What does it take to go from Commonwealth Games rhythmic gymnast to professional ballerina with the Birmingham Royal Ballet? In this episode, Hannah Martin shares her remarkable journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers dream big and make it happen.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Hannah’s early career as a rhythmic gymnast, including competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and earning 22 national titles.
• The key differences between gymnastics training and ballet training—and why flexibility alone wasn’t enough.
• How competing on the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer became a turning point, ultimately leading to her acceptance at Elmhurst Ballet School, where she graduated with the Sir Peter Wright Award for Performance.
• The challenges and breakthroughs of transitioning into ballet at 16—and why learning the “in-between steps” became her biggest growth moment.
• How recovering from injury gave her a deeper appreciation for dance and helped unlock the “next level” of ballet.
• Why Hannah founded the Make It Happen Academy—an online platform empowering dancers to build strength, refine technique, and develop mental skills for long-term success.
• Her best advice for young dancers stepping into the professional world: find a life outside of ballet, avoid burnout, and protect your body.

Connect with Hannah:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmartinrg

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hannahmartinrg

Website: www.hannahmartin.info

Make it Happen Academy: https://make-it-happen-academy.teachery.co/make-it-happen-academy

Links and Resources:

The Ultimate Audition Guide

Ballet Help Desk Website

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.