DANCE/AWARDS SHOW: WORLD DANCE AWARDS 2014

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WORLD DANCE AWARDS 2014

The fifth annual World Dance Awards was a fabulous event all the way around, from the warm greeting by the friendliest check-in personnel ever, to the jaw-dropping dance-party-to-end-all-dance-parties at the end.

It was held at the Avalon in Hollywood, which always does triple-duty as a dance club space, performance theatre, and party venue, and was just the perfect spot for this event.

The "Happy" opening.  Photo by Alice Farinas.

The “Happy” opening. Photo by Alice Farinas.

It should really be called the “World Choreography Awards” because all the categories were for choreography, not for the actual dancers themselves. But, it can get away with “dance” because the choreographers got awarded for the dances they created.

The cutest thing is that the “Dancer,” as the award is called, is a top hat! How adorable, and apropos, is that?!

There were many different categories that the general public would never even think of. Dance is everywhere! But I think that most take it for granted, which is so sad.

If you’ve been a loyal reader of INAM, you probably know that I often rant about how dance is the most under-rated art, in my opinion, especially on TV. Many of the singing competition shows realize that they need dancers to make the presentation of the singers more entertaining; therefore, we have very mediocre singers fronting the stage, while supremely talented dancers are in the background. And un-named. I hate that! I always point-out that on Dancing With The Stars, the pro dancers are really the celebrities, and the supposed “stars” are the ones none of the audience knows!

Me, having a good ol' time in the VIP section.  Thanks for the drinks, Christian!  Photo by Alice Farinas.

Me, having a good ol’ time in the VIP section. Thanks for the drinks, Christian! Photo by Alice Farinas.

It always seems that even someone unsuccessful on American Idol (and similar shows) can get a name career going, while the supremely talented winners of So You Think You Can Dance are relegated to the background once again. I can’t stand it!

Okay, glad to have gotten that all off my chest once again. So, back to the World Dance Awards. I love how they did it. The show started off with a really fun dance number to Happy, which we in the audience all were. They announced each category, (such as Live Performance, Commercial, Film, etc.,) and then showed filmed snippets of the nominated dances on three giant screens. They were all spectacular. I loved seeing the clips I was already familiar with, (which were most,) and really enjoyed discovering the ones I had never seen before. An Evian commercial, with some of the most clever choreography ever, (with babies dancing as the younger selves of the peeps in a mirror,) was downright brilliant. The whole assemblage was hysterical from it!

Willdabeast Adams.

Willdabeast Adams.

After each very brief (which was appreciated) acceptance speech, there was a breath-taking live performance, in different genres of dance. I loved them all, but my favorite was a big krump/hip-hop combo featuring Next Generation Award winner, Willdabeast Adams.

The evening really flew by, with the perfect number of award categories and dances, some guest commentary, and even a bit of comedy.

Had that been the end of the evening, I would have gone home a happy girl. But, they removed the chairs and tables from the very spacious dance floor after the show, and the guests went to town. I was totally frustrated that I couldn’t dance because of my broken back, but I was absolutely thrilled to watch all these pro dancers so up-close and personal. And no one was showing off; they were all just into their craft, with bodies that had to move and groove. All who participated, (even some while carrying backpacks, purses, jackets, etc,) were truly amazing. At times, I really couldn’t believe my eyes! There was a girl who had wonderful movement, and got down to the floor and back in the skinniest heels I’ve ever seen! They could double as weapons! And one of the shows producers, Carey Ysais, who’s not an especially young guy, did kicks I wouldn’t have believed if I hadn’t witnessed them for myself. He could have been a Rockette! I hate that the krump-dancing Mr. X had to miss it!

A contemporary number later on in the evening.  Photo by Alice Farinas.

A contemporary number later on in the evening. Photo by Alice Farinas.

Last note on the evening: There were two speeches that really touched me. Chris Judd, (JLo’s ex, and a famous dancer in his own right, which is how they met to begin with,) said that he likes to teach the “younger generation” (like he’s so old!,) everything he knows because he wants them to be better than he is. What a nice guy!

And legendary choreographer, Jeff Hornaday, (who must be in his late fifties, but looks like a kid,) pointed-out, “There is no choreography without dancers bringing it to life.” So true. There’s a really successful man who still has appreciation.

Which is what we all had for the World Dance Awards! Now that I discovered them, I can’t wait for next year’s edition!

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