Where did you grow up and how did you get interested in dance? My mother enrolled me in dance at the age of 2. I started at a local competition studio and danced there until I went to college, 17 years later. I lost my first tooth, tied my first shoe, and earned an extended family at Dance Productions. How did your background and your family's background affect your passion for dance?
They came to every dance recital and every competition in which we participated, even after we were able to arrive on our own. Their support of my passion for the arts encouraged me to fully commit to dance and continue to pursue it as a career. However, my family understands the importance of discipline and dedication, and they instilled those values in me. Dance is both physically and mentally challenging, but growing up surrounded by ambition created a strong sense of perseverance.
What career would you have chosen if you could not have been a dancer? JH: I have a love of science and numbers. Even now, I still imagine myself working in the field of engineering. Entering college, it was my goal to double major in dance and engineering of some sort.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started dancing professionally? Choreographers or artistic directors may have a million reason for making the choices that they make. Most of the time, their decision are based on more than how much they appreciate what you have to offer. Of all the roles you have performed, which role helped you grow the most as an artist? JH: Because repertoire that we perform is so diverse, each role brings something different to the table.
Performing Mr. This dust has a perfect blend of jazz, modern, and ballet technique. It is fun and flirty, and performing it brings out all aspects of a dancer. If a child told you they wanted to be a dancer, what advice would you give them? JH: Do it. Give it everything you have. Have patience and compassion. JH: I think there is something extraordinary about live art which cannot be grasped through social media.
