2026-27 PRE-PRO D.O.T.Y.

Hi everyone! My name is Ryley Emerich. I am 18 years old, and I am incredibly honored and grateful to be named a 2026-27 Tremaine Pre-Pro Dancer of the Year!

My dance journey began at The Pointe Performing Arts Center when I was just 3 years old. What started as something fun quickly became my greatest passion. At 6 years old, I decided I wanted to take dance more seriously and joined my studio’s company program, where I have been fortunate to train under my amazing teachers, Penny Capps and Becca Newman. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me have helped shape me into the dancer and person I am today.

Joining the company opened so many incredible opportunities, including attending my first Tremaine Dance Convention. As a naturally shy and nervous kid, walking into a room full of talented dancers was intimidating. But from the moment I entered the room, I felt welcomed and inspired by the Tremaine faculty. Their kindness, encouragement, and passion for dance made an unforgettable impression on me and sparked my love for Tremaine. I left every convention motivated to work harder, grow stronger, and continue chasing my dreams.

When I was finally old enough to audition for the Tremaine Performance Company, I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by. I had looked up to so many TPC members over the years, and becoming part of that family was a dream come true. The experiences, friendships, and lessons I’ve gained through Tremaine have been truly life-changing.

This fall, I am excited to begin a new chapter as I attend the University of Oklahoma, where I will major in Marketing and proudly be a member of the University of Oklahoma Pom Team. I can’t wait to continue growing as both a student and a dancer while representing such an incredible university.

Being named the 2026-27 Pre-Pro Dancer of the Year is an honor beyond words. I am so thankful to everyone at Tremaine, my teachers, my family, and everyone who has supported and believed in me throughout this journey. I am excited for all that’s ahead and can’t wait to represent Tremaine with gratitude, passion, and love for this art form.

2026-27 PRE-PRO D.O.T.Y.

Hello, I’m Titan. I will be 19 years old this fall, and I’m so overjoyed to be one of the Tremaine Pre-Pro Dancers of the Year for the 2026–27 season.

I’ve danced at Center Stage Performing Arts in Gonzales, Louisiana, for my entire dance career, and the family that I have there has shaped me into the person I am today. Dance has added so much to me as a person, but I would not be the person or the dancer that I am without the lessons and experiences that Center Stage has given me. I started dancing at an age that others may consider “late,” but my studio owner, Linda Schexnaydre, and director, Meghann King, saw something in me that I couldn’t even see in myself. These two women fostered and molded my love for dance into something beautiful, and I would not be here without them. I am eternally grateful and will always do all that I can to give back to them and the studio that made me.

I was a bit naive to the world of conventions, but I remember going to my first Tremaine Dance Convention, and even then, I understood that this was a place like no other. The genuine passion that the faculty have for building up each artist in the room, and the care that they take to foster a class where everyone can grow and learn at their own pace, is singular. I also want to take a moment to thank Keri LaGrand for being one of the loudest voices of motivation. She keeps pushing me while also giving me the recognition that a young artist sometimes needs. Like her, all of the faculty take such special care. This past year, being my first year as a part of the Tremaine Performance Company and getting to work even closer with the faculty, I got to see how much time they dedicate outside of the convention day to make sure that the entire event is beneficial for every dancer there. I am so eternally grateful to Tremaine for constantly giving me opportunity.

I am now a part of the Texas State University Musical Theatre program, which is internationally ranked. I am so grateful to continue my training there, with the goal of eventually performing and choreographing on Broadway and at theaters across the country.

I am always amazed by the artistry of all the DOTYs, and to get to be a part of that legacy truly means the world to me. I want to give some final thanks to my amazing mother and grandmother, who have supported me throughout this entire journey, and to Joe Tremaine for creating something that still changes the lives of young people decades later.

I am going to soak in every moment of this season, and I hope to be an inspiration and a bright light in every room I step into. Like they always say, “Dance training is life training”… So let’s get to work!!

2026-27 SENIOR D.O.T.Y.

Hi! My name is Victoria Marín, I’m 16 years old, and I truly don’t know if words will ever be enough to express how grateful I am to represent Tremaine as a 2026-27 Senior Dancer of the Year.

I started dancing recreationally at the age of four at my home studio, Danceworks Costa Rica, under the direction of Maria Laura Pardo. By the time I was eight, I joined the competitive company because I knew dance had become something much bigger than just a hobby. Danceworks has been my second home for as long as I can remember, and it’s where I’ve grown into the person and dancer I am today.

When I was 11, I attended my first Tremaine convention in Boston, followed by my first Tremaine Nationals that same year. From the moment I walked into that ballroom, Tremaine felt different. The faculty, staff, company members, and dancers made me feel so welcomed, and it quickly became one of my favorite places.

At that first Nationals in 2021, I auditioned for Dancer of the Year without really understanding what I was auditioning for. I remember filling out paper forms, getting a red ribbon that I was told I had to wear everywhere, and being so excited without fully understanding what any of it meant. When I came out, my director, Marila, was waiting for me, and she could not stop hugging me.

That moment changed everything for me. From then on, I stopped seeing DOTY as just a title to win and started seeing it as the kind of person I wanted to become. To me, it meant being a great dancer, “leading with love,” as Tony Bellissimo always told me, and growing into the dancer that was looked up to like I looked up to them.

The following year, when I was 12, I auditioned for the Tremaine Performance Company. I never thought I would actually get in, but I was accepted as a Teen member, and that opportunity changed my life. TPC pushed me to grow in so many ways, not only as a dancer, but also in the way I worked, connected with others, and became more confident in myself.

Every year at Nationals, my goal was to be selected as a DOTY finalist, because winning felt unattainable. But after five years of making finalist, my name was called when I was least expecting it. 2026 Nationals truly felt like a dream. Being called up as Senior Dancer of the Year is a moment I will never be able to fully explain. It was genuinely the best day of my life. After wanting it for so long, working for it so hard, and pouring every bit of me in the studio, the most rewarding part was not even just hearing my own name, it was looking around me and seeing my teammates, teachers, and family crying. The hugs, tears, and congratulations from that day are something I will always carry with me.

To become the first dancer from Costa Rica and from my studio to win DOTY is something I’m incredibly grateful for, and I hope this can open a path for younger dancers from my studio and my country to believe that these opportunities are possible for them too.

I’m so grateful to Dr. Joe Tremaine, the entire Tremaine faculty and staff, my Danceworks family, and my own family for all of the support, opportunities, and memories that have brought me to this point. I know I would not be here without the people who have believed in me and continued to encourage me along the way.

Being Dancer of the Year is something I will not take for granted. I still think about being 11 years old at my first Nationals, looking up to the DOTYs and hoping that maybe one day I could be in their place. Five years later, that dream became real. I hope this year I can be that same inspiration for someone else, and more than anything, I want them to know that hard work really does pay off and that sometimes the dream you wait the longest for becomes the one that means the most.

2026-27 SENIOR D.O.T.Y.

My name is Jack Diddens. I’m 17 years old, and I am from San Antonio, Texas. I started dancing when I was 6 in a boys’ hip hop crew. One day, I watched an older boy head into a jazz class. I remember watching him dance and thinking, “I want to do that too.” I turned to my mom and asked if I could try. She signed me up, but she wasn’t convinced I’d make it through my first class without getting distracted like the typical high-energy little boy. So instead of buying me jazz shoes, she sent me to class in a pair of socks. I made it through that first class, proved her wrong, and earned my first pair of jazz shoes, and I’ve been dancing ever since.

Being named the 2026–27 Senior Tremaine Dancer of the Year is an incredible honor, but what I’ll cherish most is the journey that brought me here. This title represents years of growth, perseverance, and trusting the process. Joe Tremaine often says, “Dance training is life training,” and I’ve found that to be so true. Dance has taught me discipline, resilience, humility, and that growth comes from showing up every day with a willingness to learn.

Dance has also given me opportunities I never could have imagined. I’ve been fortunate to perform professionally on projects including This Is Us, Disney’s Fam Jam, Target’s Holiday Broadcast, local commercials, and Kenny Ortega’s Dance Across America Virtual Inaugural Parade. I’m also honored to have been a member of the Tremaine Performance Company since 2021, where I’ve learned from and been inspired by incredible dancers, teachers, and choreographers.

Some of my favorite memories in dance don’t really have anything to do with any of the trophies or awards. They’re the memories I’ve made alongside my sisters, Kennedy and Kate. We’ve grown up together in the studio, backstage, in hotel ballrooms, and at competitions. Having siblings who share the same passion has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. They’ve challenged me, kept me humble, celebrated every milestone, and always had my back. When my name was called as the Senior Tremaine Dancer of the Year, it honestly felt like they had won too. Other than my parents, I don’t think there are any people in the world who wanted this for me more than they did. Sharing that moment with Kennedy and Kate is something I’ll carry with me forever.

I also know that none of this would have been possible without the people who believed in me from the very beginning. I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for teaching me to stay humble, stay hungry, and always focus on the comeback instead of the setback. I’m thankful to my home studio, Thrive Dance Collective, especially my teachers and mentors Carla Sankey and Kim Ingram, for believing in me and encouraging me to continue growing and pursuing my dream. I’m equally grateful to my teammates, dance family, and everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.

As I step into this new role, I hope to represent Tremaine with gratitude, humility, and joy. More than anything, I hope to inspire younger dancers to embrace every opportunity, trust the process, and remember that the most rewarding part of dance isn’t where it takes you, it’s who it helps you become.

2026-27 TEEN D.O.T.Y.

Hi! My name is Kendra Choque. I am 15 years old, and I am incredibly honored to be representing Tremaine as their Teen Dancer of the Year! Dance has shaped who I am today, helping me grow as an artist and performer, and I can’t wait to dance alongside the rest of my DOTY family this upcoming season!

Dance has been the biggest part of my life for as long as I can remember. Even as a toddler, I would wiggle around to music with a big smile on my face. Once I turned 5, my parents decided to enroll me in weekly ballet classes at Dancin’ In The Spotlight. From the moment I stepped into the studio, I knew I found something special. As my love for dance continued to grow, my teachers encouraged me to try more styles, and over time, I was taking every class my studio had to offer. With each new challenge, dance quickly became more than just an activity; it became the place where I felt most like myself.

My journey with Tremaine began in 2022, when I attended my very first convention in New York City. From the moment I walked into the ballroom, I remember being in shock of the talent surrounding me. The faculty taught me to push myself outside of my comfort zone, whether it was technically or artistically, and to dance for myself, not for awards. I would watch the past Tremaine Dancers of the Year in complete awe, looking up to each of them and the way they came together as a team. After that, Tremaine immediately stood out to me as more than just a convention—it felt like a community built on passion, dedication, and a shared love of dance. I learned to dig deeper, take risks, and trust myself as an artist, while also reminding myself that growth comes from both success and corrections. Tremaine has taught me to embrace every opportunity to learn, to remain open to feedback, and to never stop striving for improvement.

I am incredibly grateful to call Dancin’ In The Spotlight my second home. My studio has shaped me not only into the dancer I am now but also into the person I strive to be every day. I would like to thank my dance teachers, Miss Liz, Miss Maranda, Miss Amarisa, and Mr. Justin, for continuously challenging and encouraging me to work hard while reminding me to stay true to myself. I want to thank my parents and my little sister for always having my back and encouraging my love of dance. Thank you for being my #1 supporters throughout my dance journey. To my Dancin’ In The Spotlight teammates, I am so grateful to have shared this part of my journey with you. I am so appreciative for your kindness and encouragement, and I love sharing the stage with all of you. I am forever grateful for the unwavering support of my family, dance teachers, and teammates who have been there every step of the way.

Thank you to each of the Tremaine Faculty for selecting me as one of the Dancers Of The Year and for always being a source of inspiration to me. Learning from you has impacted me so much as a dancer, and I’m excited to continue growing under your guidance. Being awarded the title of Teen Dancer Of The Year is a dream come true, and I am honored to represent Tremaine alongside such talent. A BIG thank you to Mr. Terry and Joe Tremaine for believing in me and trusting me with this honor! I am so excited to share my love for dance throughout Tremaine’s 2026-27 tour! Can’t wait to dance alongside everyone this season!

2026-27 TEEN D.O.T.Y.

Hi, my name is Lyric Gibbs. I have been dancing since the age of three and began competing at the age of six. I am passionate about growing as an artist, performer, and person, and I am continually inspired by opportunities to learn from and work alongside leaders in the dance industry.

I have trained through prestigious programs, including Mollee Gray’s The Crew, Blake McGrath’s Mentorship Program, and Phil Wright’s Chicken Nugget University. My dedication and versatility have earned me recognition on both the convention and competition stages, including being a Starpower Title Winner and a Top 10 Dancer of the Year with Streetz Dance Convention and Competition.

Beyond competition, I have gained professional experience through both local and international commercial work. I was featured in an international Comcast campaign celebrating breaking (B-Boy) in the Olympics, and I have also appeared in local commercials in El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. I am proudly signed with Clear Talent Group to pursue further opportunities in the professional dance and entertainment industry.

This summer, I earned multiple scholarships for college dance recruitment clinics through Tremaine, recognizing my talent and potential at the collegiate level. I also enjoy using dance as a way to give back through community outreach performances, including events supporting the Child Crisis Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Although I am known for my strong work ethic, versatility, positive attitude, and genuine love for dance, I strive to inspire others while continuing to grow with every opportunity. I am excited to continue learning, performing, and pursuing my dreams in the dance industry and can’t wait to see what this season has in store for me.

2026-27 PRE-TEEN D.O.T.Y.

Hi! I’m Sydney Pham, but most people know me as “Big Syd.”

I am incredibly excited and honored to represent Tremaine as the 2026–27 Pre-Teen Dancer of the Year. As a competitive dancer, model, and actor, I started dancing at the age of three, and from the moment I stepped into my home studio, Amanda’s Dance Xpress, I knew I had found my passion. I’ve been part of the Tremaine Dance family since I was six years old, and from the first time I stepped onto a Tremaine stage, I dreamed of becoming Dancer of the Year. Looking back now, it’s hard to believe that little girl’s dream has become a reality.

Over the years, I have trained in ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip-hop, musical theatre, acro, and tumbling. I’ve also had the opportunity to continue my training through the Tremaine Performance Company (TPC), Ballet+, BodyTech Method, The Crew, Guy Groove, and many dance conventions. Each experience has challenged me to grow not only as a dancer but also as an artist. Dance has taught me discipline, perseverance, resilience, confidence, and the importance of believing in myself.

I love the energy and excitement of jazz funk, hip-hop, and other dance genres, but lyrical will always hold a special place in my heart because it allows me to tell stories through movement. Although I’m often one of the smallest dancers in the room, I’ve earned the nickname “Big Syd” because of my larger-than-life personality, determination, and even bigger dreams.

One of my favorite things about dance is meeting new people, learning from inspiring dancers and teachers, and challenging myself to grow with every opportunity. Along the way, I have been blessed to receive scholarships and titles, including being named the 2026–27 Tremaine Dancer of the Year—an achievement that reminds me that hard work, dedication, and perseverance truly pay off.

I am forever grateful to my late studio owner and mentor, Amanda Hunt, who believed in me and gave me the confidence to dream big. Amanda’s Dance Xpress will always hold a special place in my heart. I am also deeply thankful to Suzanne Green for carrying Amanda’s legacy forward through Company 24 with the same love, encouragement, and unwavering support that continue to inspire me every day.

I would also like to thank Joe Tremaine and the entire Tremaine faculty for creating a platform where dancers can learn, grow, and dream without limits. The opportunities and encouragement I have received through Tremaine have played an important role in my journey. This honor would not have been possible without the foundation Joe Tremaine built and the faculty who continue to invest in young dancers every day. To my teachers, choreographers, dance friends, and especially my family, thank you for believing in me and supporting me every step of the way.

As I continue chasing my dreams in dance, modeling, and acting, I hope to inspire others to believe in themselves, work hard, and never give up. If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that dreams really do come true—and I hope to inspire the next generation of dancers to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves every step of the way.

2026-27 PRE-TEEN D.O.T.Y.

Hi, I’m Sophie! I’m a 14-year-old dancer and artist from California. It’s with great honor, gratitude, and excitement that I get to represent Tremaine as 2026-27 Pre-Teen Dancer of the Year!

I’ve been dancing all my life, but technically training since the age of four. Dance is where I feel most like myself! It’s how I express my heart, tell stories, and connect with others without saying a word. It has taught me discipline, resilience, and confidence, and inspires me every day to grow not only as a dancer, but as a person.

I’m incredibly grateful to call The SIX Compound my dance home! I’m blessed to train and be mentored by some of the kindest, most supportive, and unbelievably talented industry professionals and teachers within those walls. Within those same walls is so much love and a shared passion for dance amongst my peers, coaches, and teammates. My SIX Fam—thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and fueling my joy for dance! My love for you is greater than words could express.

I remember the very first time little 8-year-old me attended my first Tremaine Convention. From that moment, I fell in love with the passion, the inspiration, and the community that made me believe anything was possible. It has always felt like “home,” and the relationships and friendships I have made in this space, I will cherish for a lifetime.

The inspiration I walked away with every year at Tremaine, and the dream of ever being named Dancer of the Year, lit a fire under me! This dream-come-true wouldn’t have at all been possible, first without God! Second, without my family and all the support from each and every teacher and mentor who’s ever believed in me (you know who you are)! Thank you, Mom, Grams, Grandpa, and Uncle Johnny for being my biggest supporters and always helping me chase my wildest dreams! Thank you, Dr. Joe Tremaine, Terry Lindholm, and the entire Tremaine Faculty for seeing me and opening up so many doors and amazing opportunities for me! This means more than I can put into words. You are part of my forever dance family, and I cannot wait for this new season with all of you!!

2026-27 JUNIOR D.O.T.Y.

Hi, my name is Kennedy Carver, and I am incredibly honored and grateful to be Tremaine’s 2026-27 Junior Dancer of the Year!

I started dancing when I was just 2 years old, and it quickly became my greatest passion. Dance gives me the opportunity to express myself through movement. Every class, convention, rehearsal, and performance has helped shape me not only as a dancer but also as a person.

For as long as I can remember, I have looked up to Tremaine’s Dancers of the Year. Watching the way they inspire others made me dream of one day earning this title myself. I have been blessed to be a finalist for the past three years, and each experience has taught me to keep believing in myself, continue working hard, and never stop growing. Receiving this honor is truly a dream come true, and it is an opportunity I will not take for granted.

I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. A special thank you to my studio owner, Jamie Barry, for believing in me, encouraging me to dream big, and challenging me to work hard every single day. I am so grateful for everything you have poured into me.

Thank you to all of my Premier Dance teachers and dance family for creating a place where I always feel supported and challenged to be my best. Thank you to my parents and my sister for the endless love, sacrifices, and encouragement that have made this dream possible.

Most importantly, thank you to Dr. Joe Tremaine for creating such a special place for dancers to learn, grow, and be inspired. Thank you to Terry Lindholm and the entire Tremaine faculty for trusting me with this incredible opportunity.

I can’t wait for this year! I am so honored to represent Tremaine, and I am so excited to dance with everyone this season!

2026-27 JUNIOR D.O.T.Y.

Hi! My name is Lyla Lou, I’m 10 years old, and I am beyond honored and so incredibly thankful to be your 2026-27 Tremaine Junior Dancer of the Year.

This title has been one of my biggest dreams for as long as I can remember. Becoming a FOUR-time Junior Dancer of the Year finalist taught me one of the greatest lessons I’ll ever learn. Never give up on your dreams! Receiving this title has shown me that hard work, perseverance, and trusting God’s timing are always worth it.

Tremaine has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mom always tells everyone that my very first Tremaine convention was before I was even born because I was in her tummy! I truly grew up at Tremaine. It has always felt like home, and every Tremaine weekend has helped me grow not only as a dancer, but as a person. The faculty has inspired me, challenged me, believed in me, and reminded me that kindness, humility, and heart are just as important as talent.

My Dance Institute family has been with me every step of this journey. Thank you to my directors (Linda Holland, Gay Pollock, Mekenna Hearn, and Stephanie Longo) and all my amazing teachers who have played a part in helping me become the dancer I am today. Thank you for believing in me on the hard days, celebrating with me on the good days, and always pushing me to be stronger and better than I was yesterday. Thank you for every correction, every hug, every pep talk, and every opportunity you’ve given me to grow. I am so incredibly proud to be a Dance Institute dancer!

A very special thank you to my mom, Stephanie Longo. Thank you for believing in me before anyone else did, for coaching me, choreographing every one of my solos, pushing me to be my very best, and never letting me settle for less than my potential. Thank you for every early morning, every late night, and every sacrifice you’ve made so I could chase my dreams. Thank you for always reminding me to dream big, work hard, and stay humble. You have believed in me even on the days I doubted myself. I love you so much!

Finally, thank you to Dr. Joe Tremaine, Terry Lindholm, and the entire Tremaine faculty for trusting me with this incredible honor. It means more to me than I could ever put into words. I promise to represent this title with kindness, humility, gratitude, and hard work. I hope to inspire other dancers like the Treamine faculty have inspired me! Always dream big, believe in yourself, and remember that if you never give up, anything is possible!

I cannot wait for this incredible year with my Tremaine family. Thank you for believing in me!