By Zach Dunkin
Ever since she was 6 years old, Hannah Semler has performed in Central Indiana Dance Academy’s annual presentation of Tchaikovsky’s magical holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker.” This year will be special, however.
Not only is the sophomore from Westfield High School “excited” to play the Snow Queen for the first time, she is appearing with the pre-professional dance company as a recent award winner. Semler tied for first, edging out 27 other contestants ages 13-18, to share a $1,500 dance scholarship in the 34th annual Carey Rose Winski Dance Scholarship competition at Chicago’s renown Hubbard Street Dance Company.
“When my name was announced, I could not believe my ears,” Semler said. “I was shocked. Not only was it a confidence booster, but it was a way of showing myself that I could do it, and that all the work I put into the weeks of preparation really did pay off.
“Also, I got feedback from professional dancers who have experience in the dance industry. It helped me realize the competition of the dance world and how hard and competitive this art form really is.”
Semler started dance at the age of 3. In 2009, she entered CIDE’s 2009 summer intensive program. From that point she realized ballet was her passion and started taking her training seriously. She currently is a two-year student in CIDE’s principal company, the highest class.
“Hannah is a very talented young lady with an enormous amount of potential,” said Artistic Director Suzann DeLay, who founded the Carmel-based school in 1999. “And she is a beauty on stage.”
Semler will share the Snow Queen role with Carmel High School student Paige Hall and the role of Arabian Coffee with Audrey Burdick, also a Carmel student.
Performances of “The Nutcracker” at the Zionsville Performing Arts Center are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11. Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for students 18 and younger. They can be purchased online at cidedance.org or by calling 317-844-7453.
