We look forward to seeing you at The PULSE on Tour in Chicago! We are incredibly excited and honored to bring you the hottest dance event of 2009! Get ready to DANCE ALL WEEKEND! Below is some helpful information to prepare you for your PULSE workshop.
Please continue to visit this page prior to the workshop. IT WILL BE UPDATED REGULARLY WITH NEW INFORMATION AND ANY LAST MINUTE CHANGES!
![]()
EVENT LOCATION:
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
2233 S. Martin Luther King Dr.
Chicago, IL 60616 (312) 567-1234
HOTEL FUN FEATURES:
• Complimentary shuttle to downtown attractions Indoor heated lap pool / sun deck
• Shor – a Chicago Grill
• 24-hour Stay Fit Gym
• Fitness Concierge
• High speed internet / Wi-Fi
HOTEL WEBSITE:
Workshop classes are held in the McCormick Place Convention Center attached to the hotel.
PARKING HYATT
Anyone who is a guest in the hotel will park in the hotel's garage.
The entrance is located just past the hotel's front drive.
There is a discounted overnight rate of $17.00 (no in/out privileges).
PARKING EVENT LOCATION
McCormick Place Convention Center:
Cost $19.00 per day (no in/out privileges and no overnight parking)
They would go to parking lot A, you will find directions at the site above along with a map.
FOR PARENT DROP-OFF TO CLASSES
Gate 40 is the closest to the W375, it is located on "Indiana"
*Please pick up validation tickets from the Pulse customer service table
![]()
At check-in, you will meet our registration team and receive your wristband, which is your entry into The PULSE. There will be a separate line for observer band sales if space allows (CASH ONLY). Individual dancers must be present at check-in to receive their bands. Parents and teachers may not check-in for dancers.
*Group leaders (with groups of 10 or more) will be allowed to pick up bands for all dancers in their group.
*If you are a group of less than 10, each dancer or teacher will need to be present to get their own band. Teachers will not be allowed to pick up bands for everyone.
Wristband Policy
Due to the popularity of this event, there will be security at each door. Please be prepared to wear and show your wristbands at all times. Registrants receive only one band for the weekend. Lost or removed bands require full repayment of registration fee.
Early Check In
Join us for an early check-in on Friday, November 13th, 6:00 - 8:00pm in the hotel lobby. Otherwise, check-in is Saturday, November 14th from 8:30 - 9:30am.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14th
Intermediate
8:30-9:30 Check-In
9:30-9:45 Welcome and Introductions
9:45-10:00 Warm up with Protégés
10:00-11:15 Dave Scott
11:15-12:30 Mia Michaels
12:30-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:30 Jamal Sims
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-4:00 Jaquel Knight
Advanced
8:30-9:30 Check-In
9:30-9:45 Welcome and Introductions
9:45-10:00 Warm up with Protégés
10:00-11:15 Cris Judd
11:15-12:30 Jaquel Knight
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:45 Wade Robson
1:30-2:45 Wade Robson
2:45-4:00 Jamal Sims
Advanced/Pro
8:30-9:30 Check-In
9:30-9:45 Welcome and Introductions
9:45-10:00 Warm up with Protégés
10:00-11:00 Jamal Sims
11:00-12:15 Wade Robson
12:15-1:15 Cris Judd Teacher Class, Dancers at Lunch
1:15-1:30 Break
1:30-2:45 Dave Scott
2:45-4:00 Mia Michaels
Additional events
1:15pm TEACHER TALK with Directors (black and gold wristbands)
3:00pm Parent Chat with Directors
7:00pm Performance Showcase
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15th
BALLROOMS OPEN AT 8:30AM
Intermediate
8:45-9:00 Warm up with Protégés
9:00-10:00 Jaquel Knight
10:00-11:15 Wade Robson
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:30 Ben Susak
12:30-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:15 Dave Scott
2:15-3:15 Cris Judd
3:15-END Faculty Q&A/Scholarship Ceremony (join Adv room)
Advanced
8:45-9:45 Warm up and class with Ben Susak
9:45-10:45 Dave Scott
10:45-11:45 Jaquel Knight
11:45-12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 Cris Judd
1:30-3:00 Mia Michaels
3:00-3:15 Break
3:15-END Faculty Q&A/Scholarship Ceremony
Advanced/Pro
8:45-9:00 Warm up with Proteges
9:00-10:00 Cris Judd
10:00-11:00 Ben Susak
11:00-12:00 Lunch
12:00-1:00 Dave Scott
1:00-2:15 Wade Robson
2:15-3:15 Jaquel Knight
3:15-END Join Advanced room for Faculty Q&A/Scholarship Ceremony
Additional events
11:45am Creative Connect for Teachers and Group Leaders (black and gold wristbands)
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
BONUS FACULTY!



