Throwback Thursday: Dance Video Edition!

August 28, 2013

I love the Throwback Thursday (hashtag it: #tbt) trend on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—especially when my favorite dancers tag themselves in hilarious little kid recital photos.

Another thing I love?

Getting lost in the internet, re-watching all of my favorite dance performances from “So You Think You Can Dance,” the Dance Spirit Cover Model Search (click here to enter!) and, naturally, flash mob proposals.

So, for your viewing pleasure, here’s a little #tbt of my own, dance video-style! (Not my own dance videos—sadly those exist only on old-school VHS tapes—but rather a few of my all-time favorite clips from the past few years.)

Misha Gabriel & Teddy Forance’s piece,
Bulletproof
, at the 2010 Capezio A.C.E. Awards:

Two of my forever-favorite choreographers + a neon-clad Dusty Button + that magic moment at the 3:23 mark = sheer genius. I screamed so loudly in the audience throughout this entire piece and I re-watch the video all the time.

The “Sound of Music” flash mob at Antwerp Central Station:

This was my introduction to flash mobs and I loved it so much I actually cried. Real, happy tears, falling down my face. This is the most joyful thing I can imagine.

Sarah Pippin’s “Black Hawk Waltz” at New York City Dance Alliance Nationals:

Tiny Sarah, you are everything. This routine was even better in person. That balance at 1:11 had me holding my breath (not necessary: she nailed it), and when the music changed at 1:48 I vaguely recall yelling out an over-eager, “YEAHHHH!!!” That tiny ferocity matched perfectly with Travis Wall’s choreography. A brilliant performance.

“Sexy Back” by the “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 2 Top 4:

I tried to learn it in my friend’s living room. Wade Robson, I know you’ve done a lot of really amazing stuff throughout your career, but I think this is your best, funnest work ever.