Hardin Clover is an 18-year-old dancer from Alabama. She dances at Evolve Studio for the Arts.
“The dance community is where I will always feel the safest and most supported. Dance has given me life long friends and many life lessons.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
Growing up, I have moved studios across Alabama due to my father’s job. My family has ended up near the capital of Alabama, and I was put in a rigorous ballet company. I have done numerous dance competitions independently where my acrobatic, contemporary, hip hop style based solos won five titles and other top awards. While I was competing, I performed in over four full-length ballets a year with several sold-out performances each show. I rose up to be a Senior Company Member at the age of 12 which is atypical for this company. I have been accepted to the summer dance intensives of American Ballet Theatre, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Commercial Dance Intensive, Broadway Dance Center, American Dance Festival, Brenau University/Choreography Intensive, and many more. After my director passed away due to cancer, I decided to move to a different studio. I am currently at a competition studio where I am dancing and teaching for my senior year. I plan to go to a university or conservatory where I will major in dance.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance has impacted my life and mental health significantly. Dance has helped me get through the death of my best friend and dance artistic director. I have expressed myself through movement when speaking was hard. The dance community is where I will always feel the safest and most supported. Dance has given me lifelong friends and many life lessons. If it was not for dance, I truly do not know where I would be.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I use dance to have a positive impact on my community by showing people that dance can empower people to do anything. By expressing raw emotions through dance, it can show that the confidence you found in yourself can push you do all obstacles in life.