Melinda Sullivan Rocks the A.C.E. Awards

July 30, 2012

The theme at this year’s Dance Teacher Summit Capezio A.C.E. Awards?

Girl power, baby.

For the first time in the choreography competition’s history, all three top prizes went to women.

Taking home the night’s top award—a $15,000 production budget to go toward a show in NYC—was tapper (and former DS cover girl!) Melinda Sullivan.

Sullivan’s piece, “Gone,” wasn’t quite a tap number since there were no tap shoes in sight. But there was a whole lot of rhythm, some serious syncopation and some awesomely-intricate sand dancing on a big canvas blanket. Watch Melinda’s winning piece here.

We can’t wait to check out Sullivan’s show next year in the Big Apple.

The evening’s first runner-up award went to Dana Foglia, another DS favorite, for her quirky routine called “Ribbons,” featuring a massive group of black-and-white-unitard-clad dancers.

Nabbing the second runner-up prize was Bree Hafen, the adorable mom who auditioned for “So You Think You Can Dance” this season. Her number, “Terminal Soul,” was a hit on the comp scene last year and included the always-lovely Madi Hicks.

To recap: Women rock. Keep choreographing, ladies. We love your moves. And congratulations to all of the A.C.E. Award participating choreographers!