Meet the other Artist of the Year nominees
Film and animation
Instrumental music
Vocal music
Theater
Computer-assisted visual arts
Handcrafted visual arts
The following 85 students have been nominated for the 2022 Artist of the Year in dance by teachers and private instructors at Orange County high schools and arts organizations.
This dance discipline has been divided into four specialties: commercial dance, concert dance, street dance, and world/cultural dance.
Semifinalists in each specialty will be chosen by a panel of dance teachers and announced on April 24 at ocregister.com.
The nominees are listed with an endorsement from their nominating teacher and a link to the student’s work.
COMMERCIAL DANCE
Aleena Aoun
“Aleena possesses an internal drive to learn as much as she can whenever she takes class and in any genre. She has such a strong desire to perform better technically, musically, and passionately which not only drives her but drives those around her as well. This sweet and positive spirit she possesses allows her to work with all types of students, directors and teachers.” — Jennifer Blomquist, Orange Lutheran High School
Sofia Ayala
“Sofia has always had a love for dance, and over the past few years her love of dance has only grown stronger. Sofia has really allowed herself to discover more about who she is as a person, and therefore a dancer and artist. The ‘COVID year’ that hit so many students in a negative way really allowed Sofia to step back and discover what she wanted in life.” — Andrea Oberlander, Fullerton Union High School
Cierra Bennette
“Cierra is an artist because she makes an extra effort in everything she does. She is the best technical dancer in our program and has always been humble about it. An artist will wear many hats in their career, and Cierra has already started doing just that.” — Chrissie Leong, Garden Grove High School
Jonah Blake
“I’ve had the honor of having Jonah as a student for all four years of his high school dancing career. He entered 9th grade with a great deal of energy in his dancing and potential that was raw. He has grown each year as a dancer in his technicality, his artistry, and in his confidence.” — Andrea Oberlander, Fullerton Union High School
David Burn
“As a natural leader, David has earned the respect of teammates, peers and faculty because he leads by example with kindness and integrity in and out of the dance studio. As an active member of our campus Arts community, David positively influences fellow artists, while forging new paths for artists like himself and many who look to him as inspiration.” — Leiana Volen, Sunny Hills High School
Mackenzie Clark
“Mackenzie is an incredibly talented dancer and choreographer. Her infectious stage presence and effortless transitions make her of crowd favorite on our stage. Mackenzie has trained in multiple styles of dance including contemporary, jazz, and lyrical. Something that sets Mackenzie apart from other dancers is her artistic vision to spread positivity through dance. Her bubbly personality makes her talent shine all the brighter.” — Taylor Finnerty, Trabuco Hills High School
Jaden DaRe
“Jaden is a standout dancer and performer. Whether she is dancing on the stage for a full house or running a routine for the hundredth time, she gives it her all and pushes herself as a dancer. She brings a special performance quality to all her pieces; something that is innate and natural and is not easily taught. Jaden’s artistic vision to grasp the bigger picture and perform at her highest capability is part of what makes her such an interesting dancer to watch.” — Taylor Finnerty, Trabuco Hills High School
Lillian Demman
“Through hurdles and fears of reinjury, we were thrilled to have Lily dancing again just as she did prior to her injury, only with a brace for added protection. When Lily dances, you can see her joy, you can feel her emotion, you can truly tell that she is so beyond happy to be out there once again. In addition to her dance talents, Lily is an inspiration to her younger teammates acting as a wonderful leader and peer mentor to them. She pushes herself and pushes her teammates to be better dancers and young adults each and every day.” — Lissy Burboa, Rosary Academy
Samantha Dwyer
“Sam has been a dance captain for our school’s musicals since her sophomore year. Sam’s ability to not only execute choreography beautifully and with ease, but also to serve as an example to her peers is what really makes Sam a standout performer. She is always prepared to dance, and more importantly, is always willing to help out those having trouble.” — Ella Wyatt, San Clemente High School
Mylah Elisaldez
“Mylah has something special about her when she is dancing. She feels her music, she feels her choreography, and she is living in the moment. I think she embodies what represents an “Artist of the Year” due to her ability to express herself so vulnerably, but to also extend beyond her comfort zone as a dancer.” — Andrea Oberlander, Fullerton Union High School
Rylie Mackenzie Forbes
“Rylie brings a strength and control to her movement and her tricks that most dancers her age are not capable of. To go along with her talent, Rylie has a motivation to remain diligent in perfecting her craft. She is very self-aware of her strengths as a dancer and what she wants to continue to focus on. Rylie also has a strong sense of inner competition that motivates her to work to her fullest ability day in and day out.” — Arielle Kalina, Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Jordyn Forsdick-Stevenson
“Jordyn has the ability to create beautiful dances and intricate choreography that highlight the dancers in an amazing way. She has a style that is strong, unique and graceful. She works well with a team and also can lead by example. She is mature beyond her years but most importantly, she is talented and that shows in the pieces that she creates.” — Lindsey Lee, Dana Hills High School
Riley Fox
“She has one of the most creative and intelligent minds and she uses that to create the most beautiful dances for her peers. I always see her working during her lunch break and after school to create these pieces and they are always my favorite.” — Lindsey Lee, Dana Hills High School
Grace Giranda
“Grace Giranda is a beautiful and gifted dancer. She is trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and broadway dance. She has been a featured dancer in all of my musical theater productions. I’m so proud of Grace’s beautiful talents that grace our stage but also her grit and positive attitude and love of dance!” — Kirsti McCleary, San Clemente High School
Devin Glass
“In my years of teaching, I have only come across a few students who are truly captivating to watch. Devin Glass is one of those students. Devin came into my program already very talented with a lot of training, performance experience, and just an overall natural ability to entertain. Devin has continued to gain in technicality, but also his artistry has expanded so much over the past year and a half.” — Andrea Oberlander, Fullerton Union High School
Mercedes Granese
“She trains in many genres and excels in all of them. She’s now a junior and has made it to the advanced level program. It’s so satisfying watching someone with talent and drive accomplish their goal. She works well in both small and large groups and is considered a leader amongst her peers.” — Kristine Calder, San Juan Hills High School
Shayne Gray
“Shayne is a beautifully expressive dancer. She performs a variety of styles. She is willing to look for ways to make every performance a little better. She reflects, not to condemn past shortcomings, but to illuminate future possibilities. This is the artist in Shayne: To perform, skillfully. To reflect, thoughtfully. To apply new knowledge, diligently. To perform, beautifully.” — Susan Lord, Laguna Hills High School
Jacey Greene
“The phrase tiny but mighty describes Jacey to a tee. She is a ball energy and such a gift to our program. She is positive, kind, outgoing and a leader her peers admire. As artist, she is serious and knows her body well. She trains hard and is very passionate about the art form.” — Kristine Calder, San Juan Hills High School
Sophia Lauren Grosso
Sophia Lauren Grosso of La Habra, a senior studying at La Habra High School, is a dance nominee in the specialty of commercial dance for Artist of the Year in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Sophia Lauren Grosso)
“Sophia Grosso is a very elegant dancer. She is the eldest of three sisters and daughter to a mother who is a dance studio owner. Dance has been in her blood for generations. Her technique is flawless and her beauty and grace exude from the stage. Beyond her being a talented dancer and choreographer, she is an excellent teacher and leader.” — Teri Ross, La Habra High School
Taylor Harvey
“She is always professional when working with her peers and always strives for academic excellence. She is the type of student that is dependable, comes to class prepared, and gives 100 percent in whatever she is doing. Her positive attitude and openness to feedback means she is always learning and growing as a learner, an impressive strength that will continue to serve her well.” — Lauren Shimabukuro, San Clemente High School
Caroline Kinsey
“Caroline is a caring, passionate, and fluid dancer. She is not only able to learn choreography quickly while adding her own personality to it, but she also can create movement that is innovative, inspiring to her peers, and textured. Her musicality is top notch and she dances well within the pocket of music. Caroline is grounded while also lifted, and her ability to move through space is long, lean, and limitless.” — Kirsten Harvey, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Ava McCoy
