Hannah Timpanaro

What companies/classes are you currently in?

I am Jazzcat hybrid, and in Hip Hop company.

When did you start at Center Stage?

I started at Center Stage in third grade at the Marlboro studio.

Do you remember your first dance routine?

My first dance was a jazz dance to Walking on Sunshine a few years before I came to Center Stage.

What was your Center Stage journey?

I started at the Marlboro studio taking recreational jazz, tap and ballet classes. The next year I joined Jr Tap Cats, and the year after that, I became a cougar. In seventh grade I became a Jazzcat dancing in Marlboro and East Brunswick, and a Tap Cat in East Brunswick. I am now a member of Hip Hop company, and the Jazzcat hybrid program dancing in East Brunswick and Ocean.

Why has it been worth all of the energy you’ve put into it and the sacrifices you’ve made?

I can’t imagine my life thus far without dance being a huge part of it. Going to dance allows me to ignore the rest of the world for a few hours and just be in the moment. Spending so many hours at the studio has taught me dedication and humility.

What other outside of school activities do you do?

I have always had a passion for helping people. Outside of dance I am likely doing community service (if not at work or doing homework). I am on the event leadership team for Relay for Life of Howell where I lead and plan a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. I am also the Vice President of my school’s NHS, am an active member of several other school clubs, and am in my district’s Humanities program.

If aliens showed up in your backyard, what would be the first thing you’d show them to help them appreciate life on Earth?

I would bring them to a concert and help them shop for a fun outfit.

What would you show them that would make them turn around and go back home?

I would show them the Common App (maybe even an SAT) and then give them a charged lemonade from Panera to give them enough energy to go home.

What’s your favorite season and why?

My favorite season is summer because there is less to stress about. I get to work at the camp I grew up at, and just have fun with my friends.

Who are your heroes, and why?

My biggest hero is my grandma. She was the strongest, kindest, most loving person I have ever met, and is who I want to be like when I grow up.

If you were a superhero, what would be your name and your power?

If I had a superpower it would probably be to read minds because I am fascinated by the way other people think.

If you could be immortal, what age would you choose to stop aging at and why?

If I was immortal I would stop at 25. I feel like it is a good age because you are young enough to make mistakes and be adventurous/travel but old enough to be done with school and rent a car (for said traveling).

Are you a loner or a crowd person?

I think it depends on the day. I am more of a crowd person, but I definitely need my loner moments.

Would you like to be famous, and if so, what would you like to be famous for?

I definitely would not like to be famous. I hope to be successful and well respected in my future career, but I definitely do not want crazy fans or anything like that.

What’s next?

I am planning on attending college in the city. I am majoring in psychology and probably minoring in neuroscience. I don’t know where I will be going yet, but I am applying to several accelerated BS/MS programs for clinical psychology.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Ten years from now I hope to be working as a child clinical psychologist in the public healthcare system. I would love to be published for research in some capacity, and still volunteer regularly.

Will you come back to visit Center Stage, or are you gone for good when you’re out the

door?

Center Stage has been such a big part of my life, I can’t imagine just leaving it behind.