Best Production 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 Production Choreography
Steppin’ Out The Studio – “Move Dance Be Born”
Lee’s Summit, MO
steppinout4kids.com
“Move, Dance, Be Born” is a routine that focuses on the growth and journey dancers go through over time. These dancers, most of them reaching the age of 13 and 14, have been involved in dance since the age of five, and this piece is a joyful tribute to the development they have all experienced as performers. With students eager to learn and take risks, the time, sweat and physical and mental energy that went into the creation and execution of this dance proved worthwhile. With the help of Phyllis Demoret’s daughter Jennifer, they choreographed a routine that completely celebrated growth in dance, with simple costumes in order that nothing should detract from the performance. The piece was a beautiful success, and most beneficial was that each of the dancers expanded their dance vocabulary in the most enjoyable of settings—the stage.
Fun Fact: “Move Dance Be Born” was the first contemporary piece this group had ever performed.