How did we get here?
Hannah
Growing up, Hannah was on a professional track with her passion for ballet at a young age. In between the main stage performances, she discovered the true joy of performing for others, particularly in unconventional settings like nursing homes, hospitals, and libraries. Witnessing the smiles and emotions on the faces of those she danced for, rather than performing to a dark house of a theatre, brought a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose to the many demanding hours in the studio.
As Hannah moved on to an even more rigorous ballet program, she experienced the relentless pursuit of excellence of the professional world, and the "why" began to float farther and farther away. She danced many of her dream roles - and yet at the same time, began to lose weight, develop panic attacks, and endure abuse from an instructor. Hannah suffered a career ending injury, and months later contracted a virus that was the onset of debilitating seizures. These would later be diagnosed as a physical manifestation of PTSD.
As a part of her recovery from these experiences, Hannah found solace in breaking the cycle of systemic abuse in the dance world. She began dedicating herself to teaching and fostering a compassionate and safe environment within the ballet community. Hannah is committed to providing the same professional and conservatory-style training she herself received, while also nurturing a culture of well-being.
Our one true principle, our Verity: everyone deserves respect, to be treated with dignity, and to be lead with integrity.
Noah
From the onset, it seemed unlikely that Noah would find himself drawn towards the world of dance. Introduced to some basic ballet steps at the age of 14, his late start to the art form lacked the traditional years of experience at a dance school that most people already had. Doubt weighed heavily on his mind, convincing him that he may not possess the capability to excel in such a prestigious discipline.
Yet, the desire within his heart pushed him to persevere, ultimately leading him towards taking a chance. Through diverse experiences with various dance and performance organizations, he frequently witnessed firsthand a stark contrast between effective teaching, and prevailing methods in the industry that were far too toxic and damaging.
Too often, the focus was solely on achieving results, with teachers resorting to outdated tactics of belittling, insulting, and tearing down their students. After performances wrapped up, the tune would quickly change to positive affirmation and cheers that emphasized that the ends justify the means. The abusive behavior would restart anew each season, and the cycle continued.
He majored in dance in college, was accepted into a professional modern dance company, and danced successfully for 8 seasons. The company he danced with worked tirelessly, and there was a fair share of emotional rollercoaster moments as the company all struggled to channel that infectious passion for dance in the proper manner.
But there, amidst a tumultuous dance landscape, he also met Hannah. Unbeknownst to him, Hannah believed that an alternative approach was not only possible, but a necessity. One that celebrated the essence of dance throughout the process, instead of undermining it. He learned that dance need not be a relentless proving ground; it could be a shared connection and a source of unashamed joy.
His journey alongside Hannah revealed that the true measure of success lay not in external validation or mere technicality, but in the transformative power of the dance experience itself. Each step, each performance, became an opportunity to connect with an audience, to touch lives, and to share the genuine passion that resided deep within. The classes that brought them there was just as important; after all, the majority of a dancer’s time is spent in the studio.
Moved by this newfound perspective, the seeds of Verity Ballet were sown. Fueled by his experiences, he aimed to establish a safe haven for ballet students, a place where the love for dance could flourish unhindered. Together with Hannah, he devoted himself to creating an environment where learning and growth could coexist harmoniously with the sheer joy of performing.
Verity Ballet became more than an establishment—it became a testament to the profound impact that quality dance education could have on a person's life. Every aspect of the school, every opportunity given to students, is infused with pride and care. Here, the aim is not to produce flawless dancers alone, but to raise individuals who find solace, strength, and self-discovery through the art of ballet.
The tale of how he came to be a co-director of Verity Ballet stands as a testament to resilience, to the belief that a history steeped in hardship can transform into a catalyst for positive change. Together, Hannah & Noah strive to create a future where the transformative power of dance knows no bounds, where young hearts can take flight, and where the love for ballet guides each and every step.