alumni Spotlight: Hannah gross

Hannah is currently an apprentice with Elisa Monte Dance (EMD). As an apprentice she takes company class and learns repertoire, while serving as an understudy and is occasionally put in pieces.

Soon, Hannah will be included in their season show where she'll perform in two pieces. One piece by Elisa Monte and the other by the Artistic Director, Tiffany Rea-Fisher. "We rehearse all over the city, usually in Harlem or the Bronx, but occasionally in Astoria or Midtown." These rehearsals take place three times per week. Outside of rehearsals, Hannah also teaches for the Police Athletic League, babysits, and takes class at Gibney or Steps. 

Hannah is definitely no stranger to a busy schedule. Following her time with Nolte, she attended the University of Iowa where she received a BFA in Dance and BA in Health and Human Physiology. "Juggling two degrees and a job was tough," said Hannah, "but the discipline I learned at Nolte definitely prepared me for what was to come." 

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She looks back at her time at Nolte Academy as a time of growth and opportunity, especially from Open Doors Dance Festival. "That was the most important thing Nolte gave me." She said, "Since they keep the classes small the teachers actually get to know you and recognize you."

Hannah remembers her first class at Gibney, filled with nervous energy from not knowing anyone in the class or the teacher. However, when she  walked in, she ran into Louie Marin, who was a teacher at Open Doors Dance Festival. Louie recognized her from Nolte Academy. "He was excited for me and even told me about Carolyn Dorfman’s open company classes. These teachers are not only mentors but also your cheerleaders. They want to see you succeed." Said Hannah. 

As for her advice to young dancers, she says to take every opportunity possible, because you never know where they will take you. She also emphasizes the importance of networking, albeit intimidating at first, Hannah describes it as simply making friends with people and staying connected. "Auditions are so much easier if you know someone that can put in a good word for you or tell you what to expect."

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