Cameron Janson has had a heck of a yr. After successful Excellent Dancer at New York Metropolis Dance Alliance and Dancer of the Yr 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 prime 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 lessons. “I instantly fell in love,” he says. After transferring to Dance Dynamics, the place different boys in his lessons impressed him to take his coaching extra critically, he later studied at Artistic Conservatory of Dance and Performing Arts. He quickly turned an everyday within the comp circuit, and in 2021 joined Tremaine’s efficiency firm.
As for his wins at NYCDA and Tremaine final summer season, “I used to be not anticipating it in any respect,” he says. “I had no intention of successful them each—I simply wished 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 yr, his favourite combo, dance idols, and extra.
How did you handle your schedule this yr?
I used to be in public faculty, so I did three in-person lessons and three on-line for some flexibility.
My dance lessons have been Monday by means of Thursday from 1–8 pm. Fridays have been largely journey days—I did 18 totally different weekends between the 2 conventions—then, [on] Saturday and Sunday, we have been helping in workshop lessons and dealing the competitors. It was like that, nonstop, for weeks. However I’ll by no means take it with no consideration, as a result of it was the very best expertise I’ve ever had.
What are some highlights of your dance journey to date?
Successful each nationwide titles. That’s just about unparalleled!
I additionally did [MSA talent agency’s] The Camp intensive final yr in Los Angeles. It was one of the eye-opening experiences to get to coach with such big-name choreographers who’re at the moment working within the business.
Do you’ve gotten a signature style?
Positively modern. However I additionally love a great musical-theater jazz second.
What about your signature step?
Both a again phantasm or skater turns. Each 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 season [to 112’s “Dance With Me”], and I believe it is going to stick to me for the remainder of my life. It was certainly one of his actually massive combos final summer season, 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. For those who 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 for those who blatantly disrespect the trainer, I draw the road.
What are your largest dance targets?
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 might 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 method 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 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 depends upon the day, and I can hearken to something. I believe 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 should have a title to be an expert dancer or work within the business. By no means take something with no consideration. And be true to your self, as a result of folks will settle for you for you—not a clone of another person.
What’s your favourite factor about dance?
I believe my favourite factor is the group and the buddies you make. They’re such nice connections, and also you meet folks you’ll have in your nook for the remainder of your life. I believe that’s such a particular factor you actually can’t get wherever outdoors of the dance world.
