How Millennium Turned My Pandemic Pause Into Purpose

A Competitive Dancers Journey at Millennium Dance Complex

Competitive dancers stepped into Millennium Dance Complex, greeted with chilled water bottles before entering a spacious studio framed by floor-to-ceiling mirrors and vibrant red walls. Brian Friedman, wearing a black graphic t-shirt and grey sweatpants, energized the room as he led the hour-long jazz funk class. Despite the demanding routine, dancers motivated each other, pushing forward with determination.

As a competitive dancer, the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 deeply affected my peers and I. With classes abruptly canceled, we felt lost without our creative outlet. Determined to stay connected to dance, I turned to social media and began following my dance idols. Many of my favorite influencers trained at Millennium Dance Complex, a renowned Los Angeles studio where competitive dancers refine their craft. Inspired, I followed their journeys, especially Brian Friedman's.

Brian, a well known American dancer and choreographer, hhas worked with Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé. He’s appeared in films like Newsies and performed alongside legends like Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, and Prince. His resume, which includes The Tonight Show and The X Factor, has inspired me. After all, what competitive dancer doesn’t have a dance idol?

Eager to learn from the best, I enrolled in Millennium's "Redwall Tutorials," focusing on Brian’s classes. From my bedroom, I immersed myself in each session. These virtual lessons became my lifeline, bridging the gap between isolation and the professional dance world. Dance workshops with dancers like Kaycee Rice and Maddie Zeigler fuelled my dream of becoming a professional dancer.

Brian's energy and charisma radiated through the screen. His piercing gaze into the camera and booming, confident voice made every lesson feel personal. His teaching style, a blend of detailed instruction and humor, brought even the hardest moves within reach. For instance, he joked, “Punch yourself in the face!” while demonstrating a fist-to-head motion, sparking laughter and easing tension. His humor kept me hooked, eager for the next movement.

Four years later, Millennium Dance Complex remains a vibrant hub of creativity and collaboration. When in-person classes resumed, dancers eagerly returned to train with Brian, while the studio continued to attract high-profile clients. Celebrities like Britney Spears and Katy Perry have celebrated Millennium’s impact, with Perry crediting it for enhancing her stage presence and Spears famously saying, "Can someone take me to Millennium?"

Millennium now offers weekly masterclasses tailored for advanced dancers. These exclusive sessions, announced on Instagram, require early registration and enforce age restrictions. While Millennium has always been a hotspot for elite talent—Dance Moms stars trained there pre-pandemic—their online offerings have significantly broadened their reach, connecting dancers worldwide, from novices to seasoned professionals.

In May 2024, Millennium announced a masterclass for competitive dancers over 16, hosted by Brian Friedman. For me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Attending the class felt like the culmination of my journey as a competitive dancer. The energy that inspired me online during the pandemic became even more electric in person. The studio buzzed with ambition, and every dancer radiated focus and drive. True to tradition, the session concluded with a filmed performance, preserving the choreography and the unforgettable experience.

Millennium Dance Complex continues to redefine opportunities for competitive dancers, blending virtual and in-person classes to push dancers beyond their local studios. The combination of renowned instructors and diverse students fosters an unmatched atmosphere of growth and inspiration. Attending Brian’s masterclass wasn’t just about learning choreography—it was about joining a passionate community. Surrounded by driven dancers and guided by one of my biggest inspirations, I rediscovered my love for dance.

During and after the pandemic, I realized how technology and social media fueled and preserved my passion for dance. Millennium Dance Complex served as my lifeline during a time of uncertainty. Brilliant choreographers like Brian Friedman inspired me by teaching and connecting with dancers through isolating times using technology, reigniting my love for dance.