Check Out Hannah Hawkins’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Hawkins.

Hi Hannah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Just imagine a two years old little girl endlessly dancing in her kitchen with her oven door reflection and putting on performances whenever mom pulled out the tape recorder. That is all you need to know to understand where this story goes. All I have ever wanted to do was be a dancer. The passion I felt for movement had no comparison. I fell in love with the athletisism, dedication, artistry, creative freedom and community around dance. I had other hobbies and interests along the way but those only added fuel to the fire of becoming a dancer.

By the time I was four, my grandmother enrolled me in my first tap class. I almost quit after week 3 due to my inability to pick up how to do a pullback, but to no surprise that was not an option with mom and dad. My dad always says he could tell by the look in my eyes and the pristine detail of my final pose at my first recital that they were in it for the long haul.

The following years consisted of training in a multitude of styles and joining the competitive teams at my studios all the way through high school. In the midst, my competitive nature and extreme perfectionism was born. I owe so much of my decisions to keep pushing and work harder to my dad. I would not be where I am today without him and my mom. He would joyfully take me to competitions and conventions lasting days at a time. He would drive me to classes and rehearsals hours away to spend all day waiting for me to finish. He would even join me in the studio for solo rehearsals and provide valuable feedback to encourage me to be the best I could be. The list goes on.

My decision to pursue a dance career and move to Los Angeles was honestly an easy one. With this decision came the choice whether or not to go to college. The hardest part about making the choice to not have a collegiate career was the judgment and opinions I’d receive from others. The support of my parents was unimaginable. Their push for me to follow my dreams and live the life I imagined was the greatest blessing I have ever received.

The most important lesson I learned from my dad during this era of my life was the answer to this Question: “But what is your backup plan?” Answer: “There isn’t one. I will make this plan happen. If you have a backup option, the more likely you are to give up”. Here I am today, making it happen.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think the road is ever meant to be smooth. The struggles and challenges along the way are what make the success and accomplishments mean that much more.

About a month before my high school graduation I blew out my knee. This was a major setback that I learned an immense amount from. I had completely torn my ACL and MCL which resulted in needing reconstructive surgery. I was devastated. I immediately fell in to the “WHY ME?” pit of despair. At age 17, about to take on the world, this felt so unfair. Little did I know how much this was going to be a blessing in disguise. The rehabilitation taught me patience, perseverance, awareness and gratefulness for my able body. Time away from dance showed me that I was a human, friend, sister, and a daughter first and foremost. Stillness with myself pushed mental growth and stability. It strengthened my faith and trust in myself. Needless to say, I carry these lessons learned through my adult life and reflect on them when other bumps in the road arise.

I hold so much solace in knowing God does not place any trial or situation in your life that you cannot handle. A lesson or push for reflection lies in every obstacle and setback.

As a dancer in the world of entertainment, we are in a constant fight for recognition and rightful compensation for our artistry and skill variety. Our passion for what we do and willingness to grasp promising opportunities is so easily taken advantage of. The line between “paying your dues” as an artist and being treated as a qualified independent is so fine. As a community, it is important that we look out for each other. We need to embody the respect and support we expect.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator. I primarily work in the commercial world of dance. This includes TV, Film, Commercials, Music Videos, and Live Performances with Artists, etc. My most recognizable credits are performing with Billie Eilish at Coachella, The Masked Singer on FOX, American Eagle Outfitters Campaigns, The Morning Show with Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell, and the feature films Renfield and Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret.

In tandem with my onscreen work, I enjoy being immersed in the concert dance world and furthering my training in other work. This includes studying under companies such as The Radio City Rockette’s, Hubbard Street, Dana Foglia, Entity Contemporary Dance, Peridance Contemporary Company, and many notable others.

I am currently most proud of a passion project of my own called Within Reach Dance Intensive. A program I created for young dancers. This includes the opportunity to not only take a class from working industry professionals but open up the floor for conversation with them. There is so much beauty in community and communication. Every single person has a unique journey in this world. If I can inspire kids by sharing the experiences of different artists that they can possibly relate to, then I have succeeded. I want them to walk away knowing that any path that is of interest to them is Within Reach.

The Within Reach experience is a gift to my younger self. She would have jumped at an opportunity like this. The event is currently taking place in my hometown of Sacramento, CA annually each summer. Our 2023 intensive is happening on August 4th and 5th.

My ability to approach all that I do with poise and professionalism is what sets me apart. When I walk in a room, I carry a sense of confidence and direction. That is the gift I honorably give to myself and my students.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got when I first arrived in Los Angeles was to always introduce yourself to the people you look up to or desire to work for. Share your respect and interest with them. We tend to hold a lot of fear in what “they” might think or in how we come across. It will always come across genuine when it comes from a genuine place. I have never regretted introducing myself to someone or reaching out to a mentor I haven’t seen or heard from in a while. You never know what can come from that short text message or that wave and a “Hello!”.

Contact Info:

• Website: withinreachdance.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanhawkinsss/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanhawkinsss/

Image Credits
Alissa Roseborough @alissarosestudio