This summer, senior Ani Yordanova became a national champion — she was crowned Miss Dance of America 2025 at the Dance Masters of America National Convention & Competition (DMA). After a year of reigning as Miss Dance Pacific Coast, her recent victory was shaped not just by talent but by dedication, setbacks, and personal growth. 

At 2 years old, Ani was introduced to the world of dance through “Mommy and Me” classes at Los Altos Dance Academy (LADA). Initially, dance was a simple activity to improve her posture, but it quickly evolved into a central part of her life—now, she dances about 20 hours a week.

“My rigorous schedule has always been super therapeutic for me,” Ani said. “I appreciate all the chances I get to dance.” 

Ani’s national title-winning performance was a lyrical solo titled “Goodbye, Mama,” set to Celine Dion’s “Goodbye’s (The Saddest Word).” A tribute to her mom, the dance reflects her mother’s work and effort in supporting her dance career. It also conveys her bittersweet emotions as she prepares to leave for college next fall.

“It was a really cool way to show that everything she has done for me has meant so much,” Ani said. 

Her performance earned her the Joan Wine Memorial Award, awarded to the highest-scoring lyrical solo in the Miss Dance of America Competition. 

“Hearing each of those awards being named, I could feel it coming to life and my heart started pounding,” Ani said. “When they called first runner up and it wasn’t me, I was like, ‘Okay, I did it.’”

On the surface, this may not come as a surprise —  Ani was crowned as first runner-up for the Teen Miss Dance of America title in 2022. However, despite this achievement, Ani’s journey didn’t come without self-doubt. In fact, she believes that placing second in the nation two years ago was a turning point in her development as a dancer.

“When I was dancing two years ago, I felt everything had gone perfect,” Ani said. “Looking back on it, I’m happy that I got second because it propelled me to work even harder and want this much more.”

Ani’s pursuit of perfection has been a driving force in her dancing career. Perfectionism isn’t new to the dance world, as precision is often the formula for success, and titles are the ultimate measure of achievement. Over the few years, though, her perspective has not only evolved in how she approaches dance, but how she interprets the significance of her victories. 

“I’ve always measured my success with trophies and scores,” Ani said. “But over the last two years, I’ve realized that it’s not about that. Winning this title is also a testament to the fact that I don’t have to be perfect and there will always be struggles, but it’s the growth that really matters.”

Her friends and fellow dancers also share similar sentiments.

“After performing so well in the national competition when she was a teen, I could tell she wanted to prove herself this time as the worthy winner.” LADA dancer and Mountain View High School Junior Kaitlin Cho said. 

For Ani, redirecting her focus from winning to being present in the process itself made all the difference this year. DMA is often described as a marathon, where dancers are judged over 12 days. As a result, even the best dancers have moments of self-doubt.

“The biggest struggle for me was keeping a positive mindset and remembering that one thing isn’t going to mess you up completely,” Ani said. “But having my team, my mom, all the supportive teachers reminds me that I’m there for a reason, and it’s like a redemption.”

Particularly, Ani’s dance teacher of 13 years, Jordan Micek, is a key supporter in her career. The two met for the first time at Ani’s fifth birthday party, and unbeknownst to them, they’d be working together for the next 13 years.

“The journey to this achievement with Ani has become a core memory for both of us,” Micek said. “The years of hard work in the studio, of growing through her tween and teen years, the difficulties of the COVID years, our travels together across the country to train, all the hard days, the fun moments, the emotional journey of it all as well as the physical exertion. It has all led to this achievement.”                                                                                              

“Miss Jordan is always the first person that I see when I come off stage and the very last person I see before I go on, and she’s been there for me throughout my entire competitive journey,” Ani said. “I still watch back the video of her reacting to my win every single day, and I feel so lucky to be on this journey with her because I know that none of this would have been possible without her guidance, training, and sheer support.”

Ani’s dedication to dance extends beyond her own training. Now, with her experience and achievements, Ani gives back to LADA as the Petite Team Assistant. There, she works with kids 5-10 years old competing for the first time. 

“When I see them working hard for this one skill, the sheer happiness on their face makes it so worth it. I never thought that someone younger than me could inspire me, but seeing them work hard also pushes me to work hard.”

Although she will be leaving for college in a year, Ani expresses how she will always be connected to the dance studio. Whether it be through returning to teach or help with recitals, she envisions supporting the next generation of dancers.

“The dance studio is truly my second home,” Ani said. “It’s a place that will always remind me of everything I’ve achieved.”