The Highest Honors of the ZENITH Tour

THE INTENTION

These honors go beyond traditional competition results

They are designed to recognize dancers who:

Fully step into the experience
Take risks and push beyond their comfort zone
Support and uplift those around them
Embody the values and energy of the ZENITH Tour

THE STANDARD

Being an AOY and DOY Award Recipient means

elevating the collective

It is a reflection of a dancer who is:

Prepared
Present
Versatile
And fully stepping into their artistry

THE MOMENT

GROUP & LINE/PRODUCTION SHOWCASE & GALA AWARDS CEREMONY

The most iconic and high-energy closing moment of the week.

This is where the full journey of the event comes together, and where the highest honors are awarded.

Artist of the Year and Dancer of the Year are not just ID Title Holders, They are MORE!

AOY and DOY Award Recipients receive mentorship opportunities to continue to elevate their training and experience

Title Division recognizes competitive performance, Dancer of the Year & Artist of the Year recognize the complete artist

THE DIFFERENCE

**NEW Award added for 2026**

Mini, Petite, Junior, and Teen

Focused on emerging artists across
the full Nationals experience

Senior only

Expanded language around artistry, leadership, and industry readiness

The most prestigious inidividual recognition at ID

**NEW for 2026**

(Senior Only)

includes specific evaluation criteria:

Speed of learning and retention
Adaptability to choreography and direction
Confidence and performance under pressure
Professionalism within an audition environment
On Camera performance quality

This is a key moment for Senior dancers to be seen in a
real-time, industry-style setting.

NEW AOY & DOY

Eligibility Requirements

Must be enrolled in the Full Artist Package

Includes:

Convention Classes
Improv Showcase Participation
Opening Number Audition
Senior Artist Audition Experience (Senior Division Only)

This ensures each dancer is fully immersed in the ZENITH experience, allowing our faculty and adjudication team to observe them across the entire event.

HOW DANCERS ARE EVALUATED

Dancer of the Year and Artist of the Year are not based on a single routine or score.

Dancers are evaluated holistically throughout the event by ID Faculty and Adjudicators, with consideration given to:

Performance Quality – stage presence, storytelling, and execution
Training & Technique – class engagement, retention, and adaptability
Versatility – ability to move across styles and environments
Live Performance Ability – including participation in the Nationals Improv Showcase
Audition Performance – including the Opening Number Audition (all ages) and the ZENITH Artist Audition Experience (Senior only)
Work Ethic & Professionalism – focus, attitude, and commitment
Leadership & Presence – how a dancer carries themselves and impacts the space

2026 AOY Award Winners

Artist of the Year is ID Dance's highest individual honor for Senior dancers. Designed for dancers preparing for the next stage of their artistic journey, this experience recognizes not only technical excellence but also artistry, professionalism, leadership, and personal presence.

Akira Edmond

Southeast Artist of the Year

Akira Edmond is a determined, curious, and integrity-driven dancer from Imperial Dance Company in Coral Springs, Florida, who especially loves Fusion for the freedom it gives her to explore movement and dynamic range. Being named an ID Artist of the Year has been particularly meaningful to Akira not simply because of the title, but because it affirmed the way she approaches her artistry and her decision to pursue dance professionally as she enters life beyond high school. As a graduating senior, Akira is preparing to navigate college, the professional dance industry, and the independence of young adulthood while pursuing an ambitious goal: becoming a respected professional dancer and choreographer whose influence reaches beyond the dance community. She is eager to learn more about commercial work, agencies, casting, networking, personal branding, and how to place herself in the right rooms as she builds her career. Akira encourages other dancers to take chances even when they are afraid, reminding them that standing apart can feel uncomfortable at first, but being different often looks unusual before it looks successful.

Mia Rafferty

Myrtle Beach Artist of the Year

Mia Rafferty is a dedicated and hardworking dancer from Dance Expressions Tewksbury whose passion shines equally through the energy of hip-hop and jazz funk and the expressive freedom of contemporary dance. After a 2025–2026 season defined by consistency, determination, and giving 100% both on and off the stage, Mia was honored to be named an ID Artist of the Year. As she enters her senior year, she plans to continue training intensely with the goal of one day signing with an agency. Mia could also see herself performing on a cruise ship or pursuing commercial dance in Los Angeles. Mia ultimately dreams of working in music videos, television, and artist tours. She believes in trusting the process, embracing every opportunity, and remembering that every dancer's journey happens on its own timeline.

Tully Martin

Midwest Artist of the Year

Tully Martin is a dedicated, trustworthy, and versatile dancer from Studio G Dance Team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a particular love for contemporary dance and the many ways the style continues to evolve. In addition to being named an ID Artist of the Year, Tully is especially proud to have performed on the Benedum Center stage at the 2024 and 2025 Annual Gene Kelly Awards. As she looks toward her future, Tully hopes to explore the many career possibilities available to her, with dreams of attending Point Park University to pursue dance and potentially teaching, performing in musical theatre, joining a company, or continuing her training in New York City. She is especially eager to learn from choreographers, Broadway professionals, and college dance programs as she discovers where her own path may lead. Above all, Tully encourages other dancers to find confidence in what makes them unique, lead with kindness, and never be afraid to be themselves.