Daily Inspiration: Meet Brianne Hannah

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

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m currently 33 years old and am the creator of Lady Lettos.

In 2017, I became interested in taking heel dance classes in Sacramento, CA. After taking a few classes (there were only about three at the time), I felt like there was not a lot of representation for women who looked like me. Now, when I say that, I mean that I was not a trained technical dancer. I am a mother, a thicker girl, and was in my late 20s during that time. I felt out of place, and to be honest, the choreography/music just wasn’t my kinda of vibe.

So I began inquiring about renting a space so I could put on my own classes. I found one, set a date, and began making flyers that I posted around my local college. I was inspired by Aisha Francis with her red light classes as well as other big LA Choreographers like Galen Hooks and Aliya Janell.

I wanted my class to feel like one big party with friends. Where everyone could feel safe to be themselves, express their sensuality without judgment, and gain confidence in themselves. I wanted to create a sense of community/sisterhood amongst my students that extended beyond the classroom.

The classes began to take off year after year, growing more and reaching new audiences. Throughout that time, I began doing wedding dances, bridal parties, showcases, private sessions, a mentorship program, concept videos, and even videography. I was so fulfilled to see the positive impact class had on my students, many of whom now teach classes of their own.

After some time, I wanted to expand my knowledge and skills, so in 2022, I decided to move to Southern California to continue my training and growing Lady Lettos. The past few years since living here have been rough for me personally and a slow start with a few classes/private sessions here and there for Lady Lettos, but I am excited to see all the new faces I’ll meet. I can’t wait to share the Lady Lettos magic with all of the LA area, and I look forward to where it’ll grow into over the next few years.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have encountered lots of obstacles over the past few years from not being allowed to rent certain spaces based on the type of movement we do, having photographers/videographers cancel on me last minute, having feelings of being overwhelmed with my schedule, balancing mom life and classes, having a knee injury, to feeling inadequate and unseen for the Artist I am.

I would say a large portion of my struggles were overcoming my mind. Dancing for myself and hearing testimonials from students about how class helped them deal with situations in their life or boosted their confidence in themselves,that’s what ultimately gave me the encouragement to keep going when I wanted to quit. Just knowing that the class was doing what I ultimately set out for it to do made all the difference.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I teach a heels dance class that is structured around women empowerment and confidence. My specialty is heels and I combine therapeutic techniques and my own flavor of dance style and high energy to create an atmosphere women thrive in.

What I am most proud of is the community I’ve built to where when new people come into class they instantly feel welcome, supported and apart of the sisterhood. I love that the community even has extended out of the classroom and some ladies even have lasting friendships.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I firmly believe in taking risks. If you are someone who is looking to do or build something new, taking risks is a part of that.

To do something new, typically requires you to do something you’ve never done before and put yourself in spaces and places that can be uncomfortable. “If nothing changes, nothing changes. ”

Taking the risk in putting myself out there and beginning Lady Lettos has led to some amazing opportunities and allowed me to meet so many amazing women. It’s allowed me to be that representation for other women who look, feel or relate to me to come into this space.

Most importantly, taking this risk has taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of. Its helped me to love myself and my body with all its imperfections, regardless of societal standards of beauty.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.LADYLETTOS.COM
• Instagram: @lady_lettos
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lady_lettos?si=VC4ebpL5mZJmFAZ2
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8tjWPLy/