Honoring Tin

Christine Zona—Collegiate Ballroom Committee

When I first joined the USA Dance Collegiate Committee, one name kept coming up over and over again — Tin. I didn’t know who he was, or anything about his story. All I knew was that it was clear he was making a big impact on college ballroom in the Southeast, and that everyone on the committee respected him deeply.

A few years later, I had the chance to work closely with Tin. We spent time talking and brainstorming ways to grow college ballroom clubs. When the  committee created the first group of collegiate ambassadors, Tin was one of the very first to raise his hand to volunteer. In our regular meetings, he was always full of thoughtful ideas, creative solutions, and a quiet enthusiasm that inspired everyone around him.

Tin’s passing is a tremendous loss, not only to those who knew and loved him, but to the entire collegiate ballroom community. Our committee is so  appreciative of everything he accomplished as a leader.  He gave so much of himself — his time, his ideas, his encouragement — and he did it without ever seeking recognition. His legacy lives on in the dancers he inspired, the clubs he helped grow, and the friendships he built along the way.

Maggie Kamholz

I had the honor of being Tin’s American Smooth partner from 2023 to 2025. Despite my lack of formal training in the style, he took a chance on me, and in just a month we pulled together four open routines for our first competition — at the Champ level, of course, because Tin never backed down from a challenge.

Before our first round, we learned there would be a dance-on to introduce competitors. My anxiety skyrocketed, but Tin stayed calm, chatting with the others in line until it was our turn. I later found out he’d known about the dance-on all along but hadn’t told me — not to trick me, but to spare me from a whole day of worrying. That was Tin: always thinking about how to make things easier for those he cared about.

Whether it was protecting a partner’s confidence, avoiding eye contact while judging to keep us from laughing, styling the boys’ hair before their first competitions, or “liberating” hotel breakfast food to make sure we all ate, Tin’s actions showed his heart. He cared deeply for every member of his team, in ways big and small — and we’ll never forget that.

Kyle Swisher

Tin’s love of ballroom dancing was an inspiration to those around him. Over a decade of fun, sarcastic, and surprisingly genuine interactions with Tin brought together dance partners, friends, and future life partners. All because he was able to foster a fun and inviting club that encouraged everyone to strive to improve and enjoy life while doing it.

I will always remember the pre-competition foraging, the emergency dorm wake up calls, and the small acts of kindness that Tin made possible through his love for his friends.

He will be missed dearly at dance practice, at competitions, and deeply missed in our hearts. Rest well, buddy.

Janet Tran

I’ve always loved dance, but after high school, I wasn’t sure if it was still part of my future. That changed the moment I joined Cougar Dance Club and met Tin.

Tin had a way of making every practice feel like a place you could grow without fear of mistakes. He was patient, encouraging, and never made me feel rushed. Though I’m a slow learner he took the time to guide me through each step. His energy and passion for dance reminded me why I fell in love with dancing in the first place. Because of him, I didn’t just keep dancing, I rediscovered the joy that made me start in the first place.

I had the honor to have Tin as both my coach and my friend. I know his influence will always stay with me.

Hannah Seymour

After my very first National Championship Competition in spring of 2022, everyone’s spirits were high while our energy was low. I remember how tired everyone was from the long competition weekend; still reeling from the excitement, but ready to get back to school and work. Unfortunately for us, our flight home not only got delayed for the fifth time, but actually got canceled with no other flights until the next day. While Tin racked his brain on how to get the nearly 20 ducklings (participants) back to Texas in one piece, several groups started leaving the airport to find nearby hotels for the night. As I waited by our former gate, I watched as Tin somehow found seats for everyone on a flight that same hour before most of the others could even step into their Ubers.

That trip engraved the phrase “When traveling, always stay with Tin!” in my brain. No matter what issues arose, no matter how impossible the situation seemed, Tin always took care of his ducklings. He made sure we all had partners, that we traveled safely, and that we didn’t miss out on what the dance world had to offer. My dancing experience wouldn’t nearly be as fulfilling without his guidance and support. He will always be near in our hearts as we dance in competitions near and far.