Catching Up With Comp Star Cameron Janson

Cameron Janson has had a heck of a year. After winning Outstanding Dancer at New York City Dance Alliance and Dancer of the Year at Tremaine Dance Convention in 2024, the 18-year-old spent his weekends from November to May touring with both competitions across the U.S. On top of that, he’s been auditioning for professional gigs, and he just graduated high school.

Janson, who grew up in metro Detroit, Michigan, started taking hip-hop at age 5 after he couldn’t sit still waiting for his sister to finish her own dance classes. “I immediately fell in love,” he says. After moving to Dance Dynamics, where other boys in his classes inspired him to take his training more seriously, he later studied at Creative Conservatory of Dance and Performing Arts. He soon became a regular in the comp circuit, and in 2021 joined Tremaine’s performance company.

As for his wins at NYCDA and Tremaine last summer, “I was not expecting it at all,” he says. “I had no intention of winning them both—I just wanted to take full advantage of what those competitions offered. Walking away with both national titles blew my mind.”

Dance Spirit chatted with Janson about balancing his busy year, his favorite combo, dance idols, and more.

How did you manage your schedule this year?

I was in public school, so I did three in-person classes and three online for some flexibility.

My dance classes were Monday through Thursday from 1–8 pm. Fridays were mostly travel days—I did 18 different weekends between the two conventions—then, [on] Saturday and Sunday, we were assisting in workshop classes and working the competition. It was like that, nonstop, for weeks. But I will never take it for granted, because it was the best experience I’ve ever had.

What are some highlights of your dance journey so far?

Winning both national titles. That’s pretty much unheard of!

I also did [MSA talent agency’s] The Camp intensive last year in Los Angeles. It was one of the most eye-opening experiences to get to train with such big-name choreographers who are currently working in the industry.

Do you have a signature genre?

Definitely contemporary. But I also love a good musical-theater jazz moment.

What about your signature step?

Either a back illusion or skater turns. Whenever I’m choreographing, I always throw those in there.

What’s something that’s been challenging for you as a dancer?

Confidence in myself. Especially when people are standing there watching you dance at conventions. I tend to wonder what they’re thinking, and I get in my head, like “What if they think I’m bad?” or “What if they don’t like the way that I’m doing this combo?” I’m working on that.

Do you have a favorite combo?

I did one with Danny Lawn last summer [to 112’s “Dance With Me”], and I think it will stick with me for the rest of my life. It was one of his really big combos last summer, and I’d seen it all over Instagram. When he taught it at The Camp, I was over the moon.

What’s your backstage essential?

An Alani Nu (my favorite flavor is Cotton Candy) and AirPods. If you give me those two and say, “You go onstage in 30 minutes,” I’d be more than ready.

Do you have any dance pet peeves?

In-class distractions. And if you blatantly disrespect the teacher, I draw the line.

What are your biggest dance goals?

My dream is to be on Broadway. And later, I want to be a choreographer.

Who’s someone you’d love to work with in the future?

I would love to work with Paris Cavanagh—she’s my idol, and I’ve been following her for years. Her choreography speaks to me in a way I’d never felt before.

#TiltTuesday or #TurnTuesday?

Definitely #TurnTuesday!

Favorite food or drink?

Probably a Belgian waffle. And I love a caramel macchiato.

What are you listening to right now?

Quite a mix of things, actually. Tate McRae, and I’m also obsessed with the new Lorde album. I like a good rap house vibe. Some country, too. It depends on the day, and I can listen to anything. I think I dance in so many styles that I need some versatility in music!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Titles don’t define you. You don’t have to have a title to be a professional dancer or work in the industry. Never take anything for granted. And be true to yourself, because people will accept you for you—not a clone of someone else.

What’s your favorite thing about dance?

I think my favorite thing is the community and the friends you make. They’re such great connections, and you meet people you’ll have in your corner for the rest of your life. I think that’s such a special thing you really can’t get anywhere outside of the dance world.

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