JULY 19 - 21 | MOHEGAN SUN, UNCASVILLE, CT
Soul Dancer Conference is a totally unique experience that brings out everything that makes dance so special. Designed for dancers, parents and teachers, the focus is on the passion and joy of dance. This year's schedule features faculty and sessions dedicated to helping everyone dig deeper into their souls to find that joy within themselves that is expressed through dance.
ATTENDEE REGISTRATION & VISIT THE EXHIBITORS
🌟 Welcome to the Soul Dancer Conference! 🌟
The journey begins here! This is your opportunity to register, connect, and dive into the experience that awaits. Meet fellow attendees from across the country, explore exciting exhibitor booths, and get ready for an unforgettable event filled with inspiration, learning, and community! 💃✨
💡 Stop by, say hello, and get ready to embrace the Soul Dancer experience! 🎉
Soul Opening Session
Get ready to start the conference with a bang! This first session is your chance to meet the faculty, connect with fellow attendees, and set the tone for an inspiring and unforgettable event. 🌟
All attendees, including parents and teachers, are invited to join us as we launch into an exciting journey of learning, growth, and community! 💃✨
💡 Don’t miss this high-energy kickoff—let’s make it an incredible start to the conference! 🚀🎶
Greg Bettencourt
Greg Bettencourt
Greg Bettencourt
TEACHER: Teacher Training Workshop
📚 2-Hour Teacher Training with Diane Gudat 📚
Join Diane Gudat for an exclusive 2-hour teacher training workshop at the Soul Dancer Conference! This special session is designed to inspire, challenge, and elevate your approach to teaching. ✨
✅ Discover innovative teaching strategies to engage and motivate students
✅ Build strong technique with proven methods for skill development
✅ Raise the bar in your teaching and take your classes to the next level
💡 Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your craft, spark new ideas, and reignite your passion for teaching! 🚀🎭
Diane Gudat
YOUNG DANCER: Hip Hop
Geo Hubela
DANCER: Jazz
Ray Leeper
PARENT: How Cool is That!?
💡 Inspiring Parents: The Power of Dance with Rhee Gold 💡
Join Rhee Gold for the inaugural parents' session of the conference! Be inspired by his passion and motivation as he highlights the invaluable life skills that dance instills in young people. 💃✨
With years of experience working with dance parents, Rhee delivers insightful, impactful messages that will leave you feeling empowered, connected, and even more excited about your child’s dance journey. 🎭❤️
💡 Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on the lasting benefits of dance—both in the studio and in life! 🚀
Rhee Gold
YOUNG DANCER: Musical Theater
Julia Dickey
DANCER: Ballet
Ashley Canterna-Hardy
SPECIAL EVENT The Dancer’s Path: Endless Possibilities
🌟 Beyond the Stage: Careers in Dance 🌟
Dance training opens doors to endless career opportunities—far beyond performing! In this engaging panel discussion for dancers, parents, and teachers, we’ll explore the many professions where a dance background is a powerful asset. 💡✨
✅ Discover career paths in physical therapy, event directing, dance writing, and more
✅ Gain insights from experts who have turned their passion into successful careers
✅ Be inspired by the possibilities beyond the traditional performance route
💡 Whether you’re a dancer exploring your future or a parent guiding the way, this session will open your eyes to the exciting paths dance can lead to! 🚀💃
Rhee Gold
Kiana Simler
PARENT: Improvisation
Sandi Duncan
YOUNG DANCER: Ballet
Ashley Canterna-Hardy
LUNCH BREAK
🥗 Lunch Break: Refresh & Refuel! 🥗
Take a well-deserved break! Relax, recharge, and enjoy lunch at one of the 30+ delicious dining options at Mohegan Sun. 🍽️✨
💡 Enjoy great food, connect with fellow attendees, and get ready for an exciting afternoon ahead! 🚀🥂
TEACHER: Technique Secrets
🩰 Technique Training with Ashley Canterna-Hardy 🩰
Teachers, this is your chance to work directly with Ashley Canterna-Hardy in an exclusive session focused on technique-building concepts for dancers of all levels. ✨
From beautiful feet to proper alignment—and everything in between—this session is packed with expert insights to refine your teaching and elevate your dancers’ skills. 💡
💡 Walk away with fresh ideas, valuable corrections, and great tips to bring back to your classroom! 🚀🩰
Ashley Canterna-Hardy
YOUNG DANCER: Contemporary
Brandon Beltran
DANCER: Hip Hop
Geo Hubela
VISIT THE EXHIBITORS
🛍️ Explore the Exhibitors & Colleges! 🛍️
💃✨ Visit the colleges, universities, and companies that help make the Soul Dancer Conference possible! Discover exciting opportunities, resources, and connections to support your dance journey and future. 🎭📚
💡 Stop by, explore, and get inspired by the incredible organizations shaping the dance world! 🚀
YOUNG DANCER: Setting Goals for Success: A Dancer’s Guide to Achieving Their Dreams
🎯 Goal Setting for Dancers: Stay Motivated & Achieve More! 🎯
Goal setting helps dancers stay motivated, track progress, and reach their full potential—but many struggle to set clear, achievable goals. This interactive session will provide practical tools to turn dreams into action! 💡✨
🔹 What Dancers Will Learn:
✅ The difference between outcome vs. process goals
✅ How to set SMART goals for training & personal growth
✅ Strategies to stay accountable & overcome setbacks
🔹 Interactive Elements:
📝 Guided goal-setting exercises & journaling prompts
🤝 Partner discussions on motivation & perseverance
✉️ Write a future letter to yourself
💡 Walk away with a clear plan to stay focused, inspired, and unstoppable! 🚀🩰
Rebecca Brettingham-Filice
Kiana Simler
TEACHER: Establishing Improv as Part of Your Class Structure
🎭 The Power of Improvisation with Sandi Duncan 🎭
Join Sandi Duncan as she shares practical ways to incorporate improvisation into your everyday classes—plus the "why" behind its impact. 💡✨
Improvisation helps young dancers let go, build confidence, and embrace movement without fear. It fosters self-expression, creativity, and nurtures the soul. 🩰❤️
💡 Walk away with fresh ideas to inspire fearless, expressive dancers in your classroom! 🚀
Sandi Duncan
DANCER: Contemporary
Brandon Beltran
PARENT: Motivational Talk
✨ Inspiring Parents with Heather Wanner ✨
For years, Heather Wanner has been motivating parents, dancers, and teachers at Soul with her uplifting messages and powerful insights. 🌟
This session will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to be the best version of yourself—not just as a parent, but in all areas of life. 💡❤️
Heather Wanner
DANCER: Lyrical
Sandi Duncan
TEACHER: Contemporary Trends
Ray Leeper
YOUNG DANCER: Journaling Workshop
📖 Journaling for Dancers: Express, Reflect & Grow! 📖
Discover how journaling can help you express yourself, set goals, and track your dance journey! In this special session, Heather Wanner will guide you through the art of journaling—a powerful tool for self-reflection, confidence, and personal growth. ✨💡
✅ Learn simple ways to start journaling and make it part of your routine
✅ Explore creative prompts to reflect on your dance experiences
✅ Use journaling to stay motivated and overcome challenges
💡 Bring a notebook and pen, and get ready to put your thoughts on paper in a fun and inspiring way! 🚀💃
Heather Wanner
DINNER BREAK
🍽️ Dinner 🍽️
