The following 16 students have been named as semifinalists for the 2025 Artist of the Year in dance out of 126 nominees. The students were chosen by a panel of teachers based on written statements, performance videos and artistic résumés.
Students are placed into divisions based on the number of years they have been studying dance. Students with a combination of five years of dance training in middle school, high school and private training are placed into Division 1. Students with less than five years of combined training are placed into Division 2. A minimum of two Division 2 students are guaranteed to be invited to be semifinalists.
Meet the other semifinalists
Film & TV Theater Instrmental music Vocal music Fine arts Media artsDuring the final round of adjudication, students are interviewed by a panel of distinguished artistic professionals and faculty members from Southern California colleges. Interviews include a live presentation by the student followed by a conversation with the student.
Five top students will be chosen in each discipline — four finalists plus the Artist of the Year. The finalists and Artists of the Year will be announced next Sunday, April 27 online and in print in a special section of The Orange County Register.
On Wednesday, May 7, an awards celebration will be held at Memorial Hall on the campus of Chapman University and is free and open to the public. This event will include performances and presentations by the top students.
This program is generously sponsored by the Chapman University College of Performing Arts and Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Additional support is provided by Arts Orange County and individual donors.
If you would like to support Artist of the Year with a donation, you can contribute here. Donations will be made to Arts Orange County on behalf of Artist of the Year.
If you are interested in helping Artist of the Year grow by becoming a sponsor of this program, send an email to ocartistoftheyear@aoy.scng.com.
Clara Lynn Cestone, senior, Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Division 1
“What excites me most about dance is its ambiguity of interpretation. Unlike spoken language, movement allows for multiple meanings, shaped by the audience’s own experiences and emotions. I intentionally craft my performances to evoke various interpretations, inviting viewers to connect with the work in personal ways. Rather than dictating a single message, I aim to create space for individual reflection and emotional resonance.”
Kameron Couch, senior, Orange County School of the Arts
Division 1
Kameron Couch of Irvine, a senior studying at Orange County School of the Arts, is a dance nominee for Artist of the Year in 2025. (Photo courtesy of Gail Bowman)See artist’s video
“I have always found immense joy and fulfillment in being in the studio. Whether practicing new moves, perfecting a routine, or simply feeling the rhythm of the music, the studio has always been where I feel most alive. This passion drives me to continuously challenge myself and seek new opportunities for growth in dance. The excitement of exploring different styles, the satisfaction of improving my technique, and the joy of performing all fuel my desire to take my dance journey to a higher level.”
Rio Gomez, junior, Fullerton Union High School
Division 1
“I want my art to foster a sense of community. Within my tap dance community, I often incorporate references to historical dance material to carry on the legacy and tradition. I will continue doing this so I can expose new audiences to the rich history of tap dance. In addition, my choreography and dancing explores human emotions and experiences that other people can relate to in their own way. I want my dance to be something that connects humanity as a whole.”
Carissa Hsu, junior, Orange County School of the Arts
Division 1
“I believe being an artist — specifically a dancer — means expressing what words cannot through movement. As a performer, I translate emotions into motion, creating art that speaks without a voice. But being an artist also means embracing vulnerability, pouring sweat, blood, and tears into a craft without knowing how it will be received. This raw openness is what makes dance so beautiful; every artist brings their unique experiences and emotions to their work.”
Delila Kooiman, senior, Capistrano Valley High School
Division 1
“Little girls in hospital beds dream of the chance to dance. Those who can’t afford classes twirl around at home, hoping for the day they can perform on stage. If I’m tired, I’ll dance tired, knowing how blessed I am to have this opportunity. If I’m sore, I’ll push through, aware that someone out there would give anything to feel their legs. If I have homework, I’ll stay up late after dance, grateful for the privilege of both education and late-night ballet classes.This realization has impacted the way I view my training and fuels the light inside of me.”
Dani Lopez, senior, Costa Mesa High School
Division 2
“Dance has influenced my life far beyond the studio, shaping how I approach challenges, relationships, and passions. When my band director left unexpectedly, I stepped up as head drum major, using the adaptability, confidence, and teamwork I learned in dance to lead 80+ members. …In cooking, I approach it like choreography, experimenting with ingredients and techniques, blending creativity and precision. Dance also helped me embrace my Oaxacan Mexican heritage, inspiring me to explore my culture through ceramics and history. Dance taught me to celebrate who I am, shaping my confidence, discipline, and creativity in every aspect of life.”
Landon Mariano, senior, Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts
Division 1
“While dance is predominantly female, I want to inspire future male dancers, actors, and performers. To the young male generation of dancers, I want to say this: the possibilities are endless, and you’re not alone. Dance is a special experience that few guys will ever get to experience, but for those who take the first dance class, I say, ‘You’re working outside the box, surrounded by wonder, imagination, and greatness.’“
Merce Meynardie, junior, Orange County School of the Arts
Division 1
“In the future as an artist, I want to make a positive impact on the world through dance in as many ways possible. Specifically, I hope to serve as an inspiration not only for other dancers but also kids who aspire to be dancers. What this would look like for me is presenting work that makes a positive statement while embodying the inspiration that I received when I was younger. My ultimate goal in the future is to start my own company, focused on being a positive light in the world.”
Alyssa Park, junior, Orange County School of the Arts
Division 1
“For me, being an artist stems from living with a sense of curiosity and openness. Being an artist is about seeing the world differently and expressing that perspective in a way that allows me to challenge, inspire, or connect with others. It is about digging into the complexities of human experience, whether it’s emotions, struggles, joys, or dreams, and bringing those layers to the surface in a way that others can resonate and engage with.”
Megan Park, junior, Valencia High School
Division 1
“Since the day I put on my first pair of ballet slippers, I have been a dedicated athlete. However it hasn’t been until recently that I could confidently call myself an artist. … (My coach Jonah Almanzar) saw my potential and reminded me that there is no such thing as a perfect dancer. Rather than molding me into the dancer he wanted me to be, he first encouraged me to find my own identity as a dancer, then built upon my unique strengths and highlighted them. … Under his guidance, I realized what it truly means to be an artist: Someone who frees themself from judgment, creating independently from external expectations or pressures. Someone who is driven by their inner inspiration and passion to create something meaningful for the world, rather than conforming to what others think they should create.”
Arianna Ramirez, junior, Orange County School of the Arts
Division 1
“There is something so special about being a dancer because you become in touch with all your feelings and emotions without saying a word. The movements hold stories that can only be revealed with true passion. That is a key takeaway that dance has helped me understand — lead with passion and love for everything you do. This lesson extends beyond the studio; I have found that the most fulfilling experiences come when I fully invest my heart into what I do. As with everything that brings me love and passion, the more I do it, the more I want to keep doing it.”
Piper Rovsek, senior, Orange County School of the Arts
Division 1
“Although dance never came easy, it called for me. Once I started, I knew it would live with me forever. I long to peel back each layer of myself to reveal the raw honesty and humanity that dance conveys. While darkness pours through the theater and light spills down my body, I aim to connect with each audience member and impart a message beyond words. To me, dance is a shared human experience where movement articulates emotion. This is how I was meant to live.”
Bella Rose Silva, junior, Orange County School of the Arts
Division 1
“Tap dance is especially unique, because it’s not only just about doing the steps perfectly. It’s about listening, performing with intention and being in sync with the music. Sometimes the rhythm takes you in unexpected directions, and it’s about being able to adapt in the face of uncertainty. It’s helped me grow, not just as a dancer and musician, but as a young woman with resilience and emotional depth. But being an artist isn’t only about finding yourself, it’s also about connecting with others and the history of the art form. For me, tap dance is a gift I am fortunate to share with the audience, and to make them feel something they might have not expected.”
Ella Smallwood, junior, San Juan Hills High School
Division 1
“I was very shy when I was younger. I literally didn’t talk at school. I would only open up to my best friend. Dance was a way for me to express myself and have a spotlight on me. Performing was the only time I wasn’t insecure. When I realized I had some talent it became fun for me to demand attention onstage. It was the only time I felt confident enough to have everyone’s attention on me. I’ve met a lot of friends from my studio and dance convention through the years. It has helped me come out of my shell at school. Because of dance I feel I’m a lot more confident.”
Devynn Smark, junior, San Juan Hills High School
Division 1
“To me, an artist is someone who uses something other than their words to describe things such as an emotion, a story, a familiar feeling, a setting and every other thing you can use words to describe. To be an artist means putting your whole heart and soul into showing other people another version of yourself. As a dancer, your performance isn’t just about how well you dance or how sharp you can hit a movement, it’s about how you give it everything you have and in that moment put in all of your emotions and portray it in the way you move making the audience feel something in a way words can’t describe.”
Melania J. Velazquez, senior, San Juan Hills High School
Division 2
“I want to improve my style, movements, and stage presence- not only because I take immense joy in dancing, but also because I want to be able to inspire people who watch me dance. I want people to be able to find their passions through seeing people like me, who originally had a hard time loving myself and finding my confidence, but found it through my passion/dance. But aside from just watching, I also hope to teach and help people by being a choreographer myself, guiding people on how to find their personal style and confidence.”
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