Instructors

Hannah Cole

Hannah Cole

Hannah won her first dance competition aged 7, free-styling to "She wore an itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny-yellow-polka-dot bikini" at a talent show in Northern California - where she grew up.

Drawn to musical theatre throughout high school, Hannah first experienced partner dance while studying in Costa Rica. She struck gold. "The gringa that learned to dance" became a familiar compliment, and, within six months, her Costa Rican living room was transformed into a cozy dance school.

But the learning had just begun. Hannah, returning to the United States 14 years ago, then committed herself to being the best of dancers and teachers. She's since trained with the greatest Ballroom, Latin and Swing instructors.

The famous Diane Jarmolow was but one mentor. Exhibiting a rare talent and enthusiasm, Hannah was soon drafted by Diane to instruct career-minded students at San Francisco's Metronome Ballroom while, of course, nurturing her own skills and students. The special relationship further blossomed as the Metronome became one of the country's most successful independent dance studios.

Hannah lists a number of achievements during this period: An eight-dance collection of instructional videos for beginners; national spotlights on TV and newspapers; and numerous teaching awards.

A natural, unique teaching style has attracted students to Hannah from across the country: "My technical precision, innate understanding of movement, love of people and sense of humor assists each dancer achieve their greatest potential and become increasingly confident, competent, caring and expressive."

The desire to further focus on competition dancing also remained. So in 2004, Hannah was on the move again, this time to her current residence of Atlanta, forming a formidable partnership with Jari Muller. In just a few months they performed in the Standard Division in Blackpool, England, and became 2004 Ohio Star Ball Rising Star Smooth Finalists, among other achievements.

She currently directs the Atlanta Ballroom Dance Teachers Academy and regularly holds classes in Atlanta, San Francisco and other cities. Hannah has been certified with high honors by ISTD, DVIDA and Terpsichore, and is a DVIDA Regional Examiner. She is available for Pro/Am dance instruction, coaching, teacher training, and studio consulting.