Best Ballet Choreography
About the Superlative Awards
The Year in Review 2008 Superlative contest on DancerUniverse.com got the online dance community buzzing with interest and anticipation. Dance studios from all over the country logged in and uploaded a total of 189 numbers. Then, they sat back and waited anxiously while thousands of readers like you voted for their favorites.
Numbers eligible for the Superlative contest contained anywhere from four to 40 dancers and covered a range of disciplines, from ballet to hip-hop and even a special Teacher of the Year contest to honor those hardworking and dedicated instructors. In addition, there are two winners of the special Editor’s Choice Award, chosen by members of the Dancer Publishing team. These videos did not receive top scores, but they were so exceptional in style, choreography and execution that we had to spotlight them.
Talent, creativity and true artistry abound, the Superlative contest gave studios the opportunity to display their work and readers the chance to express their opinions. The contest wrapped up on December 22nd, at which point we tallied the scores and determined the winners.
In the following you’ll find biographical information about each studio as well as the back-story behind each dance. Look out for the fun facts accompanying every article—they’ll give you a greater sense of just how much work went into creating these award-winning routines. We know you’re itching to see who won, so without further ado, here are the 2008 Superlative winners!
Best Ballet Choreography
The Dance Spot – “Polka”
Fullerton, CA
Dancethespot.com
The Dance Spot made its debut in a small shopping center. Deidre Madrigal, with the love, assistance, and encouragement from her parents Charles and Beverly Patrick, was inspired to take something small and turn it into a dream. Despite its modest beginnings, The Dance Spot has made a name for itself with its four successful studios across the Southern California area to accommodate the 450 student and 140 competition dancers.
This routine, choreographed by Marci Montenegro Hutt, focused not only on showcasing classical ballet technique, but also on incorporating folk culture and style into the piece as well. Featuring props such as the maypole, the dancers pulled off a beautiful performance, and overcame obstacles such as the pole sliding away or tripping over it. Despite the complicated transition with the pole, and the skill required for smooth transitions and perfect formations, the audience enjoyed a wonderful routine, classical and beautiful in a sea of modernism.
Fun Fact: The song “Tritsch Tratsch Polka” by Strauss Jr. is what inspired Hutt to choreograph the piece.