![]()
As you agreed to in our terms and conditions upon registering, we do not offer level changes on site.
*Changes may be accommodated if space is still available. If so, changes must be made no later than noon on Saturday. These changes will be handled on a case by case basis.
The PULSE offers three levels.
INTERMEDIATE:
This level is geared for dancers ages 11-14. Classes will be taught for the Intermediate-Advanced dancer. We suggest a minimum of 5 years dance training prior to event. Dancers should be knowledgeable of the "convention" class setting and well-rounded in their dance education.
ADVANCED:
This level is geared for dancers ages 14-17. Classes will be taught for the Advanced dancer. Movement will be given quickly and choreography is expected to be learned and performed without hesitation.
ADVANCED/PRO:
This is our most mature level. The direction from the faculty will be geared for adult language and expression. For dancers ages 17+, for the Teachers, Teacher Assistants and Advanced dancers.
*Depending on enrollment, advanced and advanced/pro may be combined.
** Please note, you will only be granted access to the classes offered for your specific level. If you are found dancing in a level you have not registered for you will escorted out by security.
![]()
At The Welcome, our staff and directors will greet you for this amazing weekend and introduce our incomparable Faculty. We will update you on any last-minute news and brief you on your weekend schedule. This time is only for paid participants and parents who have an observer wristband. The Welcome begins Saturday at 9:30am in the Advanced Ballroom. Please note, you must have a wristband to enter The Welcome.
![]()
There is no dress code for The PULSE -- come as you are! Most dancers wear hip hop clothes, sweats or tighter-fitting outfits for contemporary classes. Remember, you will be dancing on carpet, so bring several dance shoe options such as jazz shoes, sneakers, dance paws, knee socks or whatever you feel comfortable in. Be sure to pick up the hottest PULSE gear to wear in class as well! https://thepulseontour.3dcartstores.com/
Please be mindful of your age when choosing your outfit. We encourage age appropriate dance attire! Thank you!
![]()

The PULSE Performance Showcase is an opportunity for studios to perform a routine from home in front of The PULSE Faculty. The Showcase is held Saturday, November 8th, at 7:00pm in the ballroom and is free to everyone to watch. Come cheer for your fellow dancers!
Group Leaders: If you have questions about the Performance, contact Heather Adzima at Heather@ThePULSEOnTour.com. You will receive a separate email with showcase call time and dressing room details.
![]()
We know the PULSE Faculty are hard to catch in between classes for photos, and we would love for all dancers to receive a photo with them, so we have designed a fantastic system so that you can! In order for this opportunity to run smoothly, we ask that you abide by the procedure created by the staff and faculty: after The PULSE Performance Showcase on Saturday evening, we will ask you to gather your group at your designated sign in the main ballroom. The Faculty will be seated together on a couch and groups of dancers will approach the couch and take a photo.
To expedite matters, we ask that you form a group of at least five friends. There will be no individual photos taken. Dancers and Teachers only. We have professional photographers on hand, and photos are available for purchase at the Vendor Booth during the day on Sunday. You will also be able to use your personal cameras, though we move very fast -- snap when you can! WE KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE THAT THIS WORKS, AND EVERYONE WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN A TIMELY AND ORGANIZED FASHION! This is the only time we will host a group photo session with the Faculty throughout the workshop.
*If you want to take your photo, but do not plan to watch the performance—that’s ok! Come to the ballroom just before the showcase is over.
![]()

Although we will not hold an official audition session, you will have the option to wear audition numbers during your classes all weekend. Auditioning is not required at The PULSE, however, we do encourage everyone to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.
Last year we proudly awarded over $30,000 in scholarships at each city! Education is our #1 goal at The PULSE! Our scholarships include “PULSE Protégés,” Broadway Dance Center Class Scholarships, Invitations to our Summer Intensive, The PULSE Convention Scholarships, and MORE! Numbers will be available for pickup during both check-ins. Scholarships are our favorite way to show our support for you. Just have fun! No Stress!
If you have to leave before the scholarship ceremony on Sunday but would like to know if you won a scholarship, contact Victoria@ThePULSEOnTour.com! You have ONE WEEK to claim your scholarship. Failure to do so will result in immediate expiration of your scholarship.