Unwind and enjoy dinner with friends, colleagues, and fellow dancers at one of the many delicious dining options at Mohegan Sun. 🌟🥂
GALA CHOREO REHEARSAL
🎭 Soul Celebration Gala Performance: Rehearsal & Staging 🎭
The Soul Dance Conference cordially invites all dancers and parents to be part of our unforgettable closing performance! ✨
In this 2-hour choreography and staging session, participants will come together to rehearse, refine, and prepare for a spectacular final showcase that marks the culmination of our event. 🎶
💡 Don’t miss this chance to shine on stage and celebrate an incredible journey at Soul! 🎭
Geo Hubela
Heather Wanner
TEACHER: The Mental Game: Helping Your Dancers Build Resilience
🧠 The Mental Game: Helping Dancers Build Resilience 🧠
Dancers face both triumphs and setbacks, making resilience essential for success. In this session, teachers will gain tools to help students develop mental strength, manage performance anxiety, and build confidence. 💡✨
🔹 Key Takeaways:
✅ Understanding perfectionism, comparison, and self-doubt in dancers
✅ Strategies to help students handle mistakes & failures with a growth mindset
✅ How to recognize burnout and support mental recovery
✅ Techniques to instill confidence & resilience in young dancers
💡 Walk away with actionable insights to empower your students both in and out of the studio! 🚀
Kiana Simler
Rebecca Brettingham-Filice
TEACHER: Hangout
🎤 Ask Me Anything with Rhee Gold 🎤
Join Rhee Gold for an informal, open conversation about the dance life! This relaxed session is your chance to ask questions, gain insights, and connect with fellow teachers in a welcoming setting. 💡✨
💡 Come ready to chat, share, and be inspired! 🚀💃
Rhee Gold
VISIT THE EXHIBITORS
🛍️ Explore the Exhibitors & Colleges! 🛍️
✨ Visit the colleges, universities, and companies that help make the Soul Dancer Conference possible! Discover exciting opportunities, resources, and connections to support your dance journey and future. 🎭📚
💡 Stop by, explore, and get inspired by the incredible organizations shaping the dance world! 🚀
Morning Meet Up
☀️ Morning Meet-Up with Geo & Heather! ☀️
Kick off day two with high-energy fun, games, and motivation! Join Geo and Heather for an exciting morning filled with trivia, challenges, and even prizes! 🎉🔥
This is your chance to laugh, win some prizes, and get pumped for an amazing day ahead. No matter what, you’ll leave feeling energized, inspired, and ready to dance! 💃🚀
💡 Don’t miss out—come for the fun, stay for the hype! 🎭✨
Geo Hubela
Heather Wanner
TEACHER: Commercial Jazz
Ray Leeper
YOUNG DANCER: Contemporary
Brandon Beltran
DANCER: Ballet
Ashley Canterna-Hardy
PARENT: Motivational Talk
Heather Wanner
YOUNG DANCER: TBD
Just the Guys
🕺 Brotherhood in Dance: A Session for Male Dancers 🕺
This special session brings together the boys of Soul for a unique opportunity to connect, share, and be inspired! Joined by male faculty members, we’ll dive into what it’s like to be a male dancer in 2025, discussing both challenges and triumphs in the dance world. 💡✨
💡 Come hang out, ask questions, and be part of a supportive and empowering conversation! 🚀🩰
Rhee Gold
DANCER: Musical Theater
Julia Dickey
SPECIAL EVENT PART 1: College Bound Dancers: Charting Your Path
🎓 Exploring Higher Education in Dance (Session 1) 🎓
This special session is designed for high school dancers, their parents, and teachers to explore the many paths available in higher education for dance. 💡✨
✅ Understand the differences between conservatories, colleges, and universities
✅ Explore degree options: bachelor’s, master’s, majors, and minors
✅ Learn about dance teams, academic programs, and career pathways
💡 Discover the wide range of possibilities and gain clarity on the next steps in your dance education journey! 🚀🩰
