Hannah Hernandez

How did you discover the CAT scheme? 

I discovered the CAT scheme when one of the CAT teachers came into my high school and they did a taster session. I think they did a little bit of a contemporary class and then at the end, she gave some cards out to some students and I was one of the students and I was like this was fun, why not! I then went to the audition and got through!

What had been your experience of dance before the CAT scheme? 

I didn’t actually do much contemporary. I did a couple of very basic ballet lessons, and more musical theatre so a lot of freestyling, ballroom, hip-hop. Kind of an all-round experience, not much contemporary at all really.

What has the CAT scheme taught you? 

Oh my gosh, the CAT scheme has taught me so much! I think, the number one thing that I got from it was to just put your all into a class. They really taught me how to be determined and just to be yourself really.

Where has the scheme led you to so far? 

So after CAT, I went on to Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary dance, studied there for three years and I just recently graduated. I did works with Christopher Bruce, Richard Alston, did R&D with Akram Khan and did work with Richard Chappell. That’s carried me on to my freelancing job now. I did Infinite Ways Home with Richard Chappell and I’m working with him right now on a new production called Hot House, which will be premiering in Dance City, which is nice. I also went to Spain to do a dance opera job with a company called Metamorphosis and that was fun.

What are any of your future aspirations? 

I don’t have a lot, actually. I just want to go where the wind takes me. I want to dip my toes into every, kind of, dance company that I can and see what’s best for me and I think rep companies or freelancing is my thing.
I do want to do a lot of performing and I’d also like to travel all around the world. I’ve done Spain so that’s quite nice, but I would want to do like Germany and maybe the US, more of that. Then I’ll maybe become a physiotherapist, after my body breaks, haha!

What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in auditioning? 

I honestly say just do it! It’s such a clichéd thing to say, but honestly, like the support you get here is unlike anything else. Also, just be yourself.
Don’t act like anyone else, don’t look at anyone else in the room, just really shine your light because the people and the teachers will just see you for who you are and you’ll be amazing!

Finally, is there anything else you would like to add about your CAT experience? 

I actually just don’t have the words to express my gratitude towards the CAT because I really wouldn’t have got to Rambert or where I am now without it.

Socil Media @hannah.kcj
Image credit: Jack Thomson