If you find yourself wondering why dance education has been steadily pushed aside for cut throat competitions, you are not alone. Kimberly Lyon and Bill Bohl, directors of Hollywood Connection, wondered the exact same thing and filled the void by making education the focus of their organization. Starting Hollywood Connection 14 years ago, their mission was and still remains bringing passion back into convention classes. They achieve this through offering an environment where dancers feel comfortable taking risks. Once students feel confident, Kim and Bill’s program takes a deep dive into the “dos” and “dont’s” of the commercial dance industry. This newly found confidence and education helps students make their first connections into the professional performance world.

What truly sets Hollywood Connection apart from others are signature classes like Broadway Babies and Auditions 101, where talent agents offer advice to young performers on how to improve their auditions and figure out what makes them unique. The time has come to let go of your ego, reset your competitive mindset to better your art form, and discover skills you were never cognizant of.

 Hollywood Connection’s Directors rise to stardom

Kimberly Lyon has worked in all aspects of the entertainment industry including Broadway, feature films, television and commercials. At 16 she danced in Disneyland’s parades, and after moving to Queens, NY, she was cast in numerous regional productions like Damn Yankees, West Side Story, and Happy Days. Her dream came true when she got the opportunity to perform with her idol, Julie Andrews, in the Broadway show Victor/ Victoria. Since her time on Broadway, Kimberly moved on to teach and inspire young dancers of all ages. In 2003, she opened Hollywood Connection to offer dancers the opportunity to train with choreographers, and experience the amount of work and dedication required to make it in the industry. Since opening this program, many alumni have gone on to work in film, television, and tour with major artists.

Bill Bohl, the other executive director of Hollywood Connection, started dancing at 11. Some of his career credits include performing in the Academy Awards Show, Late Show with David Letterman, and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He also choreographed, danced, and toured the world with Paula Abdul for 8 years, and worked with other musical artists like Prince, and Latin superstar Chayanne. Today, he is part owner of two talent agencies, DDO Artists Agency and The Movement Talent Agency. The agencies represent talent for film, television, commercials, music videos, live stage, and Broadway. Since partnering with Kimberly 12 years ago, his work has been refocused on the guidance and development of young dancers. For instance, he recently added Auditions 101 to the Hollywood Connection itinerary to prepare students for future auditions.

Classes taught by Julliard alumni

Hollywood Connection Dance Convention and Competition includes two days of classes, with limited class size, giving dancers more room to practice movements freely. Every student enters a safe space where they can emotionally connect with their dancing and express their art without judgement.  Dance styles taught in class vary by city and include tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, jazz funk, hip hop, musical theater and progressions.

Teaching these workshops is a staff of professionals who have attended Julliard and The School of American Ballet. They also choreographed Dancing with the Stars and High School Musical films, and performed with artists like Prince. For the purpose of promoting dance education before competition, students must register for the convention to participate in auditions and competition. To learn a thing or two from Julliard alumni, check out the end of the article for a list of Hollywood Connection events arranged by month.

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Get real world experience with Hollywood Connection’s Auditions 101

This signature class is available in every city on tour (like Seattle, WA) and is taught by Bill Bohl. Bill explains what a panel looks for during an audition, and offers insider advice dancers can apply to the real world. During this class, students practice a dance combination they will perform the following day during mock auditions. Winners of this performance (announced at a later date) receive scholarships and awards based on their ability to master the combination. No one is eliminated during the mock audition, instead dancers are asked to stay in the room the entire time to learn from the experience and see how the process works.

In an effort to create personal connections, Hollywood Connection calls dancers by name, not number. Also, no sign in is required because Hollywood Connection carries a list of names at all times. Regardless of the room dancers audition in, every student is considered for awards based on age. Even if a student auditions in an advanced level ballroom higher than their age group, they’re still considered for an award based on their age. Additionally, in every city, Bill Bohl looks for dancers to audition for his agency at Nationals in Las Vegas, NV. So, get ready because your next big break could be right around the corner!

Signature class for the young stars

In addition to Auditions 101, another one-of- a kind class Hollywood Connection offers is Broadway Babies, for dancers 5-6 years of age. This is a great workshop to introduce dancers to the convention experience and expose them to professional choreography. Typically the workshop is on a Saturday afternoon, and takes approximately three hours. The rising stars learn a combination of styles which may include jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet or lyrical, all with a musical theater theme! Students perform their routines on stage prior to the competition, and each dancer receives a certificate of completion, a Broadway Babies t-shirt, and one free observer pass with their paid registration. This signature class has limited enrollment and operates on a first come first serve bases, so if you think you have a Broadway Baby on your hands, register now.

Hollywood Connection class for Studio Directors only

One of Hollywood Connection’s best offerings is teachers only classes and seminars.  They know without studios, striving performers would be lost, having no place to learn and pursue their passion.  To show their appreciation for studio directors, Hollywood Connection offers classes in marketing, advertising, budgets, organizing recitals, curriculum and technique. Any registered director is welcome to sign up for these classes and have their questions answered by nationally acclaimed guest speakers. This all-star panel of guest speakers includes Rhee Gold, publisher of Dance Studio life magazine and author of The Complete Guide to Teaching Dance: An Insider’s Secrets to Personal Reward and Financial Success. The book has received positive reviews from thousands of teachers, school owners, universities and dance organizations, and is utilized within the curriculum at college and university dance programs throughout the country.

If you haven’t got the gist already, education to Hollywood Connection is key – they are mentors, leaders and teachers, in that order. They educate dancers, create artists, and offer professional opportunities through auditions, with personal feedback. No ego. No drama. Just dance. Exactly how it should be.

January

Hollywood Connection – Detroit – Somerset Inn – Detroit, MI

Hollywood Connection – Indianapolis – Westin Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN

Hollywood Connection – Santa Clara – Hyatt Regency Santa Clara – Santa Clara, CA

February

Hollywood Connection – Atlanta – Sheraton Atlanta Hotel – Atlanta, GA

Hollywood Connection – Burbank – Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport – Burbank, CA

Hollywood Connection – Chicago – Westin Chicago North Shore Hotel – Chicago, IL

Hollywood Connection – Seattle – Hotel Murano – Seattle, WA

March

Hollywood Connection – Dallas – Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center Hotel – Dallas, TX

Hollywood Connection  – Las Vegas – Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa – Las Vegas, NV

Hollywood Connection – St. Louis – Marriott St. Louis Airport – St. Louis, MO

April

Hollywood Connection – Phoenix – Hyatt Regency Phoenix – Phoenix, AZ

June

Hollywood Connection – National Finals – Westin Lake Los Vegas Resort and Spa – Las Vegas, NV

For any updated tournament information, please visit Hollywood Connection.