Editors Picks
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!
Editors Picks
Just 4 Fun Dance
San Diego, CA
Just 4 Fun Dance is not your typical competition team. They are, in simplest terms, a dance crew, comprised of a group of friends who joined together for the pure enjoyment and celebration of dance. Dancers Jeremy Aguas, Keone Madrid, Vinh Nguyen, Khang Nguyen, Ross Veerkamp, Nico De Jesus, and Kevin Frey, from communities and studios all over the San Diego area, all participated in choosing the direction of the performance. A different dancer choreographed each part, which displayed the varying styles and personalities within the crew.
Music selection was high priority for these routines. The use of popular, well-loved and easily recognized music was intentional, so audience members would automatically think of these routines when the tracks were heard afterwards. The choreography was created from direct viewer feedback; people like to be entertained, amused, fascinated and dazzled. Complicated footwork, intricate formations and techniques were used to rivet the viewers, and comedic facial expressions and music were implemented to keep everyone laughing. The energy on stage and in the whole building fueled the dancers towards having a terrific performance every time, and enjoying themselves no matter how many times they had already done the piece.
Fun Fact: One of the biggest hurdles was getting together to practice. The crew managed to squeeze in only five rehearsals before competing.
Yoko’s Dance and Performing Arts–“Ruby Blue”
Fremont, CA
yokosdance.com
Fourteen years ago, dissatisfied with her position as the third partner in a dance studio, Yoko was inspired to creating her own stimulating dance environment that would be educational for the both the dancers and the parents. With 20 teachers, including Lynn Brilhante who also teaches at Lines Ballet in San Francisco, and well known guest choreographers, the student body of over 500 attending Yoko’s Dance and Performing Arts is in excellent hands. "Dancing at Yoko's is nothing like dancing at another studio," is one of the most common phrases students use to describe the dance atmosphere Yoko has built. Yoko takes great pride in her students, boasting their stellar academic records and acceptances to top universities.
Jon Bond, a dancer in Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, choreographed “Ruby Blue” and set it on the dancers in just two rehearsals. A stepping-stone for the girls, Bond made sure the dance was challenging both stylistically and technically. The dancers executed both elements perfectly, nailing the synchronized fouette turns as if they were already polished professionals. With “Ruby Blue,” Yoko’s dancers brought true artistry to the stage without losing their fun, competitive edge.
Fun Fact: In 2005, eight dancers from Yoko’s performed with Sheryl Crow in the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show that was televised nationally on CBS.