Best Lyrical 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 Lyrical Choreography
Fancy Feet – “The Sands”
Matthews, NC
fancyfeetdancestudios.com
At Fancy Feet Dance and Floor Gymnastics Studios in North Carolina it’s a family affair! Paula Mann, director, teacher and choreographer, opened the school in 1985 to provide quality dance education in a positive environment. Her husband, Michael Mann, is the business manager and her two sons, David and Justin Mann, are choreographers at the studio. With 400 families enrolled and 90 on the competition team, Fancy Feet is dedicated to turning out dancers who are not only well versed in a variety of styles and techniques, but also true artists rather than “robots who do one trick over and over again.” But most importantly, Fancy Feet strives to create a family oriented community that nurtures each and every student.
“The Sands,” choreographed by Justin Mann, was inspired by a close friend’s relationship woes. A thorough commitment to detail made this piece truly unique, often moving audience members to chills. The dance took only five days to create, but he most difficult part of creating the dance, according to Mann, was making the prop a reality, which he credits to Gale Orem.
Fun Fact: “The Sands” has become known as Fan