The Soul Clap dance-off at SPACE last week opened with an "everyone's welcome" dance party. The room was wall-to-wall with people decked out in white denim, their best polyester suits, and tulle dresses.
Event host DJ Jonathan Toubin announced the official start of the dance contest at 11 pm. The 50 numbered tags went quickly, and didn't meet the demand from would-be competitors.
The contestants danced in groups of 10 before the judges (of whom I was one). After throwing on a rare 45 James Brown single, Toubin whispered in our ears, "Choose the dancer who best fits all that you want to see in someone." Each judge chose their favorite of the group and the contestant with the most votes moved into the final round of five finalists and one "wild card" dancer. The talent was deep: there were a couple dance-offs to even choose a finalist.
Of that last group the judges had two favorites, numbers 19 and 4 — which led to a final-round dance-off. The two ladies strutted their very different stuff. With four of the six judges' votes, number 4 took home the $100 prize. Turns out she is Chrissi DiBiase, one half of the burlesque duo Atomic Trash. Practice apparently makes perfect.
See video of the dance contest atthePhoenix.com/AboutTown
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