Best Technique
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 Technique
Dancers Edge – “My Immortal”
Winston-Salem, NC
Dancersedge.com
Cathy-Lee Hambright’s dream of owning a dance studio began at the tender age of seven. Already a dancer and a performer, it was only a matter of time before her desire to teach would unfold into reality. In 2003, her wish finally came true, and with the help of sister Christy Hambright-Carter, Dancers Edge made its grand opening. The studio quickly made a name for itself, and by 2007 demand had reached new heights, allowing for the successful opening of a second Dancers Edge in Kernersville, NC. Today, the 350 students and 75 competition dancers continue to reap the benefits of the school’s success. While teaching and molding phenomenal dancers is high priority, Hambright says creating an “environment where it is possible to have quality instructors, an organized support staff and a fun, caring atmosphere- all under one roof!” is what is most important. “What Dancers Edge has accomplished in the competitive dance world in such a short period of time has exceeded any expectations we had,” said Hambright. “I am so proud of the staff and dancers, and thankful to everyone who has supported us.”
Justin Mann, who was inspired by the recent death of his close personal friend, choreographed this routine. Fittingly set to Evanescence’s “My Immortal,” this emotional piece represents a person’s final struggle with the desire to remain in the physical, living world, while the continuous presence of heavenly angels urges them to pass on into the next world. A single door on wheels as the only prop gives the dancers fluid mobility, allowing them to smoothly portray first the earthly struggle, and then the switch to the angelic beckon to heaven. The routine is about the pain, despair, grief and the eventual acceptance of suffering a tragic loss.
Fun Fact: “My Immortal” is a multiple platinum winning routine.