Check out Hannah Levitt-Collins’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Levitt-Collins.

Hannah, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was raised in the southwest of England and was late for dancing. I fell in love with dancing when I began watching music videos & seeing tours on TV. My parents were always supportive, and I began training at a late age. I went to Stella Mann Performing Arts College, and then I went out into the industry. I modeled and also worked in film along the way. I remember a time where I would do several jobs a day to make my rent, and it took a few years before I worked in Europe as a dancer consistently. However, I was lucky enough to work on TV shows and with artists. As the years passed, I then wanted a little bit more. I thought I could push my boundaries. So I searched for an agent in LA. I signed and decided I would make a leap over the pond. I had never planned to go to the states, but I thought well … why not. Since moving there, I made my wish list. I wanted to do a US music video, a music award show like I had watched as a young girl and live shows with an American artist. Thanks to friends, choreographers & my agent those things happened for me. I am now venturing into developing my own project and dappling in movement direction which I love. I work in LA and Europe. I love traveling and working in different sectors of the arts industry. I never wanted to just work in one. I always want growth for myself.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My art is dance and movement. As a performer, I like to promote that as artists we must know our self-worth. I want my message to help support dancers/performers who feel lost or rejected in the industry. I want each one of them to know they are worthy and they deserve success. I think every dancer at one point in their life would have felt that low. My message would be that everyone has something to bring to the table and are beautiful in their own way. It’s as simple as we cannot always fit the bill on every job. My future project will be evolved around this. This is why I love to teach and do my own workshops.

Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
Our whole industry has changed due to social media. Dancers now want to be the star of the show rather than behind the star. It’s become a world of posting for likes and validation. I think the term artist has lost its credibility.

Many performers will give a free show and take non paid jobs which have damaged the industry hugely. If you are able to make a living from performing alone, you are seen as fortunate. Your talent is based upon how many followers you have or how many views you get. Another effect is that many productions or companies think its okay to ask performers to work for free in exchange for being associated with a brand or name.

I think this had an effect on most of the entertainment industry, not just dance. The fees have depreciated over the years in the UK however standard of living has gone up. I hope the arts keep fighting through this huge shift and creating magic.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I post most of my work on Instagram and share my thoughts on my stories. When I launch my project, it will be viewable through my Instagram. I also have a website which is linked on there. @hannahlevittcollins