Rhee Gold
College / University Reps
Kiana Simler
YOUNG DANCER: Express Yourself
Heather Wanner
PARENT: Commercial Jazz
Brandon Beltran
LUNCH BREAK
SPECIAL EVENT PART 2: College Bound Dancers: Charting Your Path
🎓 Exploring Higher Education in Dance (Session 2) 🎓
Join us for an interactive panel discussion with representatives from top Higher Ed dance programs. In this session, moderators and attendees will have the chance to ask questions and explore what each program offers. 💡✨
✅ Learn about different schools, programs, and degrees
✅ Ask your biggest questions about admissions, auditions, and curriculum
✅ Gain insights to help choose the right path for your dance future
💡 Whether you're considering a dance major, minor, or a performance team, this session will give you the answers you need! 🚀🩰
College / University Reps
Rhee Gold
Kiana Simler
PARENT: Closed Door Hip Hop
Geo Hubela
YOUNG DANCER: Jazz
Ray Leeper
VISIT THE EXHIBITORS
🛍️ Explore the Exhibitors & Colleges! 🛍️
✨ Visit the colleges, universities, and companies that help make the Soul Dancer Conference possible! Discover exciting opportunities, resources, and connections to support your dance journey and future. 🎭📚
💡 Stop by, explore, and get inspired by the incredible organizations shaping the dance world! 🚀
DANCER: Hip Hop
Geo Hubela
YOUNG DANCER: Tap
Diane Gudat
TEACHER: Lyrical
Ashley Canterna-Hardy
PARENT & TEACHER Reframing Success: Beyond the Trophies
🏆 Rethinking Dance Competition with Rhee Gold 🏆
“It’s a part of what we do, but it’s not all we do.” – Rhee Gold
In this eye-opening session, Rhee Gold challenges both parents and teachers to reflect on the values we place on competition. Through frank and honest discussion, we’ll explore how competition can be a positive, growth-driven experience when approached with the right mindset. 💡✨
✅ Gain fresh perspectives on the role of competition in dance education
✅ Learn how to foster a healthy, balanced approach for dancers
✅ Discover ways to support young dancers without added pressure
💡 Walk away as a better parent, teacher, and mentor—ready to help dancers thrive both on and off the stage! 🚀🎭
Rhee Gold
DANCER: Acro Workshop
Kiana Simler
YOUNG DANCER: Contemporary
Brandon Beltran
TEACHER: Hip Hop
Geo Hubela
DINNER BREAK
Unwind and enjoy dinner with friends, colleagues, and fellow dancers at one of the many delicious dining options at Mohegan Sun. 🌟🥂
SPECIAL EVENT High School Junior & Senior Audition & Scholarship Session
🎓 College & Convention Scholarship Audition 🎓
This special audition is open to high school juniors and seniors and will be presented by Oklahoma City University alongside other Higher Ed representatives. 🎭✨
Following the audition, scholarships will be awarded for a variety of higher education programs and some of the country’s most respected dance conventions. 🩰🏆
✅ Gain real audition experience in a professional setting
✅ Be seen by top college & convention representatives
✅ Prepare for future auditions—whether for college or a professional career
💡 An invaluable opportunity to showcase your talent, gain confidence, and take the next step in your dance journey! 🚀🎓
College / University Reps
ALL DANCERS, PARENTS & TEACHERS Improv for All!
✨Dance Together: A Special All-In Class!✨
Join dancers, parents, and teachers for a one-of-a-kind class where everyone moves together! This unforgettable bonding experience brings the entire Soul community into one room for a session filled with joy, connection, and shared passion. ❤️✨
💡 Don’t miss this chance to make memories that will last a lifetime! 🚀🎭
Sandi Duncan
ALL DANCERS, PARENTS & TEACHERS Hip Hop for All!
