Most people find their passions later in life, but Hannah Jones found her’s at the age of two.

Hannah Jones is a junior majoring in exercise science with a focus on athletic training. She is also a captain of the University of Central Arkansas dance team.

Jones started dancing as soon as she could walk. Since then, she has danced competitively at Cabot Dance Academy and was captain of the Cabot High School dance team.

After she graduated from high school, Jones knew she wanted to continue dancing. This led her to try out for the UCA dance team her freshman year.

“I joined the UCA dance team because I love to dance. Once I graduated, I knew I wanted to dance wherever I went to school,” Jones said.

Despite being scared to try out at first, Jones gave it her all at the tryouts because she knew she wanted to be on the team more than anything.

“I was very nervous my first year trying out, but I was also very excited because I was doing what I love to do,” Jones said. “When you audition, it is important to have fun.”

Jones has made the team every year since then and is now a veteran and captain. As captain, she helps lead the Honey Bears in routines and dances.

Jones enjoys being a Honey Bear because she gets to raise the spirit of UCA during pep rallies, games and special events. She also loves getting to encourage and support her teammates.

The dance team also competes at the National Dance Alliance