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7 hottest dance convention teachers of the 2017-18 season

Cat Cogliandro. Photo courtesy of Celebrity Dance.
Cat Cogliandro. Photo courtesy of Celebrity Dance.

Heading to a convention can be such a valuable opportunity for growing dancers. You can take tons of classes from just about every style under the sun. You’re surrounded by like-minded dancers who are also eager to improve. You get to spend a day or weekend doing what you love! And you get to learn from some of the industry’s most talented teachers, performers and choreographers. Here’s our list of seven of those hottest convention teachers this season!

#1. Cat Cogliandro — Celebrity Dance Convention

Cat Cogliandro. Photo courtesy of Celebrity Dance.

Cat Cogliandro. Photo courtesy of Celebrity Dance.

Drew Phillip at Celebrity Dance says, “Last year, our Celebrity dancers absolutely adored Cat and her classes! She is back with us this season and ready to take the dancers to new heights. She has the ability to emotionally connect with everyone in the room, from dancer to observer, not only passing on her incredible talent but also life lessons to help us all grow. When she finishes, there’s not one dry eye in the room!” @cat_cogliandro

#2. Willdabeast Adams — JUMP

You already know how insanely talented Willdabeast is if you follow him on Instagram. He is known for being full of energy and inspiration when teaching, and has a huge following through his “IMMAbeast” franchise. @willdabeast_

JoJo Gomez. Photo courtesy of Artists Simply Human.

JoJo Gomez. Photo courtesy of Artists Simply Human.

#3. JoJo Gomez — Artists Simply Human

Tyler with Artists Simply Human says, “JoJo Gomez is one of the most in-demand dancers in the industry. Her infectious energy, groundbreaking moves and ability to connect with her students make her stand out as one of the hottest teachers in the convention scene today.” @jojogomezxo

#4. Brian Friedman — Radix

Brian Friedman is one of the most recognizable names in the dance industry. His classes at convention are sassy, strong and empowering, and students really seem to eat up all of his choreography. @brianfriedman

#5. Aaron Turner — Celebrity Dance Convention

Aaron Turner. Photo courtesy of Celebrity Dance.

Aaron Turner. Photo courtesy of Celebrity Dance.

“Aaron Turner is on fire right now!” says Drew Phillip of Celebrity Dance. “I could not be more thrilled to welcome him to the Celebrity family. His accomplishments in tap and on So You Think You Can Dance are so impressive. He is completely mesmerizing to watch. I cannot wait for our Celebrity dancers to experience class with him this season!” @aaron.earl.turner

#6. Andy Blankenbuehler — NYC Dance Alliance

You know, no big deal or anything…just the choreographer of Hamilton teaches musical theater at a convention. Blankenbuehler states on the NYCDA website that students should, “Learn to do everything. Take chances with lots of different kinds of dancing. Have fun with it, and be brave! Take your technique seriously, as it will give you the tools to tell wonderful stories with your dancing, and it will allow you to dance for years and years. Remember that it should always be fun. Dare to dream big… but the bigger your dreams, the harder you have to work!” @ablankenbuehler

Dusty Button. Photo by Mitchell Button.

Dusty Button. Photo by Mitchell Button.

#7. Dusty Button — BellaMoxi

The former Boston Ballet soloist teaches ballet and contemporary at BellaMoxi and is launching her own dancewear brand soon. Her classes are filled to capacity, and students seem to really learn from her vast experience and knowledge with both the competition and ballet worlds. @dusty_button

By Allison Gupton of Dance Informa. 

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