Hannah Pulliam considered quitting dance after her senior year, but her passion and love for the sport kept her going. She also switched studios, which helped her get her spark for dancing back. She now dances for Innovative Dance Company, where she mainly focuses on contemporary, jazz and ballet.
“Before I switched studios, I was planning on being done after senior year, but I grew a lot when I joined my new studio and decided I don’t want to be done yet,” Pulliam said.
Hannah is very dedicated to the studio. She goes there three days a week. This helps her grow as a dancer and develop skills a lot faster.
“What stood out [to] me about Hannah when she first came to Innovative Dance Company was her attention to detail and her passion. You could see her passion for dance radiating through her movements,” dance teacher Cassabella Kool said.
Pulliam has been dancing since she was three years old when her parents signed her up, and she just kept wanting to go back to classes. Having now been in the dance atmosphere for so long, it felt hard to give up, and so she decided to continue dancing in college, but this time just for fun.
“I hope Hannah gets the opportunity to explore new styles of dance and it gives her the chance to find her own style. I know she has the potential and work ethic to achieve any dream she has. I can’t wait to continue to support her from the sidelines,” Kool said.
Being able to do what she loves is what matters most to her, especially in a place that feels like home for her, and that place is Hope College.
“I didn’t want to give it up just yet, [dance] keeps me busy, and it’s something I’ve done my whole life. I love the community at Hope. Holland reminds me of home, especially the downtown and the beach so close by,” Pulliam said.
A study done by Scientific Research involving 239 university athletes found that receiving social support was significantly linked to better psychological well-being, including personal growth and positive relationships.
“They [friends and family] have supported me and are always there to cheer me on,” Pulliam said.
Pulliam has lots of support from everyone in her life, including the other dancers in the studio, her family, friends and boyfriend.
“She attends her dance practices multiple times a week and when she’s not doing that she is either studying or practicing her dance moves at home,” senior and Pulliam’s long term boyfriend Jack Schripsema said.
People don’t often see the effort that goes into being an athlete. The training, the early mornings or the sacrifices made. Still, it’s those behind-the-scenes moments that make the experience so meaningful.
“Hanging out at competitions and dancing on stage with some of my best friends are my favorite memories,” Pulliam said.
