Best Choreography, Part II
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 2 of 2).
5. “Feeling Good” by The University of Southern California SoCal Vocals, 2008
The movement was inspired here, with some really innovative stuff, highlighted with the entire group forming two lines, which the soloist ran through to wonderful dramatic effect. The movement was just so crisp, and while the sound remained perfectly clean.
4. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Brigham Young University Noteworthy, 2007
I have not before, nor since seen an all-female group move with as much confidence and power as the women of Noteworthy did here. This was a truly sensational piece from both auditory and visual perspectives, featuring a stomp routine and lift at the close of the song.
3. “I’m A Man” by the SUNY Binghamton Crosbys, 2007
Good movement and sound throughout this one, before the guys opted to throw the choreography into overdrive. There was a full-fledged step routine toward the close, and then an impressive finish that featured four guys lifting one Crosby up in the air, arms stretched wide. This came perilously close to excessive and non-musical, but was enough of spectacle that I couldn’t help but forgive it, and hold this one in the highest esteem.
2. “Thriller” by Brigham Young University Vocal Point, 2006
This was the only piece of choreography I opted to include that I have not seen live. The video alone was enough to win me over, though. Sure, you can knock the group for not really doing anything original here. But I defy you to find a more perfect and clean reenactment of the Michael Jackson music video than what these guys managed here.
1. “Time Is Running Out” By Rutgers University Casual Harmony, 2006
Sheer brilliance. This piece was innovative, artful, and intense. Casual Harmony has long held a blue collar image—big, muscular dudes who make up for a lack of grace with pure energy. I’ve never seen a group look so good, and appear to do it so effortlessly. This was industrial rock movement at its finest, highlighted by a turn and slide rotation movement that has since been, copied, adapted and improved upon by countless other groups. Imitation is truly the sincerest form of flattery, and I haven’t found record of any group doing that move before these guys. Truly fantastic stuff, and the best choreography I’ve seen.