The National College Dance Festival grants two awards:
1. Award for Outstanding Student Choreography
2. 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 monetary award.
2025 National College Dance Festival Award Recipients
Georgetown University, Gonda Theatre
Washington, D.C.
Panelists: Vladimir Angelov, Anita Gonzalez, Nile Russell
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Sponsored by Discount Dance
“La Vera-Cruz“
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Choreography: Miguel Pena (Faculty)
Performers: Ezra Alcocer, Paola Cantu, Jessica Desiderio, Diego Esqueda, Isabella Estrada, Itzel Garcia, Beny, Lopez, Angela Marentes, Angel Martinez, Angelline Martinez, Mariana Martinez, Emmanuel Peralez, Juan, Salinas, Ramiro Silva, Elizabeth Stamatio, Kaleb Tello Lea García, Manuel López, Mellanie Olivares, Joseph, Padron, Cesar Ríos, Carolina Rodríguez, Jeremiah Salazar
Statement from Panelists: “The ensemble went beyond just executing the moves, they embodied the essence and vitality of the movement. Their precision and synchronicity were felt throughout all aspects of the production and the joyful connections between dancers and musicians were clear, strong, and engaged the audience with their kinetic exuberance.”
Photo: Ceylon Mitchell, 2025
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY
Sponsored by Lynn Needle, Art of Motion Inc., Founder/Artistic Director
UBUNTU (2024)
Duke University
Choreography: Tristian Griffin and Sadé Jones (Graduate Students)
Costume Design: Tristian Griffin, Sadé Jones, Lighting Design: Bill Webb , Sound Credits: 43214 by Michael Wall
Performers: Tristian Griffin, Sadé Jones
Statement from Panelists: “The choreography was simple yet complex. From the subtle and effective use of lighting, to the angular and sculptural shapes, they crafted a space of mutual investment and trust, that allowed for diverse perspectives and a genuine and authentic connection between performers.”
Photo: Ceylon Mitchell, 2025
2025 National College Dance Festival ACDA/Dance Magazine Award Recipients
CSULB: Carpenter Center
Long Beach, CA
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT PERFORMANCE : University of Texas at Austin, No Shoes Allowed, Ryan Johnson (Graduate Student)
“It was impossible to resist what the dancer was offering. The dancer had us in the palm of their hands for the entire piece, establishing a sense of community and connection, generously allowing us to be part of the work in a thoughtful way. The dancer guided us and made us feel cared for and allowed us to laugh at ourselves. The dancer immediately grabbed us in the biggest bear hug and released us at the end of the piece with so much joy. This dancer nourished our souls in that moment onstage”. – 2023 Panelist
Photo: Greg Crosby
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY: University of the Arts, Ballads of Perceptive Fallacies, Zoe Miller in collaboration with performers (Undergraduate Students)
” This dance connected with audiences physically, emotionally, and psychologically, featuring brilliant use of the craft of choreography, from the specificity in activating different parts of the stage to the way movement was set on bodies. The sense of the individual within the larger framework was powerful; each dancer was showcased wonderfully, and their individual strength created a mighty force within the group. Importantly, it offered the ability for audiences to create narratives”. – 2023 Panelist
Photo: Greg Crosby
2018 NATIONAL COLLEGE DANCE FESTIVAL
ACDA/Dance Magazine Award Recipients
Awards Adjudicators: Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Douglas Sonntag, Lauren Wingenroth
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT CHOREOGRAPHY:
Umbilic, choreography by Jared Doster (Graduate Student),
Sam Houston State University
“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.” – Panelist
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT 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
ACDA/Dance Magazine Award Recipients
ACDA/DANCE MAGAZINE AWARDS
Panelists Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Jennifer Stahl and Lisa Traiger determined the following:
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.”
