Aaryie Hannon: A Teaching Artist based Sacramento California
Biography: Aaryie Joilee Hannon (Performer/Teacher) is a Sacramento-based dancer earning a B.A. in Dance from California State University, Sacramento in May 2026. A graduate of the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA), she has trained extensively in ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and modern, beginning her dance journey at Neisha’s Dance Academy at the age of two. During her time at SDSCPA, she further expanded her technical foundation through Horton, Graham, and Limón techniques.
Aaryie has performed in numerous productions, including roles as the Sankofa Bird in the Black Nutcracker and as Lead Coffee and Tea in SDSCPA’s Nutcracker. She has also performed at the National High School Dance Festival, Regional High School Dance Festival, and the American College Dance Association (ACDA). In addition to performing, she has worked as a tap dance assistant, supporting young dancers in their technical development.
As an educator, Aaryie has taught ballet, hip hop, and creative movement at Tutu School Sacramento, Tutu School Folsom, Heartlight Dance in San Diego, Camp Mendocino, and Studio T Innovation Factory. She is also an emerging choreographer, having created work at Sacramento State. Through both her teaching and choreography, she is passionate about fostering creativity, expression, and confidence in young dancers
RESUME
Aaryie Joilee Hannon (Apple)
Sacramento, CA • (619) 385-8799 • aaryiehannon@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dance educator, performer, and choreographer with extensive experience teaching youth (ages 6 months–17 years) and creating engaging, inclusive movement environments. Strong foundation in ballet, contemporary, and hip hop, with additional training in Horton, Graham, and Limón techniques. Proven leadership in both classroom and performance settings, with a passion for creative movement, student development, and community engagement.
EDUCATION
California State University, Sacramento — B.A. in Dance (Candidate)
Expected Graduation: May 2026
San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts — Dance Major
Training in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Choreography
Additional Training:
Neisha’s Dance Academy • Malashock Dance • Center Stage San Diego
TEACHING & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dance Instructor
Studio T Innovation Factory — Sacramento, CA
March 2026 – Present
Teach and choreograph youth dance classes across multiple styles
Develop structured yet creative lesson plans tailored to student needs
Foster confidence, musicality, and performance skills
Dance Instructor
Pianova School — Sacramento, CA
April 2026 – Present
Lead movement-based instruction integrating music and dance fundamentals
Encourage creativity and self-expression in young learners
Dance Instructor
Tutu School Sacramento — Sacramento, CA
September 2024 – Present
Teach ballet using a structured curriculum for early childhood dancers
Adapt teaching methods for a wide range of ages and skill levels
Maintain strong communication with families and caregivers
Create a positive, engaging, and safe learning environment
Dance Instructor
Heartlight Dance — San Diego, CA
September 2022 – Present
Lead after-school dance classes for elementary students
Build strong student relationships through encouragement and discipline
Track student progress and maintain organized class structures
Youth Development Leader / Village Assistant Lead
Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco — Camp Mendocino
2023 – 2024
Supervised and mentored youth ages 8–17 in residential camp setting
Facilitated daily programming, leadership meetings, and team-building activities
Managed conflict resolution and ensured student safety
Program Coordinator
Boys and Girls Club of Sonoma Marin — Cloverdale, CA
January 2024 – June 2024
Led after-school programs including sports, arts, and academic support
Facilitated “Power Hour” homework and tutoring sessions
Created inclusive, engaging programming for elementary students
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2015
2017
2018
2017
2019
2020
Neishas Dance Academy: Circus. Choreography by Lyndsay Constantino
Neisahs Dance Academy: Haunted. Choreography by Erika E.
Neishas Dance Academy: Forward. Choreography by Niesha H.
