My Top 10 Favorite Dances (2013-2020)

One of the most effective ways to learn is through observation. Watching invites reflection, inspiration, and motivation. Over the years, I have been motivated by various choreographers, dancers, and routines that have helped me develop my style as a dancer and choreographer.

Here are my 10 top most influential dances spanning from 2013-2020:

1- Wicked Game by Travis Wall (August 2013)

Before the infamous Travis Wall was accused of some severe allegations, he was known as one of the greatest choreographers of his time. His reputation on So You Think You Can Dance was admirable; it's not surprising that one of the first dances I recall being amazed by was choreographed by him. Not only that, but I also greatly admired the dancer Amy Yakima, who is also featured in the dance. The elegance, simplicity, and grace drew me in. The skillful use of stillness and fluidity makes the viewing relaxing, like feeling a warm summer breeze. Without the aid of an instrumental climax, the artistry of movement alone successfully captures your attention, leaving you wishing for more when the routine ends.

2- Sweater Weather by Kyle Hanagami & Haley Fitzgerald (January 2015)

This video was my first-ever exposure to Kyle Hanagami. Up until this point, I viewed dance styles as concrete categories that never mixed. Hanagami's style was like no other I had ever seen before. He had this contemporary-hip hop fusion that captivated me and awoke my inner artist. My mind was opened to new stylistic concepts that completely changed my approach to my own dancing; playing with textures and movement beyond what I originally knew was possible. I truly believe I would not have become the dancer and choreographer I am today if it were not for this influence and profound revelation discovered by my 14-year-old self.

3- Incomplete by Jayci Royal (April 2016)

She is beauty, she is grace, Audrey Case moves with enchanting pace! This angelic dancer left me in awe as she danced Jayci Royal's choreography. There was something so trouble-free yet complex about this dance. I think the combination of the choreography, song, and dancer created an exciting paradox that electrified my soul. My understanding of shapes and movement was enhanced with every frame, reminding me that space is an influential tool. The utilization of strength and poise enhances the dancer's capabilities. As a competition judge, I am thrilled by the fluidity of one movement to the next, with every transitional moment being a vital piece of the performance that allows the story to be uninterrupted. This dance pushed me to become more grounded as a dancer so that I can maintain greater control when I move with passion. This dance will never fail to stir an array of emotions within my heart and bring a smile to my face.

4- Greed by Jade Chynoweth & Josh Killacky (October 2016)

The first time I saw Jade Chynoweth dance, I admired her strong build and fierce execution. Having done a lot of sports on top of a full dance schedule, I had a muscular physique that didn't exactly fit the dance body "norms". Seeing Jade helped me to feel more confident in my body and taught me how my strength could be utilized in my dancing. I love the way the dancers feel relatable and human. This term is often used in dance to describe moving in more natural ways, as opposed to overly poised or dramatic ways that are displayed in dancing, not everyday life. This approach enhances the authenticity of the story and improves the reception of its message. This dance has also been a significant contributor to my love of hard-hitting and emotionally driven contemporary dances that resonate deeply with the human experience.

5- Love In The Dark by Kyle Hanagami (November 2017)

Want a good tear-jerker? Look no further than this masterpiece. This video was such a big hit at my dance studio that we actually did our own dance to Leroy Sanchez's cover. If there is one thing I have come to appreciate over the years, it's partner work. Seeing the reliance, trust, and connection from dancers physically interacting with each other helps me to feel more invested in the story being told. This choreography has no shortage of riveting partner work that will leave you with the urge to jump into the arms of your best friend just to see what amazing (or painful) things happen. Beyond the duos, what makes this dance so compelling is the creative use of formations. They build with the music, and in turn, the narrative. Additionally, Kyle Hanagami, yet again, amazes with ingenious and innovative movement that is beyond compare.

6- Lovely by Paris Cavanagh (May 2018)

Upon writing this blog, I realized that this dance was choreographed by none other than Paris Cavanagh, a now internationally acclaimed choreographer for her recent appearance on America's Got Talent. I can put a quick plugin to say that I admired her first! But in all seriousness, this dance was a staple post-high school graduation. I was coming to the end of my competitive dancing days and was drawn to the moody appeal. I think that sometimes as dancers or choreographers, we push ourselves too hard to be different and we lose touch with our audience as a result. This choreography is not overly complex. I would go as far as to say nothing strikes me as surprising, but in its simplicity, Cavanagh connects her choreography to her audience. To me, this is the most important aspect of dance; to engage with your audience in a way that is meaningful to them.

7- Let Me Down Slowly by Erica Klein, Sean Lew, & Kaycee Rice (November 2018)

When I first came across Erica Klein's videos, I saw much of myself in her as both a dancer and choreographer. She is an emotive dancer who is able to convey intense feeling and depth in her movement. The textural diversity and use of beats within the choreography are elements I greatly enjoy playing with, much like these choreographers. I also love the purposeful use of the lyrics, allowing the words to guide the movements. This video is also what led me to become obsessed with using waves in the body, whether it's the whole body, the arms, legs, or even just your fingers.

8- LOST by Talia Favia (March 2019)

I think like many dancers and choreographers, I am a sucker for Dermot Kennedy. His raw voice and intense lyric writing are a creative's dream. Talia Favia does a wonderful job at capitalizing on Dermot Kennedy's immense talent with her work. What I love about both the choreography and the improv of the dancers is how real it feels. I also believe that the use of tricks is crafted into the choreography in a way that makes sense. There are times, especially recently, when I feel it has become more about showboating than connection, prioritizing the wow factor over creative expression and genuine artistry. But to me, the powerful tricks and exciting jumps help to elevate the story and match the energy of the song.

9- False Confidence by Sean Lew (September 2019) My best friend introduced me to this video and it reminded me of what I love so much about dance: storytelling. How Kaycee Rice didn't burst out laughing at the beginning of this dance, I'll never know, but I greatly admire both of these dancer's commitment to their craft. This choreography, and many of Sean Lew and Kaycee Rice's work, has shown me that partner work is so much more than lifts. The eye contact, body language, and intricate connections between one another make me feel like I'm watching a private discussion. The use of direction is remarkably innovative and the action and reaction moments are invigorating.

10- Rome by Talia Favia (January 2020)

With a song that gets me in my feels without fail, we wrap up on another beautiful Talia Favia piece. Favia does an exceptional job of capturing human emotion in its most raw form. The skillfully placed pauses are a gateway to the dancer's soul where you can visibly see the outlet of pent-up hurt, heartbreak, and anger. The dramatic change in levels captivates you as a viewer, leaving you guessing as to where the dance will take you.

Conclusion

Observing and learning from other dancers and choreographers has been instrumental in my growth as an artist. These top 10 influential dances have shaped my style and inspired me in countless ways. From the elegance of Travis Wall’s “Wicked Game” to the raw power of Talia Favia’s “Rome,” each piece has left an indelible mark on my journey. The common thread among these works is their ability to connect deeply with the audience through authenticity, creativity, and emotional depth. For aspiring dancers and choreographers, I encourage you to seek inspiration from the masters, experiment with new styles and always strive to convey genuine human experiences through your art. By doing so, you’ll not only enrich your own dance journey but also touch the hearts of those who watch you.