For senior Hannah Odgers, dancing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. At five years old, Odgers was put in lessons and hasn’t stopped dancing since. This unbridled passion will propel her to her future career.
In her childhood, Odgers took part in multiple sports including gymnastics, soccer, and basketball, all before dance. It was her parents who made the decision to put her in classes.
“I didn’t want to go, didn’t want to work, but I am so thankful my parents made me stick with it,” Odgers said.
Something must have inspired her because now at age 17, dancing is all she can think about. This award winning dancer first received the idea of dancing professionally when she traveled to Los Angeles, for dance.
“The first time I went out to L.A. was summer of my freshman year, and it was amazing. We ( Odgers and the Miller Marley Competition Team) took classes everyday at The Edge Performing Arts Center with top choreographers,” Odgers said. “It was like I walked off the plane and I knew I belong.”
Ever since then, she has spent every summer at The Edge and has dreamed about being a professional/commercial dancer. However, like all dreams, she has obstacles to overcome.
“I’m attending UMKC next year and am in their conservatory dance program, but obviously it wasn’t my first choice, but with the economy and all, moving out to L.A. wasn’t an option,” Odgers said.
Although UMKC isn’t California, her passion for dance will never cease and she will continue to strive for excellence. Her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed either.
“She has amazing technique but what sets her apart is her emotion and style,” fellow dancer Mikaila Morgan said. “She is not afraid to take risks in her dancing, and she puts so much passion into it every time.”
As Odgers progresses towards the next chapter of her life, she hopes others will learn from her experiences and challenges.
“ All I want people to ever learn in life, ever is that you can’t just sit by and expect everything to be handed to you on a silver platter,” Odgers said. “ You can’t wake up one morning and hope you’re a good dancer; you just can’t.”