2024-25 PRE-PRO D.O.T.Y.

Hello, my name is Janessa Villalon. I am 18 years old, and I am so incredibly honored to represent Tremaine as one of the first-ever Pre-Professional Dancers of the Year for the 2024-25 season!

I discovered my love for dancing at just two years old, and by four, I was part of Dance FX. For the past 13 years, it’s been my second home, where I’ve grown as both a dancer and a person. Mrs. Joan and Mrs. Julie, who direct the studio, took me under their wing early on, guiding and shaping my journey in invaluable ways.

Growing up with Dance FX, I was immersed in Tremaine’s energy and inspiration, attending their conventions even before I could dance in the ballrooms. I dreamed of the Dancer of the Year title back then, never imagining it would come true.

Being accepted into the Tremaine Performance Company at 12 years old was a major turning point. It taught me what it truly means to be a dancer and opened a world of opportunities. The lessons, challenges, and growth I’ve experienced through Tremaine have shaped me into who I am today.

I’m incredibly grateful to my family for their unwavering support, encouragement, and sacrifices. They’ve always been there for me, allowing me to pursue my dreams, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I’m also deeply thankful for everything Dance FX has given me—they’ve believed in me from the start, and I have so much love for my Dance FX family. A special thank you to Dr. Joe Tremaine for creating this incredible convention and for his lasting impact on so many lives, including mine. I would also like to thank the Tremaine faculty for always pushing me to be the best version of myself and giving me this extraordinary opportunity. I’m so thankful for the guidance and encouragement from all my dance teachers, who have believed in me from the start.

As Dr. Joe Tremaine says, “Dance training is life training.” The discipline, resilience, and perseverance I’ve learned through dance have prepared me for life’s challenges. I’m thrilled to embrace this upcoming season as one of the first-ever Pre-Professional Dancers of the Year and can’t wait to continue inspiring others to chase their dreams, as this was once mine!

2024-25 PRE-PRO D.O.T.Y.

Hi, my name is Dylan Fletcher, I am 18 years old, and I am incredibly honored to be one of the first Tremaine Pre-Pro Dancers of the Year for the 2024-2025 season!

I began my dance training at the age of three in what I consider my second home, Trilogy Dance Center, owned and directed by Ronda Runnels. Not only has she been an amazing educator in the aspect of dance, but the life lessons she has taught me I will take with me forever. I would also like to thank the faculty of Trilogy Dance Center along with our competitive team, Insight Dance Ensemble, for all the guidance and love they have provided, because I truly would not be where I am today without them.

I would also like to thank my parents, sister, and grandparents, who have always had my back and been my biggest cheerleaders. The money, sweat, and tears they have put into helping my dance career will forever be appreciated, and they will never understand how much gratitude I have for them. Thank you for helping my dreams become a reality!

To me, dance is the epitome of happiness in creativity. Anything and everything I feel too scared to say, my body says for me. The place I feel the most comfortable expressing myself this way has been at Tremaine. The first Tremaine Dance Convention I attended was in Houston in 2017, and from then on out I knew this place could become home. I had received the “Shine On” certificate from Emily, and those two words were something I needed to hear, even if I didn’t know that. With personal issues going on, I wanted to leave the dance world behind. But being at Tremaine and being surrounded by the love and positivity the faculty and students provide, I learned I’m not a quitter.

So from there, I kept attending in the summer at the Dallas event, becoming closer with other dancers and the Tremaine faculty. Eventually I decided to audition for Tremaine Performance Company, and my close relationship with Tremaine skyrocketed. Thank you to all the faculty, staff, and leaders from Tremaine for creating such an amazing and safe environment for me and countless other dancers. And to Joe, I am only able to shine on because of how you have always kept your shine on. This legacy you have created is undeniably the place to be for dancers and creatives.

As DOTY, I hope to teach so many young artists how to become the best versions of themselves as dancers and humans and to find their passion in any way they can. Your Grandpa DOTY can’t wait to dance with you!

2024-25 SENIOR D.O.T.Y.

Hi, my name is Presley Baird, and I am 17 years old. I am incredibly honored and outrageously excited to be chosen as Tremaine’s 2024-2025 Senior Dancer of the Year.

