Best Choreography, Part I
The Best I’ve Seen highlights the very best in a cappella, as seen in the admittedly biased and limited view of the author.
This time, we share the ten best pieces of choreography I’ve seen in collegiate a cappella, in the last three years (Part 1 of 2).
10. “Real Good Man” by Drew University 36 Madison Avenue, 2007
This song was a lot of fun to watch, because it was clear that the guys themselves were having fun. Well planned movement here, that built throughout the song, culminating in a finish that saw the group crouch behind the soloist, and the soloist fall straight back into them, only for them to all to rise up together.
9. “Thriller” by The Amherst College Zumbyes, 2007
This was an inspired reenactment of Michael Jackson’s original choreography for this song, that I saw come to life at the 2007 ICCA Finals. Some points off for letting the movement adversely affect the musicality, but points back on for executing the song while having one member dressed in a banana costume.
8. “Run, Freedom, Run” by The Carnegie Mellon University Originals, 2008
The soloist started this song by taking a swig from his water bottle, then tossing off to the side of the stage. I thought this was kind of unprofessional, before realizing it was part of the character he was getting into. Absolutely sensational charisma and presence from this dude, working the stage, and great theatrical movement from the guys behind him. I really dug this, specifically in the way it the choreography built, ending with the guys forming some sort of make shift boat, with a guy hanging off the back, pumping his legs in a running motion.
7. “The Battle” by Orange Appeal by Syracuse University Orange Appeal, 2007
It can be a real joy to see a good group cut loose and have fun. In interpreting this Moses Hogan spiritual, the men of Orange Appeal elected to go all out to entertain the crowd, acting out so many parts of “The Battle” including marching, riding in chariots, playing flutes. Fun stuff, top to bottom.
6. “Hold On, I’m Coming” by Ithacappella, 2007
This one was just a lot of fun, highlighted by an insane finish, wherein the guys sagged, before being brought back to life by the rabid vocal percussionist, en route to the group launching into a fantastic turn and slide move while doing the robot dance. Classic stuff.
We'll get to the top five in the next edition of The Best I've Seen