Cameron Janson has had a heck of a 12 months. After successful Excellent Dancer at New York Metropolis Dance Alliance and Dancer of the 12 months at Tremaine Dance Conference in 2024, the 18-year-old spent his weekends from November to Might touring with each competitions throughout the U.S. On high of that, he’s been auditioning for skilled gigs, and he simply graduated highschool.
Janson, who grew up in metro Detroit, Michigan, began taking hip-hop at age 5 after he couldn’t sit nonetheless ready for his sister to complete her personal dance courses. “I instantly fell in love,” he says. After transferring to Dance Dynamics, the place different boys in his courses impressed him to take his coaching extra severely, he later studied at Inventive Conservatory of Dance and Performing Arts. He quickly grew to become an everyday within the comp circuit, and in 2021 joined Tremaine’s efficiency firm.
As for his wins at NYCDA and Tremaine final summer time, “I used to be not anticipating it in any respect,” he says. “I had no intention of successful them each—I simply needed to take full benefit of what these competitions provided. Strolling away with each nationwide titles blew my thoughts.”
Dance Spirit chatted with Janson about balancing his busy 12 months, his favourite combo, dance idols, and extra.
How did you handle your schedule this 12 months?
I used to be in public college, so I did three in-person courses and three on-line for some flexibility.
My dance courses had been Monday by Thursday from 1–8 pm. Fridays had been largely journey days—I did 18 totally different weekends between the 2 conventions—then, [on] Saturday and Sunday, we had been aiding in workshop courses and dealing the competitors. It was like that, nonstop, for weeks. However I’ll by no means take it as a right, as a result of it was the perfect expertise I’ve ever had.
What are some highlights of your dance journey up to now?
Successful each nationwide titles. That’s just about unprecedented!
I additionally did [MSA talent agency’s] The Camp intensive final 12 months in Los Angeles. It was probably the most eye-opening experiences to get to coach with such big-name choreographers who’re at the moment working within the trade.
Do you’ve gotten a signature style?
Positively up to date. However I additionally love a great musical-theater jazz second.
What about your signature step?
Both a again phantasm or skater turns. Every time I’m choreographing, I at all times throw these in there.
What’s one thing that’s been difficult for you as a dancer?
Confidence in myself. Particularly when individuals are standing there watching you dance at conventions. I are likely to surprise what they’re considering, and I get in my head, like “What in the event that they suppose I’m dangerous?” or “What in the event that they don’t like the way in which that I’m doing this combo?” I’m engaged on that.
Do you’ve gotten a favourite combo?
I did one with Danny Garden final summer time [to 112’s “Dance With Me”], and I feel it’s going to follow me for the remainder of my life. It was one in every of his actually huge combos final summer time, and I’d seen it throughout Instagram. When he taught it at The Camp, I used to be over the moon.
What’s your backstage important?
An Alani Nu (my favourite taste is Cotton Sweet) and AirPods. Should you give me these two and say, “You go onstage in half-hour,” I’d be greater than prepared.
Do you’ve gotten any dance pet peeves?
In-class distractions. And when you blatantly disrespect the instructor, I draw the road.
What are your largest dance objectives?
My dream is to be on Broadway. And later, I wish to be a choreographer.
Who’s somebody you’d like to work with sooner or later?
I’d like to work with Paris Cavanagh—she’s my idol, and I’ve been following her for years. Her choreography speaks to me in a approach I’d by no means felt earlier than.
#TiltTuesday or #TurnTuesday?
Positively #TurnTuesday!
Favourite meals or drink?
In all probability a Belgian waffle. And I really like a caramel macchiato.
What are you listening to proper now?
Fairly a mixture of issues, really. Tate McRae, and I’m additionally obsessive about the brand new Lorde album. I like a great rap home vibe. Some nation, too. It is determined by the day, and I can hearken to something. I feel I dance in so many kinds that I would like some versatility in music!
What recommendation would you give to your youthful self?
Titles don’t outline you. You don’t need to have a title to be knowledgeable dancer or work within the trade. By no means take something as a right. And be true to your self, as a result of individuals will settle for you for you—not a clone of another person.
What’s your favourite factor about dance?
I feel my favourite factor is the neighborhood and the chums you make. They’re such nice connections, and also you meet individuals you’ll have in your nook for the remainder of your life. I feel that’s such a particular factor you actually can’t get anyplace outdoors of the dance world.