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#BoysdoBallet

“Good Morning America” had the online dance community talking about them today. In case you missed it, here’s what went down.

First GMA’s host Lara Spencer reported on British royal Prince George’s upcoming academic curriculum. Subjects outside of the basics, she reports, include religious studies, computer programming, poetry and ballet. She then went on to laugh at the idea of Prince George taking ballet saying “we’ll see how long that lasts” and leading the live audience to laugh along with her. Check out the video below:

Lara Spencer’s remarks struck a chord with dancers everywhere who took to social media platforms to express their disapproval:

I saw a clip from @goodmorningamerica this morning and I was pretty surprised by the tone of some comments towards dance. My initial response was disappointment. For a brief moment it brought up old unpleasant memories of being mocked and laughed at for being a boy who danced. Fortunately that feeling dissipated quickly in knowing that the climate of dance, especially for young men in this generation is thriving more than ever, celebrated and appreciated . A young boy training in an athletic art form that requires an insane amount of discipline, strength, agility, flexibility, speed, dedication, awareness of mind, body, soul and creativity doesn't seem like something to laugh about . I understand that comments like the one made here on television were probably light hearted and just a little banter. I get it. I know everyone at gma including @lara.spencer and I'm sure the intention wasn't to be hurtful. But I also just think we are in a new era and time, especially for dance and it's perception. The tone and mockery towards dance is just dated, old and not relevant anymore. Those who mock don't understand. I'm proud to be a dancer and I strongly encourage any, who would like to try. So if there are any young kids out there who have a passion to pursue dance, don't be discouraged by those who might laugh or make fun, tease or taunt. Follow your passion, take a chance on yourself and remember, that when you are courageous enough to listen to your inner voice rather than the voices (that only you can allow) to tear you down, you will always win. Follow your bliss and you will always have the last laugh:) Nothing but love and encouragement 🙏🏼#dance #encourage #create #dontHate #community

38k Likes, 1,061 Comments - Derek Hough (@derekhough) on Instagram: "I saw a clip from @goodmorningamerica this morning and I was pretty surprised by the tone of some..."

Lara has since issued an apology on her Instagram:

Amazing Dance Video to Dean Lewis' "Be Alright"

Some songs have the ability to transport us - telling us a story that’s all too familiar. Dean Lewis’ “Be Alright” is one of those songs. Inspired by Dean Lewis’ own relationship as well as some of his friends, he took the “bits and pieces from each experience and combined them into one song”. “Be Alright” tells the story of a person dealing with the end of a relationship, and while at times the lyrics are heartbreaking, the chorus is hopeful reminding us again and again that “it will be alright”.

Nothing captures the hurt and hope of “Be Alright” better than this amazing dance video choreographed by Jan Ravnick and Lonni Olson. What do you think of the choreography in the video? Tell us in the comments below!

The Top 10 Dancers on YouTube

YouTube is a game changing platform for the dance industry. Top dancers who were once nameless faces behind major music acts are now some of the world's biggest influencers thanks to social video platforms (most especially YouTube because of it's massive global reach and active music streaming audience).

At DanceOn, we are always tracking and collaborating with the dance influencers doing it best. Some of the names have been on the list for several years; others are relative newcomers. All are crushing the YouTube game scoring millions of views on average videos and tapping into a vast fanbase of dancers and non-dancers from around the world.

#10 NIKA KLJUN

Nika is not only a top 10 dance influencers on YouTube, she's also the official Slovenian Ambassador of Dance! Originally from Slovenia, she now resides in Los Angeles and is known for her incredible classes in a variety of dance styles.

Her top video has over 18mm views: 

Check out Nika crushing it in her DanceOn Class to Sia's Move Your Body: 

And this video set to Enrique Iglesias' El Bano:

#9 TRICIA MIRANDA

A long time top 10 influencer, Tricia is one of the most in-demand choreographers of this generation. Her #1 video to the tune of Rihanna's "Bitch Better Have My Money" has nearly 60MM video views:

And if you haven't seen her version of "The Water Dance", you are missing out!

Check out Tricia's DanceOn Class to Taylor Swift's Ready for it?

#8 YANIS MARSHALL

French choreographer Yanis Marshall took the world by surprise as the man who danced (really really well) in heels... 

He may have stolen your heart in one of these early viral videos…

This amazing Spice Girls mashup:

Or this Beyonce medley:

Check out the NYC DanceOn Class taught by Yanis:

Get to know more about what inspired him to dance in heels:

And just for fun, check out Yanis as the tough-to-please casting director in this super fun Too Faced brand video: 

#7 WILLDABEAST


Will Adams aka WilldaBeast is one of the most sought after teachers in Los Angeles. Often working in partnership with his long time partner Janelle Ginestra, this pair has created some of our all time favorite viral vids.

Check out some of their epic dance classes here:

Will and Janelle dance together in Tyce Diorio's Artist Request video: 

#6 FITNESS MARSHALL

Originally from small town Indiana, Caleb Marshall aka the Fitness Marshall is YouTube's most in-demand Dance Fitness Star.

Some of our favorite routines that will make you want to dance until you sweat:

Did you know DanceOn launched a reality series starring the Fitness Marshall, Life of a Fitness Pop Star!? Check out the trailer! 

And of course, Fitness Marshall got his very own DanceOn Class in LA: 

#5 NICOLE KIRKLAND

Nicole Kirkland has had quite a year. A long time YouTuber, 2018 brought her significant viewership and subscriber growth. Known for heels as well as hip hop, Nicole is a powerhouse choreographer who draws top digital personalities to her class. 

We love seeing Tessa Brooks get down in this Kirkland class: 

Check out Nicole Kirkland’s DanceOn Class:

#4 DYTTO

One of the best influencers at creating both dance-centric and lifestyle content on her channel, Dytto is currently the top female dancer on YouTube. 

Fall in love with her style here:

Ditto’s rendition of Barbie Girl is a must-see:

#3 JABBAWOCKEEZ

Known for winning Season 1 of MTV's America's Best Dance Crew and for their long running live shows in Vegas and Los Angeles, the Jabbawockeez can't help but win on every platform. 

Check out their top performing video filmed at the NBA's finals 2017 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA:

Throw back to one of the most amazing dance collabs of all time created in partnership with Coca-Cola to raise money and awareness for RED. This video features the Jabbawockeez, Les Twins, Harry Shum Jr, Ian Eastwood, Brian Puspos, Jasmine Meakin aka Megajam and more! 

#2 KYLE HANAGAMI

Leveraging his 3.3MM subscribers, Kyle created the #2 video ON ALL OF YOUTUBE in 2017!!!! Check it out here: 

Check out one of our early collaborations with Kyle. This concept video stars a young Larsen Thompson and features Charli XCX's new track Boom Clap: 

#1 MATT STEFFANINA 

Matt Steffanina reigns above all with over 13MM subscribers across 4 YouTube channels. His style is Hip Hop, and he's known for teaching and mentoring some of the most incredible young talent in the biz. His #1 video has over 70mm views: 

Check out Matt’s rendition of the beloved party track Watch Me Whip Nae Nae:

Matt has been a part of a variety of DanceOn original programs. Check out his choreography for our original series Boy Squad: