🎭Josephine Wants to Dance
📍Australian Tour – Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland & Western Australia
🗓️ & 🎟️monkeybaa.com.au
Meet Hannah Gwatkin: The Creative Force Inspiring the Next Generation of Dreamers
When it comes to performers who live and breathe creativity, few embody it as fully as Hannah Gwatkin. A singer, dancer, actor, saxophonist, and all-around creative powerhouse, Hannah’s journey through the performing arts is as inspiring as it is heartwarming. In a recent conversation, she peeled back the curtain on her artistic path, revealing how a single moment in childhood shaped her future – and how she continues to evolve and inspire young audiences today.
A Spark That Lit the Stage
Hannah’s passion for performance began with a seemingly ordinary moment that turned out to be life-defining. As a child, she was looked after by a babysitter named Alison, who introduced her to the magical world of musical theatre. That moment – watching a musical for the first time – was all it took. Something clicked. From then on, Hannah knew that performing was part of who she was. It wasn’t just a hobby – it was her calling.
A True “Jack of All Trades”
Ask Hannah to describe herself, and she’ll tell you she’s a “jack of all trades”. And she’s not wrong. Her love for different forms of artistic expression – from cabaret and musical theatre to playing the saxophone – makes her a chameleon in the best possible way. She thrives on variety and embraces the challenge of blending disciplines to create something truly original. Rather than sticking to one lane, Hannah has made it her mission to explore them all – and she’s having a blast doing it.
Reinvention Through Adversity
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and stages across the world went dark, Hannah did what any true creative would do – she adapted. Rather than waiting for things to return to “normal”, she launched Little Footprint Parties, an eco-friendly children’s party business focused on sustainability. Blending her artistic flair with her commitment to the planet, Hannah found a new way to connect, entertain, and educate. It’s this kind of resilience that makes her stand out – not just as a performer, but as a human being.
Lighting Up the Stage in Josephine Wants to Dance
Currently, Hannah is delighting audiences in the family musical Josephine Wants to Dance, where she takes on multiple vibrant roles. The show tells the story of Josephine, a determined young kangaroo who dares to dream of becoming a ballerina. It’s a story about courage, creativity, and the importance of following your dreams – an ethos that aligns perfectly with Hannah’s own journey. For her, the magic isn’t just in the performance, but in the reactions from the young audience members who see themselves in Josephine’s tale.
“I remember how I felt watching musicals as a child,” Hannah shares. “It was like discovering a secret world where anything was possible. Now I get to be part of creating that for other kids.”
Empowering Artists and Audiences Alike
Hannah’s story is a beautiful reminder that early encouragement can make a lasting impact. Whether it’s the babysitter who introduced her to theatre or the mother who supported her dreams, Hannah is living proof of what can happen when creative spirits are nurtured. Her story also speaks to the value of versatility. In an industry that often demands specialisation, Hannah shows that embracing multiple disciplines can lead to richer, more fulfilling work.
From crafting sustainable parties to telling stories that ignite young imaginations, Hannah Gwatkin is more than just a performer – she’s an advocate for creativity, courage, and connection. Her work on and off stage continues to inspire, reminding us that with a little imagination and a lot of heart, anything is possible.
So whether you’re an aspiring performer, a parent encouraging a child’s passions, or someone simply in need of a little inspiration – take a page from Hannah’s book. Dream big. Be bold. And never stop dancing to your own rhythm.
