Hannah Stephens credits her professors in the Theatre and Dance Department of the South Carolina School of the Arts for helping her confidently move forward as she pursues her passion for dancing.
Since graduating from Anderson University, Stephens’ dance career has taken her to major theme parks across the South, from Kings Dominion in Virginia to magical Central Florida, where she is employed as a dancer at Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Studios.
Stephens has danced for most of her life and has loved it every step of the way.
“I was actually a very pensive child. I was imaginative and loved reading and music. I was also very reserved, which is funny now to think about,” she said. “One day my mom suggested registering for dance class, and I’ve been dancing ever since.”
When Stephens, who grew up south of Atlanta, was looking at degree programs in dance, Anderson University stood out.
“I was really praying to find a university rooted in faith, where I could be surrounded by both students and leadership that could speak truth into me while also pursuing an education in my field. Finding the dance program at Anderson was truly a gift from the Lord. Not only did I receive an incredible education, but I walked away with confidence, prepared to step into a career in the arts with the full armor of God,” she said.
In fact, Stephens was among the first to graduate from Anderson’s Bachelor of Arts in Dance program. She says that she considers herself very fortunate that the caring support of her faculty has endured far past her graduation.
When Stephens graduated from Anderson in 2021, she faced an uncertain world, as did so many in that graduating class.
“At the time of my graduation, the COVID-19 pandemic still held a strong grip over the arts and entertainment industry. After months of self tapes and virtual audition conferences, I finally landed my very first theme park role at Kings Dominion in Virginia, where I would be performing at an outdoor stage permitting pandemic protocol. Even then, my greatest desire was always to make it down to Disney, but the Lord used these contracts as stepping stones to grow my faith and teach me how to trust in His will. So many of the lessons I learned and people I connected with there lead me to where I am today,” said Stephens, adding that she also met her fiancé while performing at Kings Dominion.
“Truly any career can fluctuate over time, but the Lord has always been so gracious to provide for me in His timing, and that’s why I have faith in the calling He has placed on my life,” she said.
Pandemic aside, Stephens knew she was entering a career field that was very competitive.
“It is very challenging to be immersed in a field that is so self-focused. The audition environment can create such a breeding ground for comparison, and that’s where I have to place my worth in who Christ says that I am regardless of the outcome. Each opportunity that I am given to dance is a gift. My desire is to be a vessel for His glory, that others might see Christ through me,” she said.
Stephens has been determined to live out her faith and be salt and light in her work environment. To her, that means encouraging others through the love of Christ, sometimes including those who don’t share her beliefs.
Committing to a rigorous regimen of diet and exercise is essential to Stephens’ success as a dancer, keeping hydrated through hot Florida summers and seeking balance on and off the job.
“Your hydration truly begins the day before your shift. It’s important to eat protein dense meals and pack plenty of snacks for the day…the Florida sun can drain your energy quickly. I also rely heavily on electrolytes in between shows or parades as a pick-me-up!” she said.
Stephens is grateful each day for the Lord’s guidance to Anderson University, a program that opened doors for her to live out her passion for dance. She is overcome with gratitude considering all of the dreams she has been able to witness coming to fruition in her post-collegiate career, including dancing down the iconic Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom and receiving screen time dancing as part of Disney’s fortieth anniversary Christmas special that aired live on ABC and Disney+.
“It’s humbling to think that this journey began with a little girl who just wanted to tell stories. Today, it is my privilege and joy to share those dreams with the next generation of little girls on the other side of the parade route. I see a glimpse of myself in each of them,” she said. “I am very thankful for my family, professors and friends at Anderson that have encouraged me to be courageous in following the Lord’s will for my life instead of living in fear. And that’s something to be proud of, that I get to live my calling every day because I stepped out in faith.”
Left: Universal Orlando’s “Holiday Parade” (Orlando Mike) Top Center: Disney’s “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” (Bree Pruitt) Bottom Center: SeaWorld Orlando’s “So Much More to Sea Parade” (Alex Sansolo) Right: Universal Orlando’s “Mardi Gras Parade” (Andrew Walt).