My love for dance began at my first dance class at the age of two, and I became a competitive dancer at the age of six. In 2018, I made the decision to take dance more seriously. I began homeschooling and joined a pre-professional dance program at Dana’s Studio of Dance in Southlake, TX. I am starting my seventh year at DSOD and my third year of training with DNA Creatives Directors, Donovan and Autumn Gibbs. I am so thankful to have directors that have been successful in the industry, leading me down my career path, and grateful to owner Dana Bailey and staff for their support, guidance, and providing an amazing facility to train.

When I first attended in 2019, Tremaine instantly became my favorite dance convention and truly changed my life. The amazing faculty at Tremaine, their talent and knowledge for teaching, along with their attention to detail, making every dancer in the room feel seen and acknowledged, hooked me from the start. I want to be like them, and I wanted to become a member of the Tremaine Performance Company as soon as I was old enough. Auditions were delayed due to COVID, and the waiting was torture but worth it, and I am now going on to my fourth year on TPC.

Tremaine has become my family, and becoming Dancer of the Year at the place I call home has been a dream of mine for a very long time. I have been a Tremaine Dancer of the Year finalist for five years. To all the dancers out there that want to give up, DON’T. Things worth having are worth fighting for, and I am so grateful to all the faculty at Tremaine that kept pouring their hearts into me and pushing me to be the best I could be. I will work tirelessly this year to make you proud.

I would like to thank Dr. Joe Tremaine for the home that he built at Tremaine Dance Conventions. He has created a uniquely special place that has left an impressionable legacy on the dance world, and all the faculty, staff, and behind-the-scenes crew have elevated it to a one-of-a-kind experience for dancers all over the nation. And last but not least, to my parents, I cannot thank you enough for all the sacrifices that you have made to allow me to pursue my dream. I love you both so much.

2024-25 SENIOR D.O.T.Y.

Hi! My name is Cameron Janson, and I am 17 years old. I am so unbelievably honored to be able to represent Tremaine as the 2024-2025 Senior Dancer of the Year!

I began dancing at the age of 6. My sister originally started dancing, and, at the time, my studio allowed brothers to dance for free. So my mom stuck me in a hip-hop class. I immediately fell in love with dance, and the next season I joined the competition team! Ever since then, there has been something about dance that I have always been drawn to.

I have been attending Tremaine Dance Conventions since I was 9 years old. Tremaine has always been a safe space for me. I am so thankful to the entire Tremaine team for always investing in me and pushing me to be the best I can. I have been a member of the Tremaine Performing Company for the last 3 years and have never loved a program more. It has been a life-changing experience; being given the opportunity to work alongside these incredible teachers is something I would never trade for anything. It has shaped me to be the person I am today, and I am so grateful for that.

I am so blessed to have my teachers, Miss Dori, Miss Hope, Miss Amber, and Miss Bristol, who are always by my side helping me chase my dreams. I couldn’t do it without you guys. As well as my Creative Conservatory team for being there with me on all the ups and downs through this crazy world. I am so lucky to have a studio like Creative Conservatory where I can train and work to be my best version in a judge-free environment.

As I go into my senior year of high school, I look forward to representing Tremaine in such a special way. I can’t wait to continue my training this year and continue working with some of the best in the industry. I can’t wait to see what this season has in store for me!

2024-25 TEEN D.O.T.Y.

Hello! My name is Evie Richard, and I am 15 years old. I am deeply honored to be named the 2024-25 Tremaine Teen Dancer of the Year. This recognition is a dream come true!

My dance journey began at the age of three. For the past four years, I have had the privilege of training at Premier Dance in Kansas City through their pre-professional program. I am grateful for the unwavering support and mentorship of Jamie Barry and the entire Premier Dance staff. Your dedication and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth as a dancer, and I cherish all that I have learned from you.

I attended my first Tremaine convention at the age of nine. Tremaine has since become an incredible source of inspiration, thanks to the talented and kind faculty who foster a nurturing and positive environment. Three years ago, my path took an exciting turn when I was accepted into the Tremaine Performance Company. This opportunity has not only allowed me to work alongside some of the most esteemed teachers in the industry but also helped me forge lasting friendships.

I am endlessly thankful to my mom, dad, and brother for their constant support and sacrifices, enabling me to pursue my passion. You mean everything to me.

Lastly, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Joe Tremaine and the entire Tremaine team. Your belief in me and this extraordinary opportunity is truly appreciated. I eagerly anticipate the adventures and experiences the coming year will bring. Here’s to an exciting year ahead!

2024-25 TEEN D.O.T.Y.