✨Dance Together: A Special All-In Class!✨
Join dancers, parents, and teachers for a one-of-a-kind class where everyone moves together! This unforgettable bonding experience brings the entire Soul community into one room for a session filled with joy, connection, and shared passion. ❤️✨
💡 Don’t miss this chance to make memories that will last a lifetime! 🚀🎭
Geo Hubela
VISIT THE EXHIBITORS
🛍️ Explore the Exhibitors & Colleges! 🛍️
✨ Visit the colleges, universities, and companies that help make the Soul Dancer Conference possible! Discover exciting opportunities, resources, and connections to support your dance journey and future. 🎭📚
💡 Stop by, explore, and get inspired by the incredible organizations shaping the dance world! 🚀
Soul Celebration Rehearsal
🎭 Soul Celebration Gala Rehearsal 🎭
All dancers and parents rehearse for the Soul Celebration Gala Performance, the grand finale of our event! ✨
In this session, we’ll clean, stage, and perfect the closing performance—ensuring a polished and unforgettable show. 💃🎶
Heather Wanner
Geo Hubela
DANCER: Musical Theater
Billy Griffin
YOUNG DANCER: Jump & Turn Workshop
Ray Leeper
DANCER: Session presented by Oklahoma City University
College / University Reps
PARENT: Supporting Your Dancer’s Journey: Encouragement Without Pressure
💡 Supporting Your Dancer’s Journey: Encouragement Without Pressure 💡
Parents play a vital role in their dancer’s success, but finding the balance between support and pressure can be challenging. This session provides strategies to encourage growth, resilience, and joy without added stress. ✨
🔹 What You’ll Learn:
✅ Encourage without pressuring your dancer
✅ Align your expectations with their personal goals
✅ Communicate effectively about progress & setbacks
✅ Handle competition & performance anxiety positively
🔹 Interactive Elements:
📝 Reflect on expectations vs. dancer’s goals
🎭 Practice supportive communication in role-playing exercises
❓ Q&A with real-life scenarios
💡 Leave with the tools to be a supportive, empowering force in your dancer’s journey! 🚀🩰
Kiana Simler
DANCER: Building Confidence: Overcoming Self-Doubt in Dance
🌟 Building Confidence in Dance 🌟
Self-doubt and fear of failure can hold dancers back, but confidence is a skill you can build! This session will help you trust yourself, embrace mistakes, and perform fearlessly. 💃✨
🔹 What You’ll Learn:
✅ Overcome self-doubt and reframe negative thoughts
✅ Use body language to project confidence
✅ Develop a strong mindset and bounce back from mistakes
✅ Silence comparison & imposter syndrome
🔹 Interactive Elements:
🪞 Mirror work: Practicing confident posture & expressions
💬 Affirmations & positive self-talk exercises
🤝 Partner feedback to build self-trust
💡 Step into your confidence—on stage and in life! 🚀🎭
Rebecca Brettingham-Filice
Kiana Simler
YOUNG DANCER: Musical Theater
Billy Griffin
TEACHER: When You Need to Change It Up: Unique Ideas for the Classroom
Heather Wanner
TEACHER: Musical Theater
Billy Griffin
DANCER: Tap
Diane Gudat
YOUNG DANCER: Acro Workshop
Kiana Simler
Teaching Dance is My Dream
🎭 So You Want to Be a Dance Teacher? 🎭
Aspiring dance teachers—this session is for you! 💡✨
Join Ashley and Heather for an inside look at what it takes to pursue this fulfilling career. Learn how to prepare now, develop essential skills, and share the gift of dance with students of all levels. 🩰❤️
💡 Take the first step toward your teaching journey in this inspiring workshop! 🚀🎶
Greg Bettencourt
Greg Bettencourt
BREAK
Prepare for Soul Celebration
SOUL CELEBRATION
🎉 Soul Celebration: A Night to Remember! 🎉
We close the conference with an unforgettable afternoon of dance, friendship, and celebration! All attendees, faculty, and special guests come together to perform, connect, and be inspired for the year ahead. 💃✨
🎭 Guest performances & shared stage moments
🍽️ Food stations & delicious desserts
🔥 Motivation to fuel your dance journey
💡 Celebrate the magic of Soul—let’s make memories that last a lifetime! 🚀❤️
PARENTS... Create a unique bonding experience with your young dancer
Soul welcomes dance parents! We encourage you to participate in this unique dance conference where you have the chance to discover all the life-skills gained and the numerous opportunities that are open to your passionate dancer. Sessions include actual movement (not intimidating), panel discussions, workshops with a licensed professional counselor, college & university reps, and so much more. Parents are also invited to participate in a closing performance at the Soul Celebration.
TEACHERS
Not only are there dedicated classes/sessions for teachers, but you will have the opportunity to explore the activities happening in all 4 ballrooms. Experience a unique teacher training experience that will inspire you as a mentor, leader and teacher.
