Meet Hannah Gravelle | Dancer, Choreographer, & Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hannah Gravelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hannah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Well, I simply never desired to do anything else, as creating and performing felt like my true calling. Nothing gifted me greater joy than witnessing my ideas come to life and expressing who I truly am in front of an audience. Dance has been a part of me since the young age of three, and my love for this art form only grows stronger every day. I’ve always known that I wanted to pursue a career that I genuinely enjoyed since life is too short not to take that wonderful chance and because anything is possible if you possess determination and eagerness. I feel beyond grateful to have discovered this great passion of mine so early in my life and to have had the courage and support to follow my wildest dreams. After moving to Los Angeles at eighteen years old, earning my BFA in commercial dance, co-founding and co-producing a burlesque-inspired dance company called Les Femmes Productions, and directing and choreographing my very first dance short film titled ‘unhappily happy,’ this artistic lifestyle is full of spontaneity, consisting of hard work, kindness, and patience; however, with utmost belief in myself, I cannot wait to continue to achieve all that seems impossible! I love what I do, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a small-town Canadian girl who moved to this opportunity-filled country to make my dreams a reality! Twelve-year-old Hannah would be in awe if she knew the life she would be living in ten years; I am making her proud. It was a gift to have been able to attend college in Los Angeles for the past four years, where steps were climbed, chances were taken, and goals were reached. Having just graduated in May, I am ecstatic to enter the professional world with an open mind and driven soul! It excites me to think about where I’ll be in years from now… Touring the world with an artist? Dancing in the Super Bowl Halftime Show? Performing at Coachella? Dancing and acting in a movie or TV show? Les Femmes Productions having a residency in Vegas? The sky is the limit. I cannot wait to soak up this journey and embrace every second.

I would say that my ambition, soulfulness, and versatility are my superpowers. I have always had a strong desire to succeed at whatever I’m doing, felt things so deeply and expressed my innermost emotions in all my art, and never limited myself by saying yes to every challenge presented to me. Nothing in life is ever easy. There are many lows and few highs, especially in this industry; however, the results depend on our attitude and what we decide to do in those low situations. I just keep working hard and staying kind. I just keep dancing 🙂

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, we would have to start with an early morning yoga sculpt class at CorePower Yoga or head to my favorite hiking location in Malibu called Escondido Falls! Then if we were in downtown LA, we would have to hit Dulce at USC Village for some blueberry matcha and breakfast sandwiches (SO YUMMY). But if we were in Malibu, after the hike, we would definitely stop at SunLife Organics to get some refreshing smoothie bowls, then maybe walk around Malibu Country Mart—it’s so cute there! During the day, we would 100% go to the beach, either Manhattan, Malibu Pier, or El Matador. It doesn’t matter to me. I just want to be tanning in the California sun with the ocean breeze. For lunch, we would HAVE to go to Malibu Farm, and I will be getting the squash tacos…(yes, it’s a very popular spot, but they really do have the best food ever). After eating, we’d walk down the Malibu Pier and watch the surfers catch some waves, hopefully, see a dolphin or a sea lion swimming around, and just hang out for a bit. Then we would just drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, windows down, music blasting, and vibe of course. Eventually, we would make it to Venice, where we would grab some take-out sushi from Ralph’s on the way and watch the sunset on the beach, or we would eat at Sushi Roku in Santa Monica and watch the sunset there (both spots are perfect for sunset watching!). Once we finished up dinner, we would hit the Victorian or Baja Sharkeez for some drinks and a good time! However, we might have to call it a night if I have an early call time or rehearsal because my besties and I are always busy dancing !!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
For starters, I would not be where I am today without my parents, who are truly the most encouraging and supportive people in my life. Next, when growing up, I had the honor of training and touring with Tremaine Dance Conventions for seven years, and I cannot thank the legendary Joe Tremaine and the incredible faculty enough for believing in me and inspiring my decision to pursue dance as a career—so much love and gratitude for my TPC family. Also, I wanted to shout out someone who gave me an opportunity when I first moved out to LA and introduced me to a lovely community of brilliant creatives called IAF (I Am Force). Chehon Wespi-Tschopp, thank you for giving me a home away from home.

My official move to LA was influenced by the school I attended for the past four years, Hussian College Los Angeles, where I earned my degree and made lifelong friends and memories. During this time, I became a versatile creative, showcasing my authenticity through the arts as a creator and performer in dance, theatre, and film. This place and these people showed me the beautiful result of collaboration and how the seed of an idea has the potential to grow beyond expectation. Les Femmes was birthed in a class I attended while at Hussian College three years ago. ‘unhappily happy’ was my senior thesis project and my proudest work to date. I will cherish these surreal opportunities with this uplifting, inspiring community forever. My experience here has overfilled me with adoration as I feel eternally blessed to have crossed paths with many beautifully talented artists and human beings. Thank you.

Website: https://lesfemmes.productions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahgravelle/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannah.gravelle.31

Image Credits
Chehon Wespi-Tschopp Jared Trevino Lexi Colvin John Landry Wes Klain