“As a dancer, Ava exceeds all expectations a teacher and a choreographer has. She has immaculate technique, strong dynamic range, the determination to continue to grow, and a performance factor that lights up a stage. Ava holds a confidence in her dancing that motivates her to always work to her fullest potential and beyond. She never settles. Instead, she consistently challenges herself to achieve a higher level of skill and artistry. When watching her perform, she demonstrates a mix of athleticism and authentic connection within her movement.” — Arielle Kalina, Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Makayla Middleton
“Makayla’s interpretation of any movement style she if working on always brings out a different side to the choreography. She understands what makes movement interesting to the viewer and capitalizes on that in her performance. Makayla has a very mature understanding of dance as an art form and how to create a clear intention behind every movement.” — Arielle Kalina, Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Haruka Noda
Haruka Noda of Irvine, a senior studying at Portola High School, is a dance nominee in the specialty of commercial dance for Artist of the Year in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Yoko Noda)
“Haruka is an engaging and graceful performer who has the rare ability to balance precision and clarity with release and emotional intention in her movement. Despite her constant drive and pursuit of excellence in her studies both inside and outside of the studio, she carries herself with effortless confidence as a dancer, student, and young woman.” — Samantha Gardner, Portola High School
Ava Olsen
“When I think of Ava, I think heart of gold. She is one of the kindest and most humble students I’ve ever had. Her work ethic is astounding. She gives 150% all the time. She takes correction well and will adapt to changes quickly. She is driven and passionate about the art form.” — Kristine Calder, San Juan Hills High School
Emma Parker
“Emma Parker is an extraordinary dancer. She can dance any style with perfection and ease. She has been studying dance since she was 4 years old. She takes classes regularly and is a leader at her studio and also in our performing arts: show choir program at Kennedy. She is our dance captain and choreographer. She is truly the definition of ‘remarkable.’” — Janae West, John F. Kennedy High School
Janna Redmond
“Not only does she possess technique that impresses anyone that watches her, but her love for the art is so evident in her performance. To go along with her unmatched talent, Janna is one of the most humble and kind-hearted dancers anyone will ever meet. She loves to motivate others to work to be their very best and constantly champions her teammates and peers’ successes. Building others up is one of the reasons Janna loves dances so much and also why she was chosen as a senior captain and soloist.” — Arielle Kalina, Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Jane Retzlaff
“What has been my privilege to watch and instruct, is the development of her artistry over the past few years. She has developed from simply doing steps well, to truly dancing. She is expressing and creating artwork now through her movement. She pays attention to movement, intention of movement and quality movement. That paired with her musicality makes her unstoppable.” — Andrea Taylor, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
Kate G. Romero
“Kate is a strong talented individual who separates her time between her academics and dance. Kate comes into class with a smile and energy that radiates throughout her peers. She offers encouragement and assistance to those who struggle with certain sections and is inclusive of all various skill levels. Kate is always open to trying different dance styles and is an eager learner in which she is always willing to try different movement skills that are brand new to her. Kate is fearless when she dances and as she steps out into her everyday life.” — Elizabeth Varela, Katella High School
Kelley Lauren Rood
“I can say with immense confidence that she is a true gem as both a dancer and a human. Kelley is a fast learner that can adapt to any style and execute with consistency and maturity in her movement qualities. No matter the style of dance, Kelley is a stand out, picking up every detail and making magic in her textures, technique, and performance. She is a true artist in the way she moves.” — Rochelle Mapes, Mater Dei High School
Mina Shaffer
“Mina Shaffer has grown so much over the past four years. From a shy, quiet freshman to a bold, confident senior. I believe that dance has truly played a part in that change. She continues to strive for excellence and challenge herself in dance. Her technique is superb and her quality of movement is beyond her years. I can always count on her to take the choreography that I present and bring it to life.” — Kelly Mora, Crean Lutheran High School
Ashley Shanahan
“Ashley is an amazingly talented, focused, and poised young dancer. She is able to perform in a variety of genres including contemporary, jazz, musical theater, ballet, and is open to learning new styles presented to her. Her technique is incredible, including control of movement, flexibility, strength, attack and dynamic range, musicality, and her performance qualities draw the audience into her story.” — Kirsten Harvey, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Danielle Silver
“Danielle Silver is an artist of perseverance, fortitude, strength and ‘extra-ordinary’ talent. Danielle’s integral standard of excellence and passion of dance has also allowed her to stay dedicated to a healthy life/dance balance recovering from a serious back injury in 7th grade. Danielle’s facility was ideal for dance with incredible flexibility, strength and extension. Her ability to understand and replicate various choreography given to her is lightening quick. Her ability to focus and master Fosse choreography, and Martha Graham technique in minutes rivals professionals.” — Marlene Hall, Orange County School of the Arts
Unique Tellez
“Unique Tellez is not only an outstanding dancer, performer, and choreographer, but she is one of the best leaders I have had in my 35 years of teaching. She may be tiny in stature, but she can fill an entire stage with her grace and talent. Her beautiful technique is outstanding and her choreography is always intricate and satisfying to watch. The dances that she produces are always the audience’s favorites and her fellow dancers always vie to be in one of her creations.” — Teri Ross, La Habra High School
Danielle Thayer-Pham
“Danielle is a reliable dancer who cares about her team and the art of dance. She has gotten to her competitive level in spite of any challenges because she is willing to put in the work to improve herself. She is happy to get feedback on her dancing and strives to take the corrections and implement them daily. She is consistent and committed in practice and performance. She is also versatile in that she is proficient in the styles of jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theater.” — Cassandra Gaona, Woodbridge High School
Samantha Thayer-Pham
“When watching Samantha perform, I feel pulled in by her charisma and stage presence. I can feel the energy coming from her fingertips. She gives 100% during every rehearsal while identifying her areas of growth and practicing to improve in those areas. She has spent upwards of 14 hours with the team per week on top of her outside dance training and choreographing for campus events. Samantha’s ability to feel comfortable on stage has translated well into being confident in front of crowds of people in other situations too. It has also given her incredible resilience.” — Hanne Schmidt, Woodbridge High School
Charlotte Tonelli
“As a dancer, Charlie is intentional, powerful, and creative. She moves with a precision and groundedness that is rare among young dancers. In her choreography, Charlie pushes her dancers beyond their comfort zones, and works to challenge her teammates with innovative and technically demanding choreography. She is collaborative in her work and is clear in her choreographic vision.” — Samantha Gardner, Portola High School
Reagan Vallejo
“She commands the stage and embodies character and emotion while dancing. She always tells a story, which is so crucial to a successful performance. Reagan approaches all of her characters and work with an eager heart to create and be creative.” — Charna Lopez, Orange County School of the Arts
Kendal Alicia Villa
“Kendal’s heart makes her truly stand out. She has a beyond teachable gift of interpretation and expression that draws the audience in and makes them feel as deeply and emotionally as she does. In addition, her strength and movement quality set her apart as a dancer. Kendal’s love and commitment to her craft pours into her performance. Her natural ability and potential are limitless.” — Rikki Jones, Los Alamitos High School
Leah Weiss
“Leah is a passionate, driven, and caring dancer. She is able to learn and choreograph a variety of dance styles including contemporary, jazz, musical theater, and ballet. Her technical ability is strong, grounded, and delicately intriguing. Leah is a delightful leader and supportive energy in the classroom.” — Kirsten Harvey, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Micayli Wells
“Micayli Wells quite possibly has the best work ethic I have ever seen in a young dancer. She is continually working to improve, to push herself through that pesky self-doubt, and to be the best version of herself inside and outside of the dance studio. She radiates positivity and happiness in class but when she is dancing she is able to switch gears and express the emotion needed to tell the story. I have seen her find her artistic voice and really excel in her choreography this year.” — Kelly Mora, Crean Lutheran High School
Emma Yagi
“There are some students that just rise to the top, Emma Yagi is one of them. In a group of superior dancers Emma’s influence was one of dedication to their craft, reliability to their fellow dancers and hard work to their choreographers. Emma has been dancing most of their life, enrolled in jazz, tap and ballet classes at a local studio whose owners can’t say enough good things about them.” — Andrea Taylor, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
Amelia Yum
“I am impressed with Amelia’s confidence as an artist. As a performer, committed to every movement, she demands your attention. As a choreographer, she takes inspiration from everything around her and creates her own style. She is truly unique in telling her own stories, moves with a purpose, pushes herself to strive for excellence.” — Judy Scialpi, Northwood High School
Kaelyn Zhou
“Kaelyn is an exceptionally talented dancer. From her first day on the team as a freshman, she was selected as a standout performer and has always been included in the elite dances for our team, often as a soloist. She is a beautiful, committed artist who works hard to achieve the highest caliber performance she is capable of in both rehearsal and show. She has extraordinary technique which is evidence of her years of commitment and hard work.” — Hanne Schmidt, Woodbridge High School
Kate Zimmerman
“Dance is her passion and that is evident every single time she takes the stage. She is an experienced choreographer and a respected teacher among her peers. She is determined, driven and passionate about the pieces that she creates.” — Lindsey Lee, Dana Hills High School
CONCERT DANCE
Michaela Capulong
“I have been training Michaela in classical ballet for 6 years. I recognized Michaela’s talent for classical dance very early on when she began training with me at Hudson Dance Academy. Michaela is also equally trained in jazz, hip hop, contemporary and currently modern dance. Michaela is a new member of the Performing Company Ensemble as well for the Academy and is showing interest in many diverse styles of dance.” — Brande Dunn, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
Karla Castillo
“Karla is an exceptional student continually pushing herself in flexibility and skill level. She is very goal-orientated to which she pushed herself beyond her comfort zone to meet the expectations of certain dance styles. Although at times she is critical of her own skill level, she processes feedback and applies it almost immediately in not only her dancing but in other matters. Karla, is a joy to have in class she always comes in with a smile and willingness to learn everyday.” — Elizabeth Varela, Katella High School
Emmy Cheung
“Emmy cares a great deal about other people. She is a kind and compassionate person. She’s also a very talented dancer. I currently have her in my contemporary dance class where she constantly shines and impresses me with nuanced articulation of the movement, natural performance qualities, and impeccable technical skills.” — Nicole Begrer, Orange County School of the Arts
Bella Rose Dunn
“I have been training Bella in many different areas as her ballet teacher, director of APA’s ballet ensemble and also as her French teacher. Seeing Bella not only in an artistic arena, but also in an academic atmosphere has allowed me to recognize her many special talents and dedication to learning and growing as a student, dancer and young lady.” — Brande Dunn, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
Alexia Estrada
“Alexia has served as a captain for our Dance Production team for two years, and in that time has choreographed a deal of dance pieces. She has stretched herself to find new ways to grow as a choreographer and I’m very proud of her for that. I believe her ‘tiny but mighty’ persona will get her far in her career.” — Andrea Oberlander, Fullerton Union High School
Valeria Flores
“Every day in class she pushes herself to be the best version of herself not only in terms of dance but also as an individual. She is open to aiding others in learning choreography being taught as well as aiding in the process of creating original pieces of work. Valeria is open to experimenting with different dance styles and is unafraid to push herself out of her comfort zone.” — Elizabeth Varela, Katella High School
Nicole Frias Lugo
“She is a diverse dancer, having a good command on both ballet and modern genres. She is making impressive strides in her senior year, deepening her nuanced movement and unique style in modern and continues to build upon a beautifully expressive upper torso in ballet. Nicole has an incredibly mature sense of suspension and release, utilizing both equally and allowing these qualities to inform her movement decisions.” — Steven B. Hyde, Orange County School of the Arts
Sarah Riane Hart
“Miss Hart is a gifted dancer who displays considerable promise as a choreographer. She is driven, respectful, and intuitive and I am confident she will achieve success as a dancer. As a dancer, Sarah’s movement style is quirky and unique, as is her choreography. Her movement invention is organic and displays her individuality, while also emphasizing her technical strengths.” — Marie Hoffman, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
Malia Holdredge
“Something that sets Malia apart from other dancers is her artistic vision to incorporate emotional levels into every performance. As a dancer, she is drawn to challenging pieces that speak to the heart and have a strong emotional meaning; as a choreographer, she knows how to read her target audience perfectly and never ceases to give them what they want.” — Taylor Finnerty, Trabuco Hills High School
Andrea Leon
“I have seen her step outside of her comfort zone and challenge herself to grow as a dancer. Andrea brings such a creative and unique style to our program. When watching her perform, the audience gets drawn in. She has a special way of making every bit of choreography and movement her own. Her dynamic and performance interpretation makes a choreographer see their movement in a different light. She pays such an attention to detail with her body movement that truly make her performance standout from the rest. Her love and passion for dance is clear when she moves.” — Arielle Kalina, Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Tara Meany
“She is a dancer who enjoys stepping outside of her comfort zone to try new things and also to take on styles that may feel unfamiliar to her. She has tremendous talent and a captivating stage presence to go along with her quirky abilities in her movement. It was only fitting that Tara was selecting as a junior year soloist to showcase her art. As a student, Tara brings a focus and work ethic that exceeds expectations.” — Arielle Kalina, Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Leslie Guadalupe Munoz
Leslie Guadalupe Munoz of Anaheim, a senior studying at Katella High School, is a dance nominee in the specialty of concert dance for Artist of the Year in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Prestige Photography)
“Although she has had to overcome some personal obstacles throughout her life this has not stopped her. … Instead it seems to motivate her to push forward and branch out to do more than others before her. As a senior, instead of enjoying her final year before entering adulthood she opted to begin working and has already begun to think of where she will go next.” — Elizabeth Varela, Katella High School
Abigail Murphy
“She is ambitious and finds the most productive ways to get what she wants without bringing others down. I have supervised her as she actively sought out opportunities for awards programs including the Congressional Bronze Award. What I found most impressive during this process was her self taught and motivated learning where she worked on developing her pointe skills at home, during school tutorials/lunches, and in a production of ‘The Nutcracker.’ Abigail’s drive has pushed her to become the beautiful dancer she is; one with a stunning ability to seamlessly meld the soft flow of ballet with hard hitting, intricate movements found in contemporary.” — Hanne Schmidt, Woodbridge High School
Alisa Nguyen
“Gia-Lac (Alisa) has an impeccable work ethic, an attribute that has served her progression well. She continues to show steady growth as a dancer and artist and has grown exponentially in her modern movement and building on her unique voice as a dancer. She has a lovely nuanced quality to her expressive upper body presentation and possesses a fearlessness that is captivating and bold.” — Steven B. Hyde, Orange County School of the Arts
Jamie Redmond
“Jamie is a unique dancer, in that she can adapt to any style and movement that is given to her and make it look like her specialty as an artist. The dynamic range that she performs with truly goes unmatched. Jamie is also a dancer that does not shy away from a challenge. She will work for something until she is successful.” — Arielle Kalina, Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Elizabeth Rhineer
“As a freshman in my class Lizzie was curious, hard working and smart. She would watch the upperclassmen taking class aspiring to one day dance in the mainstage concerts or school assemblies. Now in her senior year she is leading the way like she’s been doing this her whole life: dancing in school assemblies, performing nationally and internationally with our dance company as well as aiding, and sometimes teaching my Modern dance class. Yes, she has come full circle and is such an inspiration to her fellow classmates.” — Andrea Taylor, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
Natalie Shirota
“Natalie is the type of person you can count on to keep a cool head in a stressful situation, and her positive attitude is contagious. She has great choreographic skills, offering innovative ideas and creating exciting work as a soloist and as she works with the team. Her versatility in dance styles and ingenious choreographic talent.” — Alison Wills Ed.D., Troy High School
MK Sills
“I always enjoy watching her tap. When she taps, you can feel her joy. She can interpret emotion to sound. She’s is also very quiet, humble and kind. The girl who thinks of others and is compassionate. She is very easy going and has a ‘go with the flow’ attitude. I love having MK in the dance program.” — Kristine Calder, San Juan Hills High School
Yuki Tanizaki
“Yuki is an incredibly talented dancer and choreographer. The fluidity and effortless movements of her dancing makes you forget that you are watching a high school dancer and makes you feel like you are in the presence of a professional. She has trained in multiple styles of dance including ballet, contemporary, and jazz. Yuki also choreographs and teaches her peers at Trabuco in the advanced Dance Production class. Watching Yuki’s choreography come to life on stage is always thrilling and heartfelt. Her choreography and artistry is passionate and she always brings a message and a voice to the movement she conveys on stage.” — Taylor Finnerty, Trabuco Hills High School
Megan Tillotson
“Megan is a skilled technician. She trains in various forms of dance but her main focus is ballet. She would like to be part of a company someday and travel the world using her artform. She commands the stage with her beautiful lines and technical prowess. I truly believe she will be part of a company someday. I just adore how sweet and hardworking she is.” — Kristine Calder, San Juan Hills High School
Brianna Nicole Velez
“Brianna is a dancer with amazing heart and soul. I have had the pleasure of choreographing Brianna in two musical productions at Santa Margarita Catholic High School (‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’ in 2021 and ‘The Fantasticks’ in 2022). Brianna was our lead dancer for both and her contribution to not just dancing, but singing and acting as well, makes Brianna one of the most varsity talents here at school.” — Casey Garritano, Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Amelie Jolie Vidrio
“They have a unique way of moving that integrates their varied training, but can only be defined as ‘Amelie.’ They are, and have always been, their own dancer in a world where replication reigns. They create and move with an incredibly mature sense of their authentic and personal movement style. Amelie’s unique voice stems from the multidimensional relationship between a performer, choreography, and the audience.” — Steven B. Hyde, Orange County School of the Arts
Holly Walker
“Holly’s words are flexible and powerful. She is a fierce dancer and will captivate you with her strength. Both in her movement and performance quality. She has grown so much the last couple of years especially in confidence and leadership. I’ve noticed that she has gone beyond her ‘bubble.’ I’ve enjoyed watching this growth because she is an exemplary artist. I love watching her do her art.” — Kristine Calder, San Juan Hills High School
Amanda White
“Amanda is one of those types of students that you wish you could have in your class forever. She’s one of the hardest working dancers I know, but she doesn’t show it on her face or in her actions that she is tired or may be working with difficult choreography. She is focused and driven.” — Andrea Oberlander, Fullerton Union High School
STREET DANCE
Ella Biagtan
“Ella is an incredibly talented dancer in every form. She can transition from hip-hop to heartfelt contemporary with ease and is able to excel at all dance genres. Her vivacious stage presence and ability to hit the choreography with such fierce strength make her a must watch dancer.” — Taylor Finnerty, Trabuco Hills High School
Maddie Burks
“Her positive attitude and openness to feedback means she is always reflecting and growing as a learner. Maddie is a phenomenal dancer and has a talent for choreography. Her style of mixing contemporary and hip-hop is unique and fresh. Her determination, combined with her passion for dance, leads me to believe there will be no limit to her growth and achievements in college and beyond.” — Lauren Shimabukuro, San Clemente High School
Se Eun (Sarah) Cheon
“Not only is Sarah a dynamic performer and entertainer, but she is also a hardworking and dedicated teammate. This year she has had the opportunity to grow as a choreographer and leader within our class. She is developing her own personal style through choreographing our pep rally performances and share her creativity with the class.” — Megan Morphis, Crean Lutheran High School
Jade Gutierrez
“She is a captivating, passionate performer who draws you in with her eyes and her infectious smile (when not covered by a mask). She has the perfect combination of the hard hitting attack you would expect from a Hip-Hop dancer as well as the nuanced smooth flow in movement that has become so popular as the Hip-Hop style has evolved. You can always look to her as an example in her skill, rehearsal etiquette, and in following team expectations.” — Hanne Schmidt, Woodbridge High School
Emma Hill
“She began her dance career in our Advanced Dance class, but moved up to Dance Production her sophomore year. This jump was so good for her and pushed her to continue to improve. I saw a major switch in her, especially in her hip-hop style, that was so confident and strong. I have loved watching her tackle that style and make it her own.” — Andrea Oberlander, Fullerton Union High School
Natlie Monroy Chavez
“Natalie came to Fullerton with such energy that was (and still is!) contagious. She’s an infectious person, and she carries that quality about her into her dancing. Natalie started training at the junior high level, but was mostly self taught.” — Andrea Oberlander, Fullerton Union High School
Sabrina Nguyen
“Junior year she focused on growing as a dancer, over ZOOM for a year. Where many members became disheartened over the lack of performances, Sabrina was thinking about the promise of next year. Sabrina has studied house, locking, waacking, hip-hop/new jack. She blends these into an Open Style and combines them with today’s trends. I have no doubt we will see much of her choreography in our showcase this year.” — Carmel Gabriel, La Quinta High School
Steven Schulte
“Steven became interested in dance after watching his sisters excel at their art for years, but quickly set himself apart from following in anyone’s shadow. He lights up the stage with his amazing stage presence and hits those hard-hitting moves like a true street dancer. His choreography is always fresh and his routines are always a crowd favorite on our stage.” — Taylor Finnerty, Trabuco Hills High School
Cole Thompson
“Each year Cole has continued to grow in their technique and performance quality, but I have been most impressed with Cole’s growth as a choreographer. I have seen Cole push themselves to dance in their style, but to not make it look the same every time. Most high school choreographers can struggle with this, but Cole faced the issue head on.” — Andrea Oberlander, Fullerton Union High School
WORLD/CULTURAL DANCE
Hannah Ayala
“Hannah has shown so much diversity by throwing herself into a myriad of dance styles. By doing this, she has brought a whole new artistry to her dancing and performances. Her potential for growth is astounding, and am looking forward to nurturing this passion of dance within her. She is willing and anxious for more information always, and is very respectful and helpful in a class setting.” — Briana Suakjian, Orange County School of the Arts
Kiki Benedict
Kiki Benedict of Santa Ana, a senior studying at Arnold O. Beckman High School, is a dance nominee in the specialty of world/cultural dance for Artist of the Year in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Theresa Benedict)
“She twirls a baton as our resident Majorette. This means she is a one-woman section and must work extremely hard to showcase her skills through solo work. She is always front and center and leading by example. She translates this attitude to everything she does. I find her in and around the band room every day, working on other things for other classes, and she brings the same energy in all that she does.” — Matt Bausman, Arnold O. Beckman High School
Mia Amaris Lopez
“When I think of Mia Lopez, the picture that comes to mind is the consummate dance artist. Consistently practicing, training, asking questions, reviewing over and over again to ensure she knows the material, additionally helping her peers when needed. Mia understands the teamwork involved in presenting this dance form as it is mostly ensemble work, therefore helping others learn and execute dance movement at its best helps the performance present at its best.” — Marlene Pena-Marin, Orange County School of the Arts
Anika Nandakumar
“I came to know Anika because of her involvement in the marching band and the orchestra at Beckman High School. She is a hard working string bass player who made our top group as a junior. However I was introduced to her forte in her dance talent, that of classical Indian dancing. She is an exceptionally gifted dancer and I believe her talent gives this recognition program a wealth of diversity.” — Jim Kollias, Arnold O. Beckman High School
Mindy T. Pham
“Everything Mindy does has a unique artistic flair. Whether it be designing a shirt or doing a two finger dance, Mindy takes the time and her work is excellent. Mindy has no formal training, she has never taken a dance class outside of school and was not raised with outside lessons. Mindy has truly taken every assignment with care, no matter how big or how small. Mindy sees art wherever she goes — a true sign of an artist!” — Chrissie Leong, Garden Grove High School
Joshua Qin
“Joshua Qin an extremely impressive artist in the many dance styles of ballroom and Latin dance, and, the more I learn about Joshua, the more amazed I am at what a well-rounded person he is and the many leadership qualities he brings to everything he does. As an artist, Joshua is also an accomplished pianist, and I can see how he uses his musicality of this artform to influence his performance in the nine different music stylings of ballroom and Latin dance.” — Robert Porch, Orange County School of the Arts
Hana Uehara
“Hana Uehara is an extremely talented ballroom and latin dancer who uses every class as an opportunity to expand her knowledge and technique in these artforms. Along with her extremely high-level technique and performance of these dances, Hana has a vision for using her knowledge of this artform in creative ways to improve the lives of less fortunate people in her community.” — Robert Porch, Orange County School of the Arts