Competition is a familiar concept for many dancers, yet formal dance competitions remain uncharted territory for some. To demystify this vibrant world, we delve into the heart of competitive dance with Chris Jacobsen, a seasoned teacher, choreographer, and judge at the nationally recognized Adrenaline Dance Convention. This convention is renowned for its dynamic workshops and electrifying competitions, drawing dancers from across the country. Join us as we explore what makes Adrenaline Dance Convention a pivotal experience in the dance community.
Chris Jacobsen: A Journey Through Dance
Chris Jacobsen’s dance journey began in the nurturing environment of a local San Francisco dance studio, where weekly classes in tap, jazz, and ballet sparked a lifelong passion. “It got me interested in dance, and was a really nurturing outlet,” Chris reflects. This early exposure led him to the prestigious San Francisco School of the Arts (SOTA), where he immersed himself in ballet and modern dance under the influential guidance of Elvia Marta. He credits Marta with fostering his passion and providing a supportive space during formative years. “Dance really saved me,” Chris explains, emphasizing its crucial role as a sanctuary during personal challenges.
His introduction to the competitive dance scene came through high school peers who participated in competitions. Intrigued by their experiences and inspired by videos of competitive performances, Chris transitioned to Schumacher’s School of Dance post-SOTA to explore this new facet of dance. Driven by a desire to create and teach, Chris and fellow dancers formed their own collective, choreographing pieces and competing at conventions. This initiative evolved into a youth competitive dance company, where Chris mentored dancers aged 11-18 from the Bay Area, preparing them for conventions and fostering their growth through rigorous training and exposure to diverse instructors. This period marked the beginning of his extensive career as a sought-after choreographer and educator, eventually leading him to Adrenaline Dance Convention.
Unpacking the Dance Convention Experience
So, what exactly is an Adrenaline Dance Convention? Chris describes it as an immersive weekend event, typically held in hotels, offering a range of classes for dancers aged five through adulthood. “Basically it’s a weekend event. The convention rents out a hotel and we hold classes for all ages, from 5 to adult,” he explains. Adrenaline Dance Convention hosts approximately 16 events annually across various cities, each featuring workshops and a dance competition spanning one or two nights, depending on the event’s scale. Participants have the opportunity to win scholarships to summer workshops and intensives, further enhancing their dance education. The curriculum is diverse, encompassing ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip hop, providing a well-rounded experience for attendees.
Career Pathways Post-Convention: Diverse Avenues for Dancers
The versatile training offered at conventions like Adrenaline Dance Convention opens numerous professional avenues for dancers. Chris highlights the varied paths alumni pursue: “It’s so varied because of the versatile training.” Many dancers, particularly those excelling in hip-hop, set their sights on commercial dance careers in Los Angeles, finding opportunities in music videos, commercials, and televised award shows. However, the landscape is evolving. Chris notes a significant increase in dancers pursuing higher education, with many majoring in dance in college. Additionally, Broadway in New York remains a coveted destination for dancers seeking theatrical careers. This trend towards college education in dance is a notable shift, reflecting a greater emphasis on formal training and academic grounding in the dance community. Chris observes, “The level of knowledge these dancers have is a lot different than it was 10-15 years ago in terms of their bodies, their skill level, and the way they look at dance.” He emphasizes the impressive skill level and artistic comprehension prevalent among today’s convention-trained dancers.
The Double-Edged Sword: Pros and Cons of Competitive Dance Training
Reflecting on the benefits and drawbacks of competitive dance training, Chris points to versatile training as a primary advantage. Adrenaline Dance Convention and similar events expose young dancers to a spectrum of styles, allowing them to explore different genres before specializing. “Often young people aren’t sure what their focus in terms of dance wants to be, and when you go to a competitive dance school you don’t have to know yet because you’re getting exposure to so much,” Chris elaborates. This broad exposure provides valuable time for dancers to discover their passions and strengths across various dance forms.
Conversely, Chris acknowledges the potential drawback of diluted focus. In the pursuit of versatility, dancers might not dedicate sufficient time to mastering a specific genre, such as ballet. “If you go to a competitive school there’s often not enough ballet classes a week. So you really have to find the right dance school for you,” he advises. The key, he suggests, is for dancers and their families to carefully select a competitive dance school or convention that aligns with their individual needs and provides a balanced curriculum.
Bridging Worlds: The Convergence of Concert and Competitive Dance
The lines between concert dance and competitive dance are increasingly blurring, a phenomenon evident at Adrenaline Dance Convention. Chris notes the growing crossover, with instructors from the concert dance world now teaching at conventions, citing Desmond Richardson as an example. This integration is fostering a richer and more diverse learning environment. Despite historical perceptions of judgment from the concert world towards competitive dance, Chris believes such perspectives are often misinformed. “I think they are already informing one another more and more… But really I think they’d be surprised if they really looked,” he states. He emphasizes that dancers from both backgrounds share similar levels of discipline, skill, and dedication.
Chris expresses a dislike for rigid labels and genre specifications, a sentiment that extends to his view on dance competitions. While acknowledging that competitions, including those at Adrenaline Dance Convention, can be subjective and challenging to judge fairly, he recognizes their role in pushing dancers to excel. He also notes that while dance shows on television have boosted dance popularity, they sometimes overemphasize genre labels, potentially limiting perceptions of dance.
Judging Dance: Criteria and Subjectivity
As a judge at competitions within Adrenaline Dance Convention, Chris articulates his judging criteria, aiming for objectivity amidst inherent subjectivity. “Stage presence, how proficient their technique is, and their execution,” are key elements he assesses. He strives to evaluate dancers based on their technical proficiency and performance quality, rather than purely personal preferences. However, he admits the subjective nature of judging art, acknowledging the inherent challenges in definitively ranking dancers.
Nurturing Individuality: Chris Jacobsen’s Educational Philosophy
Beyond technique and competition, Chris’s primary goal as an educator at events like Adrenaline Dance Convention is to nurture his students. “I try to be nurturing. I really believe in positive reinforcement,” he shares. He prioritizes fostering self-trust and embracing individuality in his students. He actively discourages comparison among dancers, emphasizing the unique value each dancer brings. “I tell them, there’s only one of you, and your voice is valid.”
Chris also addresses the impact of dance television shows on aspiring dancers. While acknowledging the increased exposure for dance, he cautions against the pursuit of fame as the ultimate goal. He observes a trend where dancers seek television fame with unmet expectations, sometimes leading to less experienced individuals becoming teachers. Despite these concerns, Chris recognizes the overall positive impact of increased dance visibility, noting that many dancers from television shows have achieved remarkable success.
Adrenaline Dance Convention, with professionals like Chris Jacobsen at its helm, offers a dynamic platform for dancers to grow, learn, and explore diverse career paths in dance. It stands as a significant force in shaping the future of dance, bridging competitive and concert worlds while nurturing the next generation of dancers.
To learn more about Chris Jacobsen’s work beyond Adrenaline Dance Convention, explore The Dance Sessions.
First image courtesy of Chris Jacobsen. Second image courtesy of the Adrenaline Dance website.
