Happy Nationals season, everybody! It’s that time of year when us lucky editors get to watch so, SO many gorgeous solos by dancers competing for big titles. But even among the insanely gifted artists at the top of the comp circuit, Tate McRae stands out. Just ask anyone who’s seen the solo that helped her win Teen Best Dancer at The Dance Awards in Vegas last week.
Choreographed by Travis Wall (naturally), “Woman” is virtuosic both technically and artistically. Are the 180-degree extensions and fluid lyricism that captivated “So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation” audiences two years ago still there? Of course they are. But Tate also approaches the solo with a commitment and maturity that’s rare in industry veterans, let alone 14-year-old students.