One of my all-time favorite things to do is watch recorded classes at Dance Millennium Complex on YouTube. You know, that red dance studio you see all over social media, from Twitter to Instagram to Facebook and of course, YouTube? That's the one! Dancers range of all ages: toddlers to adults. Rather than dividing the classes by age groups, open classes are held where dancers can come together and enjoy doing what they love to do and that is dance.
The energy brought to class by every dancer is evidently induced by passion. Their love for the art shines brightly as they deliver each piece with every drop of their being. Their performance is never "half-assed" and their confidence surely speaks through the camera directly to us, their audience.
Now, you may think I am being biased as I've grown up a dancer and watching dance videos are just a "dancer thing", but I can tell you that these combos taught in class are absolutely AH-MA-ZING. Even those don't consider themselves non-dancers can admit that they too thoroughly enjoy watching the incredible dancers at Dance Millennium Complex.
Recently, there has been a lot of talk about dancers going to class 'camera ready' for a recorded class to later be posted on social media. Many people disagree with this concept saying that it takes away from the purpose of a dance class. Although I can see their point, I also believe that these videos have more pros than cons. These videos bring both the dancers and the audience joy.
I know that I always look forward to watching these videos and the dancers always look forward to challenging themselves with new choreography and sharing it with us each time. In fact, my friends and I have watched some videos so many times that we learned the choreography, recorded it and shared it with our others friends as well.
Dance connects people in unimaginable ways. Dance allows people to express themselves, be themselves and communicate with their body through music and movements. Below are some of my favorite classes that always pump me up and bring nothing but happiness to my day.
1. Jessie Reyes - Gatekeeper - Choreography with Bobby Newberry
Bobby never fails to bring anything less than "fierce" to his choreography. He gives his dancers the opportunity to slay and feel confident with their talent.
2. Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry - Choreography by Jojo Gomez
"Baby, I'm sorry (I'm not sorry) Baby, I'm sorry (I'm not sorry) Being so bad got me feelin' so good, Showing you up like I knew that I would", this song is a JAM and Jojo's choreography turned this song into a double jam!! If you don't believe me, go watch it for yourself.
3. Jason Derulo feat. French Montana - TIP TOE - Choreography by Nika Kljun
The choreography paired with this song is 10/10. The dancers look like they're having the times of their lives and nothing makes me happier than seeing dancers excited to perform.
4. Portugal. The Man - Feel It Still (Lido Remix) - Choreography by Jake Kodish ft. Sean Lew
Jake brings a unique flare to every piece he choreographs. With his clean and crisp choreography, the song seems to cater to his work rather than the choreography to the song.
5. Tinashe - Superlove - Choreography by Jojo Gomez
Tinashe. Jojo. Both just incredible artists. This was one of the first videos my friend and I ever learned. The choreography looks like fun to watch, but it is 100% even more fun to actually dance.
6. Little Mix - Touch - Choreography by Brian Friedman
As a dancer, this style of dance has always been one of my favorites. I've probably rewatched this video enough times that I could perform the piece for you upon request. In fact, I can't listen to the song without mentally dancing to this choreography, but hey, I'm not complaining.
7. Kelly Rowland ft. Lil Wayne - MOTIVATION - Choreography by Janelle Ginestra
Not only are these two dancers both great choreographers, but they are soon to be husband and wife, bringing real emotions and passion to the dance floor every time they're together. LOVE YOU GUYS!!
8. Manolo (Remix) - Choreography by Willdabeast Adams
Not only does Willdabeast's creativity shine through his choreography, but so does the creativity of his students! In this class, he challenged his dancers to break up into teams and work together to make their own transitions and formations, resulting in different versions of the same choreography.
9. Stefflon Don - 16 Shots - Choreography by Tricia Miranda
You can feel the energy in the room just by watching this video. The vibe is intense, fun and fierce. There is no way you will be sitting still in your seat while watching these dancers.
10. Jennifer Lopez - Ain't Your Mama - Choreography by Jojo Gomez
Not sure if anyone has picked up on this yet, but Jojo Gomez is probably one of my favorite choreographers and there is no way I will deny it.
11. Ed Sheeran - Shape Of You - Choreography by Kyle Hanagami
Once again, I can't listen to this song without doing the choreography. It was interesting to see how Kyle would choreograph to Ed's song "Shape Of You" so after watching it, I was overly pleased with his creative take.
12. Nicki Minaj - Trini Dem Girls - Choreography by Tricia Miranda
It's been over two years since this video came out, but still never fails to disappoint me. During my senior year of high school, my dance team and I performed the choreography in between practices just for fun.
13. Britney Spears - Baby One More Time - Choreography by Yanis Marshall
Yanis and his heels... NEVER, I repeat NEVER EVER disappoints. Not only is he fierce, but he makes sure his dancers feel fierce and confident on the dance floor.
14. Mura Masa - Are U There? - Choreography by Erica Klein
What words would I use to describe Erica and her work as a choreographer? Clean, Unique, Crisp, Fresh, Original, Beautiful, Strong and Technical. She makes sure every movement matches up with the music. Not only is she an outstanding and talented young choreographer, she is an incredible dancer and encourages her class to step out of their comfort zones and really feel the music in their body and for this, I praise her.
15. Cardi B - Bodak Yellow - Choreography by David Moore
I am forever grateful for these dance videos as they bring me great joy every time I watch them. The energy of the dancers, choreographers and everyone else in the room is contagious. I love to see the dancers live in the moment and dance their hearts out in the rooms. I love to see dancers of all ages and backgrounds dancing together and cheering each other on. Dance is a beautiful art form, an appreciation I will always keep close to heart.