Odd, mine was out way too early and had most of the buds killed by the week of freezing temps in April. Then the only new growth was on the oldest side branches, and this new growth looks very odd since it is out of proportion (with the rest of the tree) and the new growth is twisting away from the south for some reason, and are bent upwards and towards the north. Thought about even clipping these odd branches, but have left mostly alone. The central leader only finally started growing a few weeks ago and its grown almost a foot now.

I assume that these trees know what they are doing! Or maybe not. Over two months of growth yet to come.

Seems like Dawn Redwoods start a new leader every year anyway, so it just grows from whatever of the top survived the winter. Or maybe I'm wrong.

Everything is fine, unless your tree is bending for more light or from the wind.
One of mine grew over 52 inches/130+ centimeters. Just keep doing what you're doing.

Yes, when happy takes off. Likes warmth and moisture.

Here's a picture of mine called 'Gold Rush'. I bought it two years ago in a one gallon pot. It was about 18 inches tall. The picture was taken earlier this Spring and has grown over a foot since then and is growing very fast now.
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Here's a picture of it I took last Fall with a normal Dawn Redwood in the background.
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The picture was taken five years ago in my garden of another one I planted in 1980.
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Surprized nobody mentioned that this plant needs to be staked when young.

Sounds like your experience is with specimens with deformed roots due to poorly managed container culture, a very common problem with nursery stock generally. Grafted conifers offered here often worked onto rootstocks that look like they were left in narrow band pots for years before being used.