Teacher of the Year
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!
Teacher of the Year
Fancy Feet
David and Justin Mann
Matthews, NC
fancyfeetdancestudios.com
There are those, who in a stroke of luck, have the opportunity to access their creative genes from a young age. The dance careers of David and Justin Mann began shortly after they learned how to walk. Fortunate to be raised by a mother who owned a studio, these two brothers lived and breathed the world of dance, continuously surrounded by the creativity and ingenuity that fuels the spirit of dance. Both award winning performers, these “unique, inventive, and passionate” choreographers are sharing their creative genius with others, and are now recognized as some of the greatest master teachers in this country.
Teachers of the year David & Justin Mann
David’s new age, modern style of tap is well known in studios across the country, and his students love performing his work. Always unique, his pieces are memorable for their intricate footwork, unusual props and daring feats such as students tapping while hanging upside down. Without fail, David’s choreography inspires his dancers and astonishes crowds.
Justin’s routines are as emotional as David’s are dazzling. Each piece Justin creates has an incredibly human aspect to it, some feeling, experience, story, heartache or joy that he manages to convey, never the same way twice. His passion and dedication for dance shines through in everything he choreographs, and his students never fail to connect to the emotions within the routines, and share them with the audience.
“...Students love them and admire the creative imaginations that both men have. Parents love seeing their children participate in such original and cutting edge work.” Working, teaching, inspiring and motivating in dance studios all across America, Justin and David Mann have become household names. Talented beyond measure in their respective genres, these men have given innumerable gifts to the dance community.
Fun Fact: David and Justin’s choreography has appeared on television shows and on cruise ships.