Born and raised in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, Barry University student Taylor Hanna has been dancing nearly all her life. Inspired by her mother, Taylor’s passion for movement started at a young age and has grown into a remarkable journey filled with performances, choreography, and artistic exploration.

Her formal training spans nearly every style: ballet, hip-hop, African/Afrobeats, liturgical, majorette, modern, jazz, heels, contemporary/lyrical, and tap, giving her the versatility to shine on any stage.

But for Taylor, dance is more than performance. It’s also about creation. “Choreography is pure freedom and a time to express art into movement,” she shared. “When I see my work on dancers, it’s magic!”

That passion recently led her to a major milestone of touring as a background dancer for Tyler Watts, who opened for Jacquees and Dej Loaf. Traveling across major U.S. cities, she not only honed her craft but also connected with influential artists and dancers. Balancing the tour with the demands of being a full-time college student and a company member with Barry’s BURDE Dance Company was not easy, but Taylor embraced the challenge.

One of her proudest moments came during Energy Unleashed, Barry’s spring dance recital, which featured student and alumni choreographers. It marked Taylor’s first recital as a BURDE company dancer, where she also choreographed and performed her own solo. “Energy Unleashed was the highlight of the spring semester for the Barry University dance department,” she recalled.

Taylor’s breakthrough moment at Barry came when she was selected as a photo ambassador for the Break through @ Barry campaign. Her photo was chosen to be displayed in two locations on campus, including a prominent spot on the side of the student library. For Taylor, it’s an honor she’s both humbled and excited about, and one that makes her Barry experience even more memorable.