![]()
We know you want to hear what the faculty has to say! You get an uncensored Q & A session with them at the end of your day on Sunday. Use this time to ask questions about the industry, your favorite faculty member’s training or making it in "the biz!" It's a great time to get to know our faculty! Start thinking of questions now!
![]()
SO...You are registered as a TEACHER! A few notes just for you...
The PULSE values and appreciates teachers! Registering as a teacher allows access into ALL THREE levels of The PULSE. Float from room to room! In addition to an All Access wristband, we have a few events set aside just for our teachers (18 and up).
TEACHER TALK
Lunchtime Saturday: We invite teachers to meet our PULSE directors, Pam Chancey and Mary Andreasen, for an open-floor discussion about the dance world. We welcome you to ask any questions you may have concerning your students or your studio. We will go over last-minute updates for the weekend, and the schedule while enjoying a light lunch!
*Teachers with All Access or Studio Management bands allowed
CREATIVE CONNECT
Lunchtime Sunday: Join the PULSE celebrity faculty for a luncheon and round-table! Yes, it's your private time to ask them anything during this Q & A for teachers only. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and bring your best questions to this intimate setting. At this time, the faculty will give constructive critique from Saturday night’s Pulse showcase.
*Teachers with All Access or Studio Management bands allowed
TEACHER CLASS
Don't miss this private class with one of the most respected and sought-after choreographers in the business today! Closed to all students, you must have a teacher All Access band to enter. This class is one of the most talked about experiences at The PULSE!
ARE YOU A GROUP LEADER?
If you've registered for the PULSE with a group of 10 or more dancers, we have a few special treats just for you! Your group packet will be ready for you at check-in! Upon check-in, you will receive your very own Group Leader goody bag. In addition, all groups of 10+ receive a PULSE Plaque for your studio!
PARENTS AND OBSERVERS
All general workshop classes can be viewed by purchasing an observer band. Observer bands may sell out; pre-registration is strongly suggested. You may purchase or add observer bands to your online registration until November 4th. Depending on availability, observer bands will be sold at early check in Friday from 6:00pm-8:00pm and at the door Saturday during check-in for CASH ONLY.
All observer bands are non-refundable and may not be transferred from one person to another. The PULSE is not responsible for lost or stolen bands. Noise level and activity should be kept to a minimum out of consideration for the faculty and dancers.
Parents and Observers, please be mindful that the ballrooms are CLASSROOMS, not arenas. Please do not bring your child's lunch into the observation area, speak on your cell phones, allow your cell phones to ring, or chat loudly with fellow observers. We are glad you are with us, but please help our dancers focus on their instruction. Thank you!
*You must be accompanying a dancer to observe.
*Pro-rated pricing is available for observers arriving after 1pm on Sunday. This band is not available for pre-purchase and will only be available if space permits.
We love parents!!! Parents join us Saturday at 3:00pm for a Parent Chat with the directors.
No wristband required!
PARENT CHAT
Taking place on Saturday at 3:00pm, our directors Pam and Mary will discuss the weekend schedule and answer general questions about your dancer. This chat is free, no wristband is required.
For more information, please download our Parent Packet with the following link.
![]()
Lunch options
Our goal is to keep you dancing all day, so we keep your lunch breaks short. We'll host a quick “cash and carry” lunch in the area outside the ballrooms. Please do not bring in any outside food into the ballrooms.
Payment options
At our PULSE retail store, you can pay with cash or credit card (Mastercard or Visa only.) Observer bands are CASH ONLY.
On-site shopping
The PULSE hosts the hottest vendors in dance wear and dance gear -- take a break and do some shopping! Please support our vendors!
Great selection! We will feature NappyTabs, Tia’s Dancewear, and Sugar & Bruno.
![]()
T-shirts, socks, dance pants, basketball shorts and more!
![]()
This event is too exciting not to capture on film! Professional photographers will be onsite all weekend, so be sure to check out the photos of yourselves to purchase. You are welcome to use your personal still cameras throughout the workshop. However, no videotaping will be allowed during the event at any time. A professional videographer will be taping the Pulse Performance on Saturday night.
We can’t wait to see you in our Chicago Pulse, November 14-15! If you have any additional questions, please call or email anytime!
CONTACT US:
Pam Chancey, Executive Director
Mary Andreasen, Managing Director
Registration@ThePulseOnTour.com
212.582.3474 or 877.PULSE.01
347 West 36th Street, Suite 1501, New York, NY 10018
VISIT US ONLINE:
![]()
JOIN THE PULSE NETWORK:
WWW.THEPULSEONTOUR.COM