By: Claire Enting Liu
Date: Feb 24, 2025
On Saturday, February 22, Angel Dance Company competed in the Turn It Up Dance Challenge, also known as TIU, at Lowell, MA. As the first competition of the season, many dancers were undoubtedly nervous, however, the results they brought back did not disappoint. “The Whisper of the Fans," which competed in the Petite Novice Large Group, achieved first place in their category and second place in the Overall Highest Novice Group. The young dancers expressed their talent and professional resilience in this competition, for they had entered through the wrong stage wing as a result of nervous jitters, yet managed to keep calm, delivering a jaw-dropping performance and bringing home the champion trophy.
Another stunning performance from Angel Dance was the group dance “Wolf Totem," which won 1st place in the Overall Highest Point in Competitive Group in the entire competition, 1st place in Teen Competitive Large Group, Technical Excellence Award, and received the Industry Dance Awards: Best Musical Theatre Character Performance. In Mongolian’s nomadic life, a wolf pack is not just seen as savage, but also as a symbol of teamwork, bravery, and love for each other. These important qualities are reflected into our dance performances and Angel Dance Company’s culture.
Other Group awards won at TIU include:
“Joy of Spring”
1st Place in Teen Intermediate Large Group
1st Place in the Overall Highest Point in Intermediate Group in the entire competition
Selected to participate on the TIU National Dance Team
Qualified for The Invitational, A Global Dance Experience
“Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me”
1st Place in Teen Competitive Small Group
Industry Dance Award: Best Lyrical Performance
Selected to participate on the TIU National Dance Team
Qualified for The Invitation, A Global Dance Experience
Runner up in the overall highest point in the competitive group in the entire competition
“Moonlit Creek”
2nd Place in Teen Intermediate Large Group
“The Desert Mirage”
2nd Place in Teen Intermediate Small Group
Vibrant Visuals (Judges Award)
On top of Angel Dance’s beautiful group performances, many soloists also competed that same evening. The beauty of each of Angel Dance’s solos is the story they tell. Lillian Fan, who has previously competed at TIU, performed “Through the Mist, I See You," a tale that follows a young girl who is pursuing her lover through the pouring rain. As a dancer who has dealt with backstage nerves before, Lillian mentioned that she had first felt tense while waiting for her cue, but the minute she stepped onto the stage, she was able to fall into her role as the main character of the story, showcasing the strength and capability of dancers at Angel Dance.
And, last but absolutely not least, Angel Dance Company was awarded the Standout Studio Award. This award is a well-deserved recognition of all the dancers and group performances of Angel Dance that have participated in this year’s Turn It Up Dance Challenge. The Standout Studio Award is given to the “studio that has shown overall excellence in the areas of technique, execution, and stage presence”. Angel Dance Company fully embodies all these traits, with the dancers working hard from the beginning of September all the way until now. They have, without a doubt, swept the judges and audience members of 2025 Turn It Up Dance Challenge off their feet.
Disclaimer: All awards information presented in this article is based on internal dance club records and interviews. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, details may be subject to change. The author and dance company make no guarantees and are not liable for errors, omissions, or any consequences arising from its use. Please refer to the TIU website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding awards and results.
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