Best Jazz 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 Jazz Choreography
Spotlight Dance Works – “Plastic City”
Chesterfield, MI
spotlightdanceworks.net
Spotlight Dance Works began eight years ago when mother/daughter team Linda and Liz Schmidt bought the studio that Liz had attended as a child. With Liz as the artistic director and Linda as the business director, the studio flourished. With a focus on artistry, technique and precision, the 250 dancers and 60 competition team members are under excellent instruction of the 10 teachers across various genres. Guest choreographer Sonya Tayeh was inspired to create a routine where the dancers all looked like stiff, plastic dolls, each with the same expression. The unique piece challenged the girls to do the opposite their bodies had been trained to do. Maintaining the same expression and stiff joints throughout the routine was demanding, but the dancers managed to perform the L.A. inspired dance seamlessly.
Fun Fact: Before each performance teachers and students form a circle chant and dance for good luck.