Press Play Dance Convention Announces Inaugural Tour
A New Era of Dance Events Begins
LOS ANGELES, CA - [April 1, 2025] - A groundbreaking new dance experience is about to take center stage. Press Play Dance Convention, an electrifying and immersive dance event, officially launches in the fall of 2025, touring to 20 cities before culminating in an epic summer Nationals at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 2026. Combining world-class education, high-energy competition, and unparalleled creativity, Press Play is poised to redefine the dance convention landscape.
At the helm of this innovative venture are three industry powerhouses: Ray Leeper, Danny Lawn, and Brad Bauner—each bringing decades of experience across concert dance, commercial work, Broadway, and global productions. With a mission to set a new standard for dance events, Press Play is built on four core pillars: Quality, Creativity, Community, and Customer Service.
A Vision for the Future of Dance Events
“We are creating something truly special—an event where every dancer feels inspired and supported, from the aspiring professional to the young artist just finding their passion,” said Ray Leeper, Co-Founder & Director. “Press Play is a new vibrant movement—a place where education, artistry, and connection come together like never before.”
Fellow Co-Founder & Director Danny Lawn echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Press Play's fresh approach to the dance experience. “We wanted to redefine what a dance event can be—something bold, exciting, and deeply impactful. Whether it's through our top-tier faculty, innovative class structures, or the energy of our competitions, we're making sure every dancer leaves feeling challenged, motivated, and part of something bigger.”
The Ultimate Dance Experience
With a dynamic lineup of workshop classes, competition, scholarship auditions, fashion show, special performances, and more, Press Play offers something for every dancer. The faculty features a mix of renowned industry leaders and fresh voices in dance, spanning styles from Jazz, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Tap, Musical Theatre, Ballroom, Jazz Funk, and beyond.
Among the celebrated artists joining the Press Play tour are Ricky Ubeda, star of Broadway's Illinoise and Steven Spielberg's West Side Story; Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa, the dazzling ballroom duo from Dancing With The Stars; and Jabu Graybeal, a tap sensation known for his work with Riverdance and Postmodern Jukebox. These acclaimed performers will teach workshop classes and serve as competition judges, offering dancers the chance to learn from—and be seen by—some of the industry's brightest stars.
“Our goal is simple: to deliver an event that dancers have never experienced before,” said Brad Bauner, CEO. “We're taking everything we've learned from decades in the industry and building something that truly puts dancers first. From production value to customer service, from class content to competition judging, every detail is crafted with excellence in mind.”
Join the Movement
Press Play Dance Convention is set to ignite the dance world in 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to the art form and pushing boundaries like never before. Registration details and more info will be announced soon.
For more information and to stay updated, visit, follow @PressPlay on Instagram and @PressPlayTour on TikTok .
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