It is something that Dawson Keller has been working towards his whole life. And now the Humboldt based DK Dance Visions performer has won the Outstanding All-Round Performer over the age of 13 at the On Stage Dance Festival.
鈥淚 put a lot of hard work and dedication into what I do so it鈥檚 like a huge thank you to me. I鈥檓 just really happy about it.鈥�
Keller was on the On Stage stage 17 times from Apr. 14-17 doing seven groups, five duets, and five solos, in styles such as tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, modern, and contemporary.
Keller also won Outstanding Hip Hop performer for age 13 and over, Outstanding Musical Theatre performer for age 13 and over, Outstanding Song and Dance performer for age 13 and over, best Lyrical duet for age 13 and over with Allyssa Reiger, best modern duet for age 13 and over with Jordan Schlosser, and best contemporary duet for age 13 and over with Taylor Stelzer, as well as performing in many DK Dance Visions groups throughout the festival.
Professional, with his dancing, singing, and acting talents, he is what is known as a triple threat.
Keller takes advantage of those opportunities when he can do all three, which does give him an advantage when he auditions for things.
Keller started dancing early with mom, Dayna, who has been a big inspiration to Keller.
鈥淪he鈥檚 always been there for me. She鈥檚 always been teaching what good morals are to have and how to approach different situations and always how to stay confident when you鈥檙e in different situations.鈥�
Dancing for as long as he has, Keller says that the feeling he gets out of dancing and performing is more important that what people think.
What Keller does get out of dancing is the ability to express himself.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a way of showing people what I鈥檓 really feeling on the inside without actually saying any words.鈥�
Like any storyteller, Keller gives audiences a look into things that have happened to him in the past and how he feels about it.
Keller has no plans of slowing down his journey in the performance and dance world. He is applying to performing art schools for after high school and will continue being a teacher until he has the opportunity to go to Vancouver or other dance focused cities.
For now, Keller will be going to Harbour Dance Centre on a scholarship that he also won at the Humboldt festival.
Beyond the performing world, Keller is just an average teenager who likes cruising around Humboldt, hanging with friends, playing football in the park, and camping in the summer.
