Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Holland.
Hi Hannah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been rooted in Knoxville for most of my life, thanks to my dad’s job at UT, which brought us here from Michigan. My journey with dance began at the age of seven when I started with recreational classes and fell head over heels for it. By age 13, I danced six days a week and soon found myself touring the country with a dance convention. It was exhilarating to assist master teachers, perform choreography, and even teach others the craft. Some of my highlights were performing a piece by Mandy Moore in LA, choreographing a piece for the Dance Awards in NYC, and modeling for Weissman in St Louis, MO.
At 16, I left NYC for my first professional contract, dancing with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Once that was over, I chose to further my education at The Ailey School as part of their scholarship program. While in school, I shot print and video work, performed across the city, and taught dance classes. Amidst borough hopping (https://www.citysignal.com/hannah-hayward/) and squeezing into tiny apartments, I earned my bachelor’s degree virtually from the University of Tennessee.
In 2020, I returned to Knoxville during the pandemic to be close to family and, fueled by a desire to give back to my community, co-founded Tessera Dance Theater, a non-profit providing top-notch dance education. Seeing it grow and impact over 400 students in just three years has been incredibly rewarding, with some already making strides in the professional dance world. I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous local brands, including a photoshoot for Honeymouth (https://shophoneymouth.com/), which was featured in British Vogue. On a personal note, I met my husband in 2022, and after a whirlwind romance, we tied the knot in England, surrounded by just 17 guests in a picturesque coastal town. We honeymooned in Paris, savoring croissants and soaking in the city’s charm. He is also creative, with a strong background in music and performance (https://www.instagram.com/earlholland_utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==).
I’m immersed in preparations for an inaugural awards ceremony at the Tennessee Theatre, reveling in the opportunity to contribute to such an iconic venue. The journey has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
I am an incredibly fortunate person. I have a very loving and supportive husband and family. My sister and I did everything together growing up, so much so that she moved to London post-graduation and is currently finishing her degree there- I am so proud of her! That said, the most challenging part has been adapting to all the ebbs and flows and developing a more flexible mindset. So many things have changed in the last 5 years and continue to change consistently. From a career shift (dancing and performing professionally to starting a business) to moving from NYC back to Knoxville, getting married, and beyond, change is inevitable, and nothing is guaranteed.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have ballet, contemporary, and modern dance expertise, honing my skills at Alvin Ailey and acquiring teaching certifications from the American Ballet Theater. Yet, what truly sets me apart is my genuine and empathetic nature. I’m driven by a deep desire to serve those I love, be it my family, friends, or students. The relentless pursuit of my passions is a defining characteristic, and I’ve always remained true to myself, my people, and my faith. This authenticity has brought me joy and success in my endeavors. I offer private lessons and teach all over Knoxville and nationwide via Zoom. I take on clients of all levels and truly love working with people outside my circle.
Have you learned any exciting or essential lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
Embrace the freedom to change your mind! Stay adaptable and embrace risks, refusing to settle for anything that doesn’t align with your purpose. I couldn’t have envisioned my life four years ago, yet I deeply cherish where I am and what I do. I may not have all the answers, but the pandemic has taught me that it’s beyond my grasp despite my desire for control. All I can do is remain open and flexible to whatever comes my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tesseradancetheater.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_gracegirl
Image Credits
Kelsea Shea Photo- white dress in field, Sean Elliot- Wedding Pink background- Leigha Grey, Dance photos- Gregory Bonneville, Vogue- Carly Gunning
