Catching Up With History-Making Comp Stars Ian Stegeman and Cameron Voorhees
What happens when you win Best Dancer at The Dance Awards’ Nationals in every age division? You make history. What about when two dancers do it, nearly in all the same years? Double history.
That’s what happened for 18-year-old competition stars Ian Stegeman and Cameron Voorhees. Over the past decade, each dancer has taken first in the Mini, Junior, Teen, and Senior categories at The Dance Awards’ Orlando or Las Vegas Nationals, with their most recent wins in July.
The two dancers, who have also racked up titles at competitions like Radix, New York City Dance Alliance, and Nuvo Dance Competition, have grown pretty close. They’re both YoungArts Awards winners (Stegeman in 2024 and Voorhees in 2026) and have the same must-dance quality to their movement. Now, as they each venture into the world of college dance, they’re taking a moment to reflect on their trajectories, dreams, and more.
Ian Stegeman
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Training: Woodbury Dance Center, Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (St. Paul, MN)
Currently: Dance BFA at New York University
What are some of your career highlights thus far?
Performing at National YoungArts Week in Miami, the Industry Dance Awards cancer benefit show, and DanceOne Summit’s A.C.E. Awards. Also, attending the Nederlands Dans Theater summer intensive, choreographing my first-ever group piece for a capstone project, and my experiences at The Dance Awards, NYCDA, and Radix over the years.
What is your favorite dance genre?
My favorite is contemporary, but I really enjoy house and tap!
Do you have a favorite memory onstage or during a convention?
One of the craziest, most vivid memories I have was dancing in the Protégé Challenge Dance-Off as a first-year teen at Radix Nationals in 2022.
Who are some artists you’d love to work with one day?
I have learned some of her repertoire before, so sharing the space with Crystal Pite in person would be extraordinary. I would also treasure the opportunity to take a Gaga class from Ohad Naharin himself.
Do you have a dance idol?
I am inspired by numerous dance artists. But if I had to choose someone in particular, I’ve appreciated following Tamisha Guy ever since I took her class a few years ago at Steps on Broadway.
What are some of your dance dreams?
To travel abroad for a performance or company tour, and to study butoh.
What’s your backstage essential?
A pack of tissues. 🙂
Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show?
I am obsessed with watching WNBA games.
What is your dance motto?
“Nothing to prove, only to share.” (My tap teacher, Bruce DeMorrow, often repeats this quote.)
Cameron Voorhees
Hometown: Elmira, NY
Training: Private training with Arian Keddell, CLI Conservatory (online), CCJ Conservatory (Columbia, SC)
Currently: Dance performance BFA at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance
How did you begin dancing?
My dance journey began at the age of 2 as a way of corrective therapy for my extreme femoral anteversion. I then transitioned from strictly ballet to other styles and conventions, which helped me gain my sense of versatility and belonging in the dance community.
What are some of your career highlights thus far?
Winning gold at the 2026 National YoungArts Week in Miami, as well as a nomination for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. This summer I was also named the first female dancer to ever win The Dance Awards’ Best Dancer title for all four age categories, alongside the wonderful Ian Stegeman! Also, being able to design my own dancewear with Tiger Friday and see other dancers wearing it.
What’s your signature step?
Probably anything floorwork related!
What’s your ideal class outfit?
Some nice baggy pants, a loose-fitting tank, and some fun, colorful socks! For ballet, I love a high-cut leo, skin-tone tights, a long skirt, and legwarmers.
Do you have a favorite combo?
If I had to pick only one, I would have to say it was a class I took in Orem, UT, at the Tiger Friday Studio with choreographer Holden Maples. It was to “Sushi,” by FKA twigs, and it was so much fun and out of my comfort zone. I love when things feel equally challenging for my brain and body. Holden’s work is exactly that.
Who are some artists you’d love to work with one day?
Rafael Bonachela, William Forsythe, Justin Peck, Crystal Pite, and Kyle Abraham.
Do you have any dance dreams?
I would love to dance in a company in Europe or Australia one day! It’s also a dream of mine to choreograph and become a rehearsal director for a major company.
What is your dance motto?
Some words that I constantly like to live by are to take everything step by step, day by day, minute by minute. You can’t worry about the future and stay present at the same time.
Do you have any fun facts?
I love rock climbing, specifically top-rope climbing!