Neishas Dance Academy: Fun House. Choreography by Neishas DA Staff
Neishas Dance Academy: Vouge. Choreography by Lyndsay Constantino
SCPA School House Rock: The Musical. Choreography by Ellen Warkentien, Terry Miller
SCPA Senior Dance Exhibition. Choreography by Christian Mckinney Carter
SCPA Peace Run: Imagination: Choreography by Ellen Warkentien
SCPA Senior Dance Production. Choreography by Aysia King
SCPA Fractured Path. Choreography by Annette Barcelona
SCPA Winter Dance Concert. Choreography by Ellen Warkentien
SCPA Legally Blonde: The Musical. Choreography by Roxanne Corosco
Regional High School Dance Festival. Choreography by Elijha Gibson
SCPA Beyond Boundaries. Choreography by Vincent Harding
National High School Dance Festival. Choreography by Vincent Harding
SCPA Permanent Shift. Choreography John Malashock
2025 Calling of Our Angels (2025) Choreographed by Lorelei Bayne
Sacramento Black Art of Dance & Sacramento State University Dance
2025 Work by Melissa Muganzo (2025) Cast Performer Sacramento Black Art of Dance & Sacramento State University Dance Company
2026 Artistic Interlude, Dean’s Honors Awards (2026) — Solo Performance
2026 That Sickness Kills (2026) Solo Performance
American College Dance Association Showcase
2026 This World is Sick (2026) Choreographer
Senior Dance Capstone: Envision Beyond
2026 7 Choreographer Linda Bair and Lorelei Bayne Senior Dance Capstone: Envision Beyond
2026 Bravo Bash: Twirling Over the Rainbow (2026) — Performer/Teacher
Senior Dance Capstone (2025) — Work by Kaitlyn Cha
CHOREOGRAPHY
This World is Sick (2026) Senior Capstone Concert, Envision Beyond
Choreography for youth performances, classes, and showcases
TRAINING & MASTER CLASSES
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre Master Class (2025)
Jon Reyes Master Class (2026)
Additional training with professional artists and companies
SKILLS
Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Modern (Horton, Graham, Limón)
Choreography & Composition
Classroom Management & Youth Engagement
Lesson Planning & Curriculum Development
Leadership & Communication
Creative Movement & Improvisation
AWARDS & HONORS
Employee of the Month
Leadership Awards, Gold C Award, Purple Kumquat Award
SDSCPA Outstanding Dancer
SDSCPA Most Valuable Dancer
Best Dressed Camp Mendocino 2023
Best Dressed Camp Mendocino 2024
Best Dressed SDSCPA
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I approach dance education with both intention and heart, grounded in the belief that every student deserves a safe, supportive space to explore movement and self-expression.
For many young dancers, the studio or classroom may be one of the few places where they can fully be themselves. Because of this, I teach with a strong sense of urgency to create environments where students feel seen, respected, and encouraged to take risks without fear of judgment.
My teaching emphasizes the connection between mind and body, helping students understand not just how to move, but why they move.
Through structured lessons and creative exploration, I prioritize building strong foundational skills while also allowing space for individuality and imagination. I believe that technique and artistry can and should grow together.
At the same time, I am not afraid to laugh along the way. I truly believe that sometimes the best way into dance is through a smile, a moment of silliness, or even a slightly chaotic freeze dance. By creating a joyful and engaging atmosphere, I help students develop a genuine love for dance one that is strong enough to carry them through challenges as they grow within the dance world.
Working with diverse populations, including students with mild to moderate disabilities, I adapt my teaching to meet each student where they are.
Whether I am teaching in a traditional studio or within school settings, I remain committed to accessibility, patience, and inclusion. My goal is not only to teach dance, but to empower students with confidence, communication skills, and a deeper awareness of themselves skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
GALLERY
VIDEO
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
My work is rooted in personal experience. I create choreography that reflects moments that have deeply impacted my life, using movement to process and communicate what words often cannot. My solo That Sickness Kills was inspired by my mother’s fight against cancer, while This World is Sick expands that idea to a larger scale, exploring the emotional and societal weight people carry.
My movement language blends contemporary dance with hip hop influences, grounded in both athleticism and emotional depth. I am interested in pushing dancers beyond their expectations physically and mentally while asking them to walk the line between strength and vulnerability. I value dynamic contrast, instrumentalization, and work that feels both powerful and honest.
I approach choreography as a collaborative process. I make dances for my dancers, creating space for their individuality to shape the work. In rehearsal, there is discipline, but also joy we laugh, we take risks, we test limits, and sometimes we’re dancing to whatever slightly inappropriate song has been on repeat in my car. That balance allows dancers to feel free, connected, and fully present.
Ultimately, I create dance to honor lived experiences, build connection, and create work that lingers beyond the performance.
RATES
Master Class: 150$
Independent Contract: 30$-75$ per hour
Non Profit Event/Fundrasier: Please reach out
ALL PAY RATES ARE NEGOTIABLE
For any additional questions or concerns, please contact me via email or text.