!