Hannah Joseph discusses choreography and the power of the CAT scheme
At her local dance school, Hannah Joseph’s contemporary teacher—an alum of Trinity Laban—encouraged her to audition for our Centre for Advanced Training in 2017. In the same year, Hannah took part in a summer dance workshop at her secondary school in collaboration with Company Wayne McGregor, and the dancers recommended that she applied. During her time at CAT, Hannah became a member of the National Youth Dance Company, and after graduating, she went on to train at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Hannah became a finalist in BBC Young Dancer 2022, where she presented her own work at the Roundhouse alongside pieces by Ivan Michael Blackstock and Seeta Patel. In 2023, she joined Company Wayne McGregor, with which she had the opportunity to perform both in the UK and internationally in productions such as UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey, Autobiography, and Moschino Milan Fashion Week SS24. Hannah now works as a professional dancer and choreographer, presenting her works at venues including Sadler’s Wells Lilian Baylis Studio Theatre, the Royal Ballet and Opera, and the Jersey Opera House, in addition to creating screen dance works.
What was your experience of being a Dance CAT student?
Throughout my three years as a CAT student, I gained invaluable skills as both a dancer and a person more broadly. The environment was so naturally vibrant and filled with enthusiasm and support for young aspiring dancers. I truly valued the teachers for their generous sharing of knowledge and individually catered support. I continue to cherish the friendships I have with other CAT students to this day, as we witness each other’s development and growth as artists. I most enjoyed the community that the programme fostered, a group of people so keen and driven to work hard, to learn, and spread joy for dance. It was a truly uplifting feeling to be surrounded by, especially given the contrast of it with school. The services that I received whilst on CAT were outstanding, from the training in dance floor mirrored studios to highly skilled teachers, it was filled with variety and professional level work.
Gridlock by Hannah Joseph had a strong, distinct identity. I saw urban-esque matadors, and the students seemed to enjoy discovering the freedom within the bound movement style.
Image Credit: Andrej Uspenski, @dancersdiary
What has the CAT scheme taught you?
Values. At the forefront of what a great dancer can be lies the person’s identity. The CAT scheme fostered a place where individuality was celebrated and welcomed, emphasising that alongside learning disciplines such as ballet, there was space for the self to be existing simultaneously.
Where has the scheme led you so far?
From the CAT scheme, I discovered the National Youth Dance Company, which I was a part of for two years. I also joined Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures as part of the Young Cast for Romeo + Juliet at Sadler’s Wells. I went on to train at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance for three years, during which I worked for Alexander Whitely and was a BBC Young Dancer Finalist in 2022, performing choreography by Ivan Michael Blackstock, Seeta Patel, and myself at the Roundhouse. Afterwards, I joined Company Wayne McGregor, touring nationally and internationally, commercially appearing in Moschino Milan Fashion week SS24, London Fashion Week 2024, and Hermès Brides de Gala. Choreographically, I’ve had my own work shown digitally on Nowness and also performed at Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Ballet and Opera. One of my recent commissions was for the Royal Ballet School, performed at Opera Holland Park, Linbury Theatre, and Royal Ballet Mainstage.
Has the world changed or Have I changed?
Presented by Trinity Laban Youth Dance Company and Hannah Joseph. Image Credit: Katarzyna Perlak
What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in auditioning?
Go for it, have fun, and be yourself. Make friends and remember that dancing is fun and is a joy to be shared with others.
What are your future aspirations?
I wish to continue to offer and exchange knowledge with the next upcoming generation of dancers and to challenge myself to remain curious.