Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Seiden

Hi Hannah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

I didn’t want to dance. My sister was in a troupe and my mom worked the front desk, so I was always in the dance studio. Everyone always encouraged me to try it, but I was terrified. When I finally got the courage to get on that floor, that was it. I became dance and dance became me. After a few years, we switched to a competitive studio where I grew into different genres of dance. We were the best in the state, and nationally recognized.

Once I went to NYU, I explored a different side of dance, and graduated a mutt of different styles and ideas. I freelanced in NYC for 10 years- exciting opportunities including films, traveling to Dubai, China, Israel, working with different companies and showing my own work.

As I hit the middle of 2024, to be honest, I did not think I would continue to dance other than creating my own work with smaller opportunities. I almost did not go to the audition for Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane- I worked at their parent organization New York Live Arts since I was 20 and auditioned 3 or 4 times during that time. I accepted that maybe I would get a big girl job with a big girl salary and dance on the side. And with a twist of fate, I booked the job. One of the biggest dreams. And it came true. I am happily making my debut with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company at Brooklyn Academy of Music, performing a pinnacle and legendary work. Little me, not getting on that dance floor, oof she is beaming.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Lawd absolutely NOT!!!!!!! Trials and tribulations started with figuring out how to navigate pursuing a career while surviving on multiple jobs and little income. I worked probably over 70 hours a week probably up to COVID beginning. To add to that, every audition I would get to the end and not make it. It hadn’t dawned on me yet that that had nothing to do with my talent. The dance world is difficult sometimes, as people hire based on looks and several other factors not in one’s control. My confidence was shot, I did not know who I was or where I was going. After a magnificently successful year in 2023, the only opportunity for me seemed to be making my own work. I was touched to realize I had a knack for connecting to audiences, but to start pretty much in a whole new niche meant showing your work for free in tiny itty bitty studios or hallways. And that is when I was not sure if I would continue to live out what I thought were my dreams of a dance career, EVEN with all of my success. As a dancer, you never think you are as successful as you are, you ALWAYS want more.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

Currently I dance for a legendary company in which I am performing the work of one choreographer. However, it is an environment where individuality is prioritized, and collaboration necessary. I have already grown so much, and it has only been a few months. I am so excited to continue to evolve as both a dancer and human. Making my own work, I focus on collective healing. I make myself as vulnerable as I can, working through hardships through my body and work, so that the audience can do the same. Empowering them to find the soft places, and show them to the world. I pride myself in being versatile- I worked with a commercial choreographer, Kyle Hanagami, to film the Mean Girls, the Musical film. And then right after that I join a major modern dance company directed by Bill T. Jones. It is so fun to be able to work in such different genres and disciplines. I think what I am most proud of though is my heart. I care a lot, not only about the significance of moving my body, but connecting with others in a humble and passionate way. In a competitive world, there are people that will do anything to get to the top. For me? I am lucky to have been raised by parents who taught me grace, humility, and kindness. That outweighs any sort of success or fame.

What are your plans for the future?

I am really looking forward to continuing to work with Bill, as it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I also plan to continue to audition and work in commercial work or other side gigs. In terms of anything else in the future- I am looking forward to the human things like moving into a house with my boyfriend, thinking about marriage or kids (YIKES!!!!), connecting more with my family, and pursuing how to bring my dance career into other versions of helping people such as pain coaching and making vulnerable work. For now, it is moment by moment :)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @hbseiden

Image Credits

Joe Dean
Terk Lewis
Stephanie Crousillat
Darcy Rogers
Liz Ligon (courtesy of the High Line)
Elyse Mertz