BFA in Ballet Teaching and Choreography from the University of Utah

Office: MCD 203
Email: hannah.hurd@utah.edu

Hannah Hurd earned her BFA in Ballet Teaching and Choreography from the University of Utah. She began dancing at a young age in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she developed her passion for dance. In her early teens, she moved to Arizona and joined the pre-professional company Ballet Etudes. Throughout her training, Hannah performed numerous corps de ballet and soloist roles including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Coppélia, Giselle, Peter Pan, and Peter and the Wolf. At age 16, she performed the Can-Can with the Phoenix Symphony for a New Year’s Eve Gala.

She received her collegiate ballet training from former Ballet West dancer and coach Maureen Laird, renowned dance critic and coach Regina Zarhina, Calvin Kitten of The Joffrey Ballet, Ballet West's Maggie Write Tesch and numerous other distinguished artists. During her time at the University of Utah, Hannah performed and guested corps and soloist roles in productions of Cinderella, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Les Sylphides and Paquita and choreographed numerous works for the University of Utah Ballet Showcase performances. 

Hannah is an ABT® Certified Affiliate Teacher who has successfully completed the Pre-Primary through Level 6, Level 7, and Partnering of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. She also holds 4Pointe certifications in Pre-Pointe, Levels 1 and 2, and Rehab, and is certified in MUvmethod and Progressing Ballet Technique levels 1 and 2. She continues to pursue professional development and advanced dance education through training opportunities in repertoire staging, judging, choreography, coaching, and technique across multiple dance genres. Hannah is a frequent adjudicator for dance competitions and ballet auditions in the Salt Lake Valley.

Hannah is the Associate Director of Performances at West Point Ballet Academy, where she teaches pre-ballet through advanced ballet, pointe, and adult ballet. An experienced ballet and contemporary choreographer, she has created and restaged works for students and professional settings and regularly coaches dancers for Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) and other competitions.

Hannah is passionate about developing technically strong, versatile, and confident dancers. Her teaching emphasizes sound technique while fostering work ethic, artistry, collaboration, positivity, and personal growth.