Exclusive Interview with Merrick Hanna
April 21, 2016
Two years ago after watching MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, Merrick Hanna was determined to learn how to dance. Hanna has just turned eleven, but he had already worked with some of the dance industries biggest names. He starred in Dance Network’s Home Alone tribute as Kevin opposite of Madd Chadd and Poppin’ John’s roles as the villains. He has also danced with Twitch, a choreographer known for his work in the “Step Up” movies and on the “Ellen” show. He will soon be working with top notch choreographer Tricia Miranda.
“I loved robots so much when I was little. I saw robot style dancing and (my reaction was) wow,” Hanna said. His favorite styles of dance include popping, animation, and flowbotting, which is a mixture of robot like movements with waving.
His goal for dance is simply “to get better” and since he lives in California, there seems to be nothing holding him back from growing into an amazing performer. Hanna is grateful for all the opportunities that are offered and loves that “there are so many teachers to learn from.”
Hanna trains in a variety of studios ranging from YMCA to Evolution Dance Center to Culture Shock. Although he is always inspired by the dancers around him, he draws inspiration from YouTube legends such as Fikshun, J Smooth, Boogie Frantick, and Poppin’ John. For dancers who may not have studios in their local area, he advises to use YouTube as a way of learning because a ton of tutorials are available on different dance techniques.
As for balancing school and dance, Hanna tries not to miss too much school. At the moment, he is filming a commercial. However, there is always a teacher on set to keep him up to date with his schoolwork. Even though he couldn’t go into further detail, Hanna announced that he will have two TV shows airing in May.
Hanna is still very young and has already considered a future career in engineering. Whether or not he continues dance as a career, it’s clear he will keep it as an outlet of expression and continue to inspire others through dance. His advice for aspiring dancers is to “Listen to lots of music and YouTube videos. Move all the time!”
valariy • Jan 1, 2017 at 1:08 pm
I have seen this kid on “Lip Sync Battle Shorties” and “so you think you can dance Next generation” and on “the Ellen show” on Lip sync battle shorties, he was amazing bring a since lab to life! he was a ABSOLUT STAR on so you think you can dance! But on the academy 2 when he was cut from the team, and he started to cry and I fell apart! and on the ellen show when he was dancing he was amazing and when he was getting his robot stuff he had the cutest little laugh ever!
This kid ROCKS at dancing and puts so much work into it! KEEP DANCING MERRICK!