Highlights from The 2015 Dance Awards

To say I was impressed by the 2015 Dance Awards closing gala would be an understatement. From beginning to end, it was pure entertainment. I was a huge fan of both the opening and closing numbers and especially fond of the guest performances by the faculty. (But then again, should I have expected anything less?)

Sneak peek of the opening number–seriously, YouTube it

Every dancer there deserved his or her spot on that stage. I really can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for the judges to pick a winner. That being said, we would like to congratulate those who were crowned Best Dancer.

Mini Best Dancer

Jezzaeyah Slack

Tristan Ianiero

Junior Best Dancer

Tate McRae

Murphy Lee

Teen Best Dancer

Payton Johnson

Logan Hernandez

Senior Best Dancer

Jazzmin James

Kyle Patrick Clark

We’d also like to recognize the People’s Choice Award Winner, “We Emerge,” by Denise Wall Dance Energy.

And after the many performances we watched last night, the winners for best performances are:

Best Performance Mini

“I Made It,” Danceology

Best Performance Junior

“Lay Me Gently,” Denise Wall Dance Energy

Best Performance Teen

“We Emerge,” Denise Wall Dance Energy

Best Performance Senior

“Strange Fruit,” DanceMakers of Atlanta

“Strange Fruit,” DanceMakers of Atlanta

I’m especially happy about the senior division winner. It also won the Outstanding Technical Achievement Award, but that’s not what made me love it so much. “Strange Fruit” told a really powerful story, and brought–dare I say it–different emotions to the piece and the competition. Bravo, ladies.