The National College Dance Festival grants two awards sponsored by ACDA and Dance Media: the ACDA/Dance Magazine Award for Outstanding Student Choreography and the ACDA/Dance Magazine Award for Outstanding Student Performance. Three panelists view student choreography and performances at the National Festival and choose one student or ensemble to receive each award.  Recipients of the awards are announced after the Festival.

2018 NATIONAL COLLEGE DANCE FESTIVAL
Awards Panelists: Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Douglas Sonntag, Lauren Wingenroth

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY: 

Choreographer:  Jared Doster (Graduate Student),
Sam Houston State University, for Umbilic

Seamless incorporation of stage design with choreographic 
phrasing. Conceptually complete exploration of the 
possibilities of set pieces. Intimacy of the choreography was
brought about by the confines of the set.” 

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE  (split between a solo performance and an ensemble performance at the request of the panelists):

Performer:  Samantha Lin, University of California, Irvine in Shikata ga nai (2017), choreography by Vanessa Kanamoto (Graduate Student)

“Mature performer; excellent technician who was able to show 
nuance. Dramatic but not overly theatrical performance. 
Beautifully danced memory play.”

AND

Performers:  Divine Garland, Emily Ingersoll, Marsha Pierre,
Josue Prim, Kristian Real, and Tayler Riveron
Montclair State University in To Have and to Hold (1989), choreography by Danial Shapiro and Joanie Smith (Guest Artists)

“Great ensemble work. Each performer had beautiful technique. 
Each dancer had soloist qualities but could move comfortably
as a generous ensemble member as well.”

2016 NATIONAL COLLEGE DANCE FESTIVAL
Awards Panelists: Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Jennifer Stahl, Lisa Traiger

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY:

fourtold,  choreography by Alfonso Cervera, Irvin Gonzalez, Hyoin Jun,
and Maggie Sniffen 
University of California, Riverside

"for the sophistication of its comedic approach to voice
and movement style. Comedy in dance is not easy, yet this 
piece pulled it off very successfully. The humor had a 
freshness that showed true ingenuity."

Outstanding Student Choreography Honorable Mention:

For Example, choreography by Hannah Ingwerson in collaboration with the dancers (James DeSoto, Kyle Her, Farrah McAdam, Maddie Watson)
Sonoma State University

"for its creative use of structure and changing
configurations, particularly among partnerships. The 
dynamics of the movement highlighted new moments within 
familiar music."

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT PERFORMANCE:

Tierra Foxworth in Curveless Smile
Choreographed by Tierra Foxworth
Coker College

"The dancer from Curveless Smile for the fearless way she 
embodied a powerful personal testimony. Her delivery had 
a vulnerability and openness, creating a genuine theatricality."

Outstanding Student Performance Honorable Mention:

Andrew Corpuz, Christopher Jensen, Jonathan Kim, and Kevin V Lopez in August
Choreography by Colin Connor (Guest Artist)
California State University, Fullerton

"The ensemble of August for their heroic and gracious
movement. The dancers moved together exceptionally
well, sharing a joyful energy onstage."