Top 12 Trans Dancers to Follow in 2026
Get ready to be captivated by a community of extraordinary individuals who are not only setting the stage ablaze with their sensational moves but also breaking down barriers and redefining the world of dance.
We’re thrilled to introduce you to some of the most talented and trailblazing dancers who are shimmying, twirling, and pirouetting their way into hearts across the globe.
From contemporary to classical, hip-hop to ballet, these dancers are more than just artists—they’re ambassadors of authenticity and change.
1. Leiomy Maldonado
Born on April 28, 1987, Leiomy Maldonado’s journey through life has been nothing short of extraordinary. This vibrant dancer, often hailed as the “Wonder Woman of Vogue,” stands tall as a beacon of empowerment, artistry, and activism. Hailing from the Bronx, her story unfolds with a blend of passion, innovation, and a commitment to her roots.
Introduced to voguing at the age of 15 in the heart of the Bronx, Leiomy’s world transformed with the flicker of a VHS tape. The energy, the battles, and the distinct personalities of voguers ignited a spark within her. A year later, she embraced the ballroom scene–a powerful underground subculture created by marginalized Black and Latino LGBT youth as an outlet for safe self-expression through dance and pageantry.
She broke barriers by becoming the first openly transgender woman to grace the stage of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew Season 4 in 2009, leading her crew to the top five. Her signature move, the “Leiomy Lolly,” gained iconic status, endorsed by superstars like Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Britney Spears. While the world celebrated her moves, recognition as their originator wasn’t always granted.
One of her most memorable projects was when she choreographed the ballroom scenes on the groundbreaking show “Pose,” an ode to the ballroom culture’s significance. Additionally, she took the role of a judge on HBO Max’s “Legendary,” where she embraced her role in showcasing the immense talent within the ballroom community.
Follow Leiomy Maldonado: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | X | TikTok
2. Sean Dorsey
In the early 2000s, a magnetic force drew Sean Dorsey, a talented choreographer and a proud transgender individual, to the vibrant tapestry of San Francisco. He describes it as a profound gut instinct, an unwavering pull that guided him to a place where countless trans and queer souls find solace and authenticity. Yet, the city he stepped into wasn’t the exact canvas he had envisioned in his mind’s eye.
Trans hip-hop artists, visual creatives, musicians, writers, and playwrights were all around, but the realm of trans modern dance was eerily vacant. The spotlight had yet to grace trans artists, and the stage remained untouched by their remarkable presence.
Determined to be the change he wished to see, Sean Dorsey embarked on a remarkable journey that would span over two decades, a journey he shared hand in hand with his life partner, the multi-talented musician, filmmaker, and transgender advocate, Shawna Virago. United by a shared vision, their brainchild, the Fresh Meat Festival, entered its 21st year, a celebration that resonates with the voices of trans and queer performers.
Sean Dorsey, as both an artist and a torchbearer of history, continues to infuse San Francisco’s canvas with brilliance and truth, honoring the past while reshaping the present and future.
Follow Sean Dorsey: Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Official Website
3. Chase Johnsey
Enter the world of ballet, and you’ll encounter Chase Johnsey, an American dancer who’s been leaving his mark with every graceful movement. As a co-founder and the current Artistic Director of Ballet de Barcelona, Johnsey has woven a vibrant tapestry of innovation and inclusivity. His journey is one that defies conventions and challenges expectations.
His story took flight as a former principal dancer with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a unique all-male ballet company known for its comedic renditions of classical ballets, often donning elegant drag. His versatility on stage was a testament to his talent, as he seamlessly portrayed both male and female roles under the personas Roland Deaulin and Yakatarina Verbosovitch.
In a groundbreaking move, Johnsey became the first male dancer to join the female ensemble of an international ballet company. His genderfluid identity, accompanied by he/him pronouns, brought a refreshing perspective to the traditional ballet scene.
In May 2019, a new chapter unfolded as Johnsey co-founded Ballet de Barcelona, a venture that echoed his commitment to a more inclusive and diverse ballet landscape. Alongside fellow visionaries Carlos Renedo and Carolina Masjuan, he breathed life into a space where innovation and acceptance thrive.
Follow Chase Johnsey: Threads | TikTok
4. Nora Monsecour
Belgian contemporary dancer Nora Monsecour trained at the Royal Ballet School Antwerp and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.
A finalist in the contemporary category of BBC Young Dancer 2017, she joined the tanzmainz ensemble and later developed Façade, a solo work reflecting on authenticity and life as a trans woman.
