The inaugural The Main Event will kick off this August 3-5, in New York City. Created by choreographer Brian Friedman, this weekend-long dance event will include workshops (ICON Experiences), a fashion/dance extravaganza (The Ball) and a culminating night of performances and awards (Encore). The Main Event has been years in the making, Friedman says, but it’s finally almost here and promises to be an exciting, memorable experience for dancers.
Brian Friedman. Photo courtesy of Millennium Dance Complex China.
“My intention was to bring an experience to dancers that they couldn’t receive anywhere else,” Friedman tells Dance Informa. “Something that was so unconventional yet all-encompassing in terms of training. I want to make a lasting impression on dancers eager to make a successful living as a professional dancer and give them tools it takes to better their journey. For the dance lovers who don’t want to be professional yet attend, I want them to feel so inspired by dance and have an outlet for their passion. I want this event to be the event of all dance events that the dancers will look forward to every year as the closing moment to their annual chapter. It will recharge all dance batteries!”
During The Main Event, dancers ages 13 and over will participate in ICON experiences, hand-crafted dance classes led by iconic choreographers like Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Laurieann Gibson, Tyce Diorio, Tessandra Chavez, Mandy Moore and more.
Brian Friedman. Photo by Louise Flores.
“The lineup at The Main Event are not only brilliant choreographers and directors, but they are also incredible human beings who have achieved so much in their careers,” Friedman says. “I want the dancers of this generation to be inspired by their passion, knowledge and drive. There is a difference when you’re in the room with an icon, and to have three days with non-stop training with the likes of The Main Event lineup is unheard of.”
In addition to these classes, The Main Event will offer The Ball, a runway-style solo dance competition, and the Audition Experience, when an all-star director will hold a private casting for The Main Event guests.
Brian Friedman. Photo by Lexi Colvin at Radix Dance Convention.
All in all, Friedman hopes the weekend is “life-changing”, and it’s an event that’s open to professionals, aspiring professionals and just those who love to dance. While there will of course be technique in the different genres taught, Friedman says it’s not at all about being perfect.
“It’s about opening up your mind, body and soul to change and becoming a stronger artist in the process,” he adds.
Brian Friedman. Photo by Eliza Britney at Radix Dance Convention.
And with an age limit of 13 years old, The Main Event is catering toward more mature dancers who can really immerse themselves into different subject matter. “I think there’s a time and a place for these kids to grow up, and we do not need to push them to be older than they are,” Friedman says. “It will be time for the younger ones to join The Main Event when they’re a bit older.”
Brian Friedman. Photo by Eliza Britney at Radix Dance Convention.
Friedman promises The Main Event to be much different from conventions. “Being able to break out of the box of conformity and let the choreographers create experiences based on what they are feeling artistically and spiritually will allow the guests to feel something greater than what they receive at convention, or even their studio. The level is stepped up higher to cater to those who are in need of or searching for more.”
The Main Event will be held in New York City this August 3-5, at the Grand Hyatt New York. Group discounts are also available by emailing info@themaineventdance.com. For tickets and more information, visit www.themaineventdance.com.
By Laura Di Orio of Dance Informa.
Share this:
