What occurs whenever you win Finest Dancer at The Dance Awards’ Nationals in all ages division? You make historical past. What about when two dancers do it, almost in all the identical years? Double historical past.
That’s what occurred for 18-year-old competitors stars Ian Stegeman and Cameron Voorhees. Over the previous decade, every dancer has taken first within the Mini, Junior, Teen, and Senior classes at The Dance Awards’ Orlando or Las Vegas Nationals, with their most up-to-date wins in July.
The 2 dancers, who’ve additionally racked up titles at competitions like Radix, New York Metropolis Dance Alliance, and Nuvo Dance Competitors, have grown fairly shut. They’re each YoungArts Awards winners (Stegeman in 2024 and Voorhees in 2026) and have the identical must-dance high quality to their motion. Now, as they every enterprise into the world of school dance, they’re taking a second to mirror on their trajectories, goals, and extra.
Ian Stegeman
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Coaching: Woodbury Dance Heart, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (St. Paul, MN)
At present: Dance BFA at New York College
What are a few of your profession highlights up to now?
Acting at Nationwide YoungArts Week in Miami, the Business Dance Awards most cancers profit present, and DanceOne Summit’s A.C.E. Awards. Additionally, attending the Nederlands Dans Theater summer season intensive, choreographing my first-ever group piece for a capstone challenge, and my experiences at The Dance Awards, NYCDA, and Radix over time.
What’s your favourite dance style?
My favourite is modern, however I actually take pleasure in home and faucet!
Do you’ve gotten a favourite reminiscence onstage or throughout a conference?
One of many craziest, most vivid reminiscences I’ve was dancing within the Protégé Problem Dance-Off as a first-year teen at Radix Nationals in 2022.
Who’re some artists you’d like to work with sooner or later?
I’ve realized a few of her repertoire earlier than, so sharing the area with Crystal Pite in particular person can be extraordinary. I’d additionally treasure the chance to take a Gaga class from Ohad Naharin himself.
Do you’ve gotten a dance idol?
I’m impressed by quite a few dance artists. But when I had to decide on somebody specifically, I’ve appreciated following Tamisha Man ever since I took her class a couple of years in the past at Steps on Broadway.
What are a few of your dance goals?
To journey overseas for a efficiency or firm tour, and to review butoh.
What’s your backstage important?
A pack of tissues. 🙂
Do you’ve gotten a favourite guide, film, or TV present?
I’m obsessive about watching WNBA video games.
What’s your dance motto?
“Nothing to show, solely to share.” (My faucet instructor, Bruce DeMorrow, usually repeats this quote.)
Cameron Voorhees
Hometown: Elmira, NY
Coaching: Non-public coaching with Arian Keddell, CLI Conservatory (on-line), CCJ Conservatory (Columbia, SC)
At present: Dance efficiency BFA at SUNY Buy Conservatory of Dance
How did you start dancing?
My dance journey started on the age of two as a manner of corrective remedy for my excessive femoral anteversion. I then transitioned from strictly ballet to different types and conventions, which helped me achieve my sense of versatility and belonging within the dance group.
What are a few of your profession highlights up to now?
Successful gold on the 2026 Nationwide YoungArts Week in Miami, in addition to a nomination for the U.S. Presidential Students within the Arts. This summer season I used to be additionally named the primary feminine dancer to ever win The Dance Awards’ Finest Dancer title for all 4 age classes, alongside the fantastic Ian Stegeman! Additionally, having the ability to design my very own dancewear with Tiger Friday and see different dancers carrying it.
What’s your signature step?
Most likely something floorwork associated!
What’s your perfect class outfit?
Some good saggy pants, a loose-fitting tank, and a few enjoyable, colourful socks! For ballet, I like a high-cut leo, skin-tone tights, an extended skirt, and legwarmers.
Do you’ve gotten a favourite combo?
If I needed to decide just one, I must say it was a category I took in Orem, UT, on the Tiger Friday Studio with choreographer Holden Maples. It was to “Sushi,” by FKA twigs, and it was a lot enjoyable and out of my consolation zone. I like when issues really feel equally difficult for my mind and physique. Holden’s work is strictly that.
Who’re some artists you’d like to work with sooner or later?
Rafael Bonachela, William Forsythe, Justin Peck, Crystal Pite, and Kyle Abraham.
Do you’ve gotten any dance goals?
I’d love to bop in an organization in Europe or Australia sooner or later! It’s additionally a dream of mine to choreograph and turn out to be a rehearsal director for a significant firm.
What’s your dance motto?
Some phrases that I continuously prefer to reside by are to take every part step-by-step, daily, minute by minute. You may’t fear concerning the future and keep current on the similar time.
Do you’ve gotten any enjoyable info?
I like mountain climbing, particularly top-rope climbing!