Follow Nora Monsecour: Instagram | TikTok
5. Kade / Katy Pyle
Kade, formerly known professionally as Katy Pyle, is a choreographer, dancer, and the founder of Ballez.
The company reworks classical ballet through queer and transgender perspectives, creating new roles, partnering structures, and narratives that challenge who gets to embody princes, princesses, heroes, and romantic leads.
Follow Kade / Katy Pyle: Facebook | Instagram
6. Makisig Akin
Makisig Akin is a queer transgender Filipino choreographer, dancer, facilitator, and artist-activist based in Berlin.
Their practice brings contemporary dance into conversation with Filipino traditions, Kung Fu, jiu-jitsu, improvisation, meditation, and ancestral knowledge. They also co-founded The Love Makers, a project-based dance company.
Follow Makisig Akin: Instagram | Official Website
7. Sophie Rebecca
British ballet dancer Sophie Rebecca became widely known after being accepted to study under the Royal Academy of Dance’s policies for transgender students.
Her public story helped widen conversations about adult ballet, gendered training traditions, and the persistence required to pursue a classical art form later in life.
Follow Sophie Rebecca: Facebook | Instagram | Official Website
8. Sabrina Pretto
Sabrina Pretto is a transgender dancer and performer whose public work highlights confidence, femininity, and the discipline behind stage presentation.
Through choreographed clips, live appearances, and fashion-forward imagery, she treats movement as both entertainment and a means of claiming visibility on her own terms.
Follow Sabrina Pretto: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Youtube
9. Maxfield Haynes
Meet Maxfield Haynes, a nonbinary individual and an extraordinary force in the world of dance and artistry, hailing from the vibrant city of Louisville, Kentucky. Their journey, marked by exceptional dedication and boundless creativity, has already etched their name into the annals of art history.
Maxfield’s odyssey began with the foundation of ballet training from prestigious institutions like the San Francisco Ballet School, the Houston Ballet Academy, the Dance Theatre of Harlem School, and the HAMU Performing Arts University in Prague. These immersive experiences honed their skills, nurturing the artistry that would soon captivate audiences around the world.
With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from NYU Tisch, they are a true embodiment of artistry. Their journey has been one of continuous growth and exploration, evident in their diverse repertoire that spans classical ballet to contemporary innovation.
Despite their youth, Maxfield Haynes has an astonishing array of accomplishments under their belt. Their remarkable extensions and flawless pointe technique, cultivated through years of training, have earned them acclaim and recognition. From starring in videos for artists like James Whiteside to gracing the realms of fashion with performances for Dior and Cartier, their influence knows no bounds.
Follow Maxfield Haynes: Instagram | TikTok
10. Lilly Valore
Lilly Valore is a dancer and digital creator whose performance clips combine polished choreography, expressive styling, and an upbeat social-media voice.
Her content shows how short-form platforms can give transgender performers a direct route to audiences while documenting the rehearsal, confidence, and personality behind each finished routine.
Follow Lilly Valore: Instagram | X | Youtube
11. Darling Squire
Rooted in the picturesque landscapes of Naperville, Illinois, Darling Squire AKA Darling Shear Squire embarked on a journey that wove her story between the vibrant tapestries of Chicago and Atlanta. Her narrative, a masterpiece of dedication and innovation, unfolded with each step she took.
Guided by a passion for movement, she found her artistic foundation at North Springs Charter High School of Arts and Sciences in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Here, the rhythms of ballet, modern, jazz, and African dance resonated with her soul, igniting a lifelong love affair with expression through motion. These formative years became the canvas upon which her destiny as a dancer and choreographer was painted.
Her academic pursuits took her to Harold Washington College, where she delved into liberal studies, expanding her horizons beyond the stage. However, it was the siren call of the dance world that ultimately drew her back to the streets of Chicago in 2011. Here, she breathed life into Suna Dance, a collaborative haven that united artists in a symphony of creativity.
In 2022, her talents reached international stages, making her mark in the experimental short film “Windy City,” created by Hauke Berheide and Amy Stebbins, and showcased at the esteemed Tonhalle Düsseldorf. Her artistic resonance extended even further as she took up a guest performing artist residency at the Montalvo Arts Center, further enriching the artistic fabric of the space.
Follow Darling Squire: Facebook | Instagram | Threads
12. Chandramukhi Muvvala
Chandramukhi Muvvala is an Indian Bharatanatyam dancer, actor, activist, and political figure.
She has described dance as a language of healing and visibility, and her stage work draws on classical form while her public advocacy calls for dignity, safety, and better representation for transgender people.
Follow Chandramukhi Muvvala: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | X | Youtube
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