Hi, I am Nathan Fullerton. I am a 16 year old dancer from New York City. I started dancing when I was nine, taking drop-in classes at Broadway Dance Center in styles such as street jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary. When I found Brickhouse NYC, I started training consistently in street styles and joined their training program X Factory, eventually joining their dance crew Gen XS when I was 11. Then, at 13, I moved up to their Gen Nex crew.

I didn’t start training in classical styles consistently until I was 13, which is when I joined Broadway Dance Centers competition team A.I.M. (Arts In Motion). AIM is what led me to Tremaine, as it is one of the conventions we go to every year. The Tremaine faculty helped me become a better artist and push me past my limits in every city. A moment that stands out is when Derrick gave me a solo at my first nationals. I was far from perfect, but I remember feeling so seen and special.

Starting dance later pushed me to work harder and want to be better so I can see myself as the dancer I want to be. Tremaine and all of my teachers have given me such a great support system, and I can’t thank them enough!

I’m so excited to be Teen DOTY this year and can’t wait to see all the talent in each city!

2024-25 PRE-TEEN D.O.T.Y.

Hi, my name is Anna Holley, and I am 12 years old. I am so honored and thankful to represent Tremaine as Pre-Teen Dancer of the Year for the 2024-2025 season.

I started dancing at the age of two and competed my first solo at age four. I moved to The Pointe PAC when I was five and have been training there ever since. I love my dance studio; it is my second home. I am so thankful for all my teachers that help me train as a soloist and group dancer. My studio is my family, and I love it with all my heart. I train in and love all styles of dance, but I would say that musical theatre is my favorite. With musical theatre, I feel like I am dancing, singing, and acting. I love taking theatre too.

At age seven, I attended my very first Tremaine in Dallas. I competed in a jazz solo, and it was the first time I ever became a scholarship finalist. From that moment on, I have loved Tremaine. Mrs. Tiffany called me out to do the combo all by myself, and I will never forget the way I felt during that moment. I would go home after every convention and tell my mom that I want to be just like Mrs. Tiffany. Mrs. Emily is the reason I love ballet. She teaches it in a way that I find exciting. Ms. Meghan and Ms. Becca have challenged me in musical theatre and really helped my love for musical theatre to grow, especially in the last two years. I genuinely love all the staff with all my heart. They are the best of the best and great role models.

I would like to thank Joe Tremaine, teachers, and staff for choosing me to represent Tremaine. I promise I will not let you down, and I am dedicated to being the best role model and leader and creating a legacy for other dancers to look up to and admire. Also, show them when you want something you never give up and fight with all you have until your dreams come true.

Last but not least, I want to thank God for blessing me with the gift of dance. My mom and dad for all their love, support, time, money, and commitment to me and my dreams. My sister Lauren, for being my dance role model and best friend, and Ms. Becca for pushing me, showing up at all my important events, and guiding me through this dance journey. I love my life, and I am so blessed. Tremaine 4-Life.

2024-25 PRE-TEEN D.O.T.Y.

My name is Lilyana Kimal, and I’m 13 years old. I am honored and grateful to be chosen as a 2024-2025 Pre-Teen Dancer of the Year! Dance has been a part of my life from the early age of two. I have been dancing ever since, and as a competition dancer for the past seven years.

I have always loved training in all the different styles and learning more and more during each class. I still have early memories of watching older dancers in class, feeling inspired and desiring to be just like them some day. When I first started, I still had trouble with lots of things. But each year I worked harder and put more hours in. There were moments when I felt like giving up, after all those countless hours of dancing and not seeing the progress fast enough. During those times, I was reminded by my dance teachers that consistency would eventually pay off.

When I was 10, I attended my first ever Tremaine city, and I instantly felt welcomed. The teachers were spectacular and always so encouraging of the dancers in the room, which I loved! At another city I attended, Keri personally called me out during her class, saying how much she loved my solo from the night before. It helped me feel confident about myself, and I knew I was on the right path. While I was at Tremaine Nationals in 2023, I tried out for the Tremaine Performance Company. I was intimidated by so much talent in that room! Never in a million years would I ever expect to get in. But I was incredibly shocked and blessed to hear that I had been accepted, especially because I was only 12. This past year being on the TPC has been my biggest growth year as a person and dancer. It has helped me work on a more professional level alongside amazing dancers and instructors. This year, I attended Tremaine Nationals again, and it was for sure one to remember. While I was there, I auditioned for the Dancer of the Year and was proud to be selected as a finalist. Hearing my name called out as a new Pre-Teen Dancer of the Year during the gala is one of the core memories in my life that I will never forget.

