Years ago Ray Leeper (the director of NUVO) toured the country teaching dance, all the while noticing every convention followed similar patterns-impersonal classes, followed by blasé award ceremonies. Eager to stray from the beaten path, Ray took his experience to create his own company, which would offer something special to the dancers. NUVO provides compassionate teachers who love their art, and more importantly love sharing this art to improve dancer’s lives. Together these elements comprise the backbone of the conventions.
Nuvo’s family-like convention weekends make every dancer feel a part of something big. Whether it’s their first or fifth time at NUVO, no student is treated differently than another. The professional staff is a united team and hosts multiple discussions amongst themselves to figure out ways to progress their itinerary. What’s unique about NUVO’s teaching is the instructors practice team teaching methods, so every class piggybacks off one another. Their advice to any student coming to NUVO is to take a deep breath and to not take themselves too seriously. One instructor says it perfectly, “What do you have to lose? You have nothing to lose; you can only learn something new.” So let your guard down, immerse yourself in rhythm and music, and discover how much your mind and body can improve in just 2 days.
NUVO 2 day, or 1 day workshops – the decision is yours to make
The faculty at the workshops teach 5 levels, from NUbies (age 5-7) to Teacher/Studio owners (age 18+). It is up to the discretion of the studio director to place students either by age or skill level (whatever they feel is most appropriate). Level changes are permitted within the first two classes of the workshop (but there is no refund for downgrades, and there is a charge for an upgrade). NUVO welcomes independent dancers not tied to a studio to attend the workshops. Also, any dancer is welcome to attend the workshop without competing. However, if a student wishes to compete, they must attend the workshops.
NUVO also gives dancers one day workshop options, either Saturday or Sunday (although they recommend Saturday). This is great for students seeking classes, but cannot commit to the full weekend. However, one day students cannot apply for scholarships, nor can they compete. But, if studying under NUVO’s esteemed faculty is the only interest, this one day option is perfect.
How to reap the benefits of NUVO’s workshop discounts
Good news workshop attendees-discounts apply to dancers AND teachers! Dancers attending more than one regional workshop receive a 50% discount to each additional city. Teachers can attend for free depending on the number of students they bring. 5-20 registered students gets 1 teacher in for free, 21-39 students gets 2 teacher/studio owners in for free, and the free admittance goes up from there. With the money studios save through discounts, use this travel opportunity to explore the lively cities on tour like Boston, MA or Dallas, TX. Not only will traveling to multiple cities leave money in your pocket, but great memories as well.
NUVO inspires the youngsters through the NUbies Workshop
NUVO’s NUbies program is the best option to introduce dancers age 5 and up to the dance convention world. Recently this company expanded their youngsters program to involve this age group in the 2 day convention and competition by creating their own division! This program targets young dancers who want to experience NUVO, but might find the Mini Room too challenging. NUbie workshops consist of half-day classes, on both Saturday and Sunday. Consistent with the rules of the other age groups, NUbies may attend the convention without participating in the competition, but if they want to compete they must attend the full workshop weekend. One day workshops are available to this age group as well.
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NUVO’s diverse faculty and classes
Each faculty member at NUVO can teach every level, from the 7 years olds to the 18 and 19 year olds. They also teach a variety of classes, not only jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical and contemporary, but special men’s classes, heel classes and teacher seminars. NUVO’s staff is constantly thinking of methods to offer more to students, teachers and parents. They won’t rest until they tap into every market and accomplish this goal.
A new faculty member worth meeting is Martha Nichols. She believes dance should be felt on all planes- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and energetically. She is a So You Think You Can Dance top 10 finalists, but that is far from the only success Martha’s career entails. Since the show, Martha performed for The American Music Awards, The Oscars, and The Billboard Awards. Dance Magazine named her one of the “Top 25 to Watch.” She toured internationally with Madonna, Rhianna, Christina Aguilera, and many more. Taking all of this experience to NUVO, Martha is more than excited to share her knowledge and help other dancer’s dreams come true. Combining all that she knows with what she feels, Martha’s class has a technical foundation, but welcomes the untrained dancer. Her class is a space where musicality, technique, shapes, groove, texture, and intention all become one.
Another reputable faculty member to anticipate meeting is Chantel Aguirre. Chantel trained with The San Francisco Ballet, which is considered one of the top ballet companies in the world! Since completing her training, she currently resides in LA working with many artists like Beyoncé, Adele, Taylor Swift, and Florence and the Machine. She is a guest performer on Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance and works as a choreographer. Additionally, her rise to stardom earned her a spread in Dance Spirit Magazine.
To find out where you can meet these faculty members and many more, please see the end of the article for a list of events arranged by month.
NUVO teaches teachers through seminars
Over the last 5 years, NUVO’s teachers program developed into a huge success and teachers all over the country rave about it. During the convention weekend, faculty members dedicate a couple hours to sit with teachers and have open discussions. Topics include not only movement, but how to teach technique, instill courage and even discuss strength exercises for injuries. The goal for the seminar is to inspire teachers to take what they learn, bring it back to their studio, and reenergize themselves and the class.
NUVO scholarship opportunities
If you want the scholarships, NUVO’s got the goods. To start, all Mini, Junior, Teen, and Senior dancers registered for the full workshop weekend participate in the NUVO BREAKOUT ARTIST Scholarship Audition Class. Dancers audition by age and perform a jazz or lyrical routine they learn in class. Winners from each age group get a $400 scholarship to DancerPalooza Intensive, a NUVO regional workshop scholarship, and eligibility to compete at the Best Dancer Competition at The Dance Awards. Another great scholarship is the Die Hard Scholarship, given to the dancer who gives 110% during the entire weekend. Winners receive a NUVO regional workshop scholarship, available to use in any city on tour. Also, dancers who earn the attention from the faculty by excelling in their particular style receive the Standout Scholarship. This gives winners a $250 scholarship to the DancerPalooza Intensive.
As NUVO Dance Convention enters into their 11th year, Director Ray Leeper is more than proud to say the convention far exceeded his expectations. “With a faculty that is talented, energetic, down-to-earth and supportive in every way; a technical and administrative staff that is unparalleled and an overall event that I can say, with all honesty, has been created with your best interests in mind — it is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to NUVO Season ELEVEN,” says Leeper. By providing great scholarships, workshops with stellar faculty, teacher seminars, and FREE live webcasts of competitions, NUVO is sure to far surpass 11 seasons. How? By doing what they do best-offering a convention that strays from the beaten path, making every participant grasp for more.
September
Nuvo – Anchorage – Egan Center – Anchorage, AK
October
Nuvo – Omaha – CenturyLink Center – Omaha, NE
Nuvo – Indianapolis – Indiana Convention Center – Indianapolis, IN
November
Nuvo – Tulsa – Cox Business Center – Tulsa, OK
Nuvo – Memphis – Memphis Cook Convention Center – Memphis, TN
Nuvo – Pittsburgh – Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA
December
Nuvo – Dallas – Hyatt Regency Dallas – Dallas, TX
January
Nuvo – Orlando – Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress – Orlando, FL
Nuvo – Anaheim – Hilton Anaheim – Anaheim, CA
Nuvo – Dearborn – Edward Hotel and Convention Center – Dearborn, MI
Nuvo – Atlanta – Loews Atlanta Hotel – Atlanta, GA
February
Nuvo – Boston – Sheraton Boston – Boston, MA
Nuvo – Santa Clara – Hyatt Regency Santa Clara – Santa Clara, CA
Nuvo – Minneapolis – Hyatt Regency Minneapolis – Minneapolis, MN
Nuvo – Bellevue – Meydenbauer Center – Bellevue, WA
March
Nuvo – National Harbor – Gaylord National Harbor – National Harbor, MD
Nuvo – Chicago – Hyatt Regency O’Hare – Chicago, IL
Nuvo – Houston – JW Marriott Houston – Houston, TX
Nuvo – Atlantic City – Bally’s Atlantic City – Atlantic City, NJ
April
Nuvo – Buffalo – Buffalo Niagara Convention Center – Buffalo, NY
Nuvo –Kansas City – Kansas City Convention Center – Kansas City, MO
Nuvo – Miami – Deauville Beach Resort – Miami, FL
Nuvo – Westminster – The Westin Westminster – Westminster, CO
May
Nuvo – Albuquerque – Albuquerque Convention Center – Albuquerque, NM
Nuvo – Salt Lake City – South Towne Expo Center – Salt Lake City, UT
Nuvo – Phoenix – Phoenix Convention Center – Phoenix, AZ
For updated tournament information, please visit NUVO.