Dance Magazine Conventions
For my magazine, I am considering doing a dance magazine. In my first step, I am doing a thoroughly, detailed research on the conventions of dance magazines.
1. Genre of choice: Dance magazine
2. Genre Conventions: Content 
Articles/Advertisements:
Usually, at the beginning of a new year, the magazine will cover the top dancers to watch that year. Each month, topics that are covered usually are based on different types of moves, highlighted dancers/choreographers, new exercises to use, beauty products to use, tips for the dancers, and other topics that are trending. Many of the topics have to do with what the celebrities do/use to make themselves better.
Topics:
The topics that you will find in dance magazines are of a wide range. You could find fashion and beauty tips on how to look on stage or at auditions. You could also find stories on celebrities, both dancers and choreographers, and advice/statements on the topic. Also, there might be an article on dancing tips and new moves to try.
3. Genre Conventions: Production Techniques
Layout:
As shown in the diagram above, the layout of the cover has a masthead/title that shows the reader the company/label. Next, the main headline shows the reader the overall message of the magazine or its main image. The tagline and puffs are features on the cover that give information about the main image and/or different topics that are going to be discussed inside the magazine. For example, they can include the latest trends, makeup and outfit advice, celebrity news, etc. Not shown in this cover, but pull quotes can be shown from different celebs. The date is always shown to show the publication/issue. Something else that is also not included in this cover is the barcode, which is used for retailing purposes.
The layout of the inside of a dance magazine is not only for reading, but visuals as well. Most dance magazines follow the same layout structure but have slightly differing qualities. First, there will be the main image(s) that are the focal point of the magazine and are usually what the article is going to be talking about. Next, the headline/title is also the main basis for what the article is about, and there might even be a running headline that provides a mini version of the topic. Thirdly, an introductory paragraph, a text that is medium-sized and bolded with give a quick blurb that summarizes the article. It can also be indented or a different color. A pulling quote may be put into the layout if a celebrity has a specific and important thing to say towards the topic. Subheadings are smaller topics that fall under the umbrella of the main topic and can introduce a new paragraph/issue within the article. Sometimes, the author or publisher is written in the bylines which are usually placed vertically in the right corner edge. The folio shows the page number, and images will almost always have captions.
Font/Typography:
What's interesting about magazines is that the titles and fonts have a hierarchy system, meaning that the larger and bolder are what is to be read first. Fonts are usually dependant on what the company decides on for that issue. For example, a common font used is the combination of serif and sans serif, which gives a simple and modern look. Many magazines such as Dance and Pointe use San Serif. Essentially, the use of fonts all comes down to the use of spacing of different colors, sizes, and fonts.
4. Institutional Conventions: How is the genre marketed?
The audience for a dance magazine ranges from ages 14 to women/men in their early 40's. Since dance is not gender-specific anymore, the magazines are open to young women and men. In regarding the ages, women, and men between 14-40 stereotypically care about beauty, fashion, tips and tricks, and celebrity news. Dance magazines are distributed in many ways, one being subscriptions. The company will send you the magazine monthly and offer special deals and maybe exclusive news. They are also placed in many supermarkets, bookstores, online, and in dance studios, for people to look at and buy.
The audience for a dance magazine ranges from ages 14 to women/men in their early 40's. Since dance is not gender-specific anymore, the magazines are open to young women and men. In regarding the ages, women, and men between 14-40 stereotypically care about beauty, fashion, tips and tricks, and celebrity news. Dance magazines are distributed in many ways, one being subscriptions. The company will send you the magazine monthly and offer special deals and maybe exclusive news. They are also placed in many supermarkets, bookstores, online, and in dance studios, for people to look at and buy.
5. Sample #1
This magazine fits my genre of dance magazines in many different ways. Dance Spirit is one of the biggest dance labels for teenagers, which contributes to its purpose. The main image is of celebrity Jasmine Cruz, a popular young dancer. The main headline highlights issues that teenage dancers would have when getting ready to apply for colleges and the taglines and puffs also include things to do with applications and dance- related topics.
6. Sample #2
7. Other Samples
8. Representation
The specific people and qualities of people represented in dance magazines are usually attractive women/men who promote the look of athletic bodies and impressive skills. They usually use their bodies and abilities to show that dance is a very athletic and hard task to perform. Some negative representations can show women/men who are very very skinny from ballet and make the upcoming dancers think that they have to have that type of body to make it in the dance world. Now that standards and stereotypes are being broken, a lot of magazines are putting out more realistic and attainable looks and ideas.
Image Links:
-https://www.dancemagazine.com
-https://www.dancemagazine.com/st/magazines
- https://www.pointemagazine.com/st/magazines
- https://store.dancemedia.com/product/dance-spirit-fall-2020/
- https://www.onedanceuk.org/dancing-times-magazine-celebrates-110-years/
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