The amount of support I received from friends and family in Orlando and back home was incredible. I am so lucky to have this amazing support system. I want to thank my studio, Dance Arts Centre, owned by Jill Rieken, for helping me achieve this goal of mine. Without all of the teachers pushing me to my best ability and my friends and family cheering me on, this would have never been possible. Truly grateful for my entire dance community.

Dance quickly became more than a hobby or sport for me. It became my passion and a huge part of who I am today. I know this is just the beginning, but I look forward to continuing this journey for years to come. Thank you, Joe Tremaine and Tremaine faculty, for giving me this opportunity, which I don’t take for granted. My goal is to inspire other dancers by being my authentic self, as I truly believe the diversity of each dancer is what makes the dance community and the world more enriched.

2024-25 JUNIOR D.O.T.Y.

Hi, my name is Caiden Matthias, and I am so honored and grateful to be representing Tremaine as the 2024-2025 Junior Dancer of the Year.

Dance is the way I express my feelings when I am unable to find the words to do so. I have trained under the direction of Mr. Kenneth Owens since I was 4 years old. What started as a hobby and cutesy outfits quickly turned into a passion and love for the art of dance. I credit my training under Mr. K as one of the biggest reasons that I am where I am today. He’s instilled a drive in me to be the best, be myself, and enjoy the road to get there. I am grateful that he saw something in me at such a young age and has helped me to become the best version of myself.

Going into this past season, one of my mentors pulled me to the side and said, “I AM; it starts there! As soon as you believe it, then everything else will fall into place.” That was my mantra for the season, centered around the idea of personal and professional growth, with the ultimate objective of being recognized as DOTY. I was aware that attaining this goal would require unwavering commitment, hard work, and the ability to stay motivated through difficult times. Being DOTY has been a goal of mine since 2021. I attended my first Tremaine in 2021 and saw how amazing that year’s junior
DOTY was, and I immediately knew that was what I wanted to be. The road hasn’t been easy; it has been full of highs and lows, but it has made me who I am—resilient and ready for any challenge.

To all of my teammates at The Paradigm Dance Complex, I love you all and am so blessed to be a part of this team. We are truly a family!

To be named your 2024-2025 Junior Dancer of the Year is an amazing honor that I do not take lightly. Through my kindness, humility, and work ethic, I want to be a role model for all of the dancers that see me up on stage this upcoming season. It’s not just about dancing; it’s about who you become when you are blessed to have the opportunity to do what you love. Thank you to Mr. Joe Tremaine, the faculty, and all of the amazing people behind the scenes who make each convention better than the last. I can’t wait to embark on this journey with you all!

2024-25 JUNIOR D.O.T.Y.

Hi! I’m Hayden Reynolds; some people call me Hay Hay, and I am beyond excited and honored to be Tremaine 2024-2025 Junior Dancer of the Year! This title is something I’ve dreamed about for as long as I can remember—I even had it on my vision board before I could read!

I started dancing as soon as I could walk at West Austin Dance under the direction of my mom, Amy Swift-Reynolds, and my main instructor, Emily Anderson. Under the guidance of them and so many other instructors, I have developed a passion for this amazing art. As a 5th-generation studio kid and the 4th generation to train with Tremaine, dance is truly in my blood. Before I could even join the ballrooms, I was already at Tremaine conventions, sitting in the back, watching the older dancers with wide-eyed wonder and excitement. The actual day I turned 6 years old, I walked into a Tremaine Convention ballroom and took class officially! It was one of the best days ever!

When I was 7, I booked my first dance job with Nintendo, and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with XOMG Pop, Abby Lee Season 9, The Groovy Gang, and more!

I’m incredibly grateful to my home studio, West Austin Dance, and to all the amazing teachers and mentors who support and inspire me every day. I would be nothing without them and my amazing dance family there. I’m also super blessed to have a second dance home at Crew Studios in California when I am there, where my mentors continue to help me grow as well.

To everyone who has helped me reach this dream—thank you from the bottom of my heart. I couldn’t have done it without you! To my family, thank you for providing this incredible opportunity for me. To Joe Tremaine, Terry Lindholm, and all the amazing Tremaine staff, thank you for choosing me to represent your convention. I am honored and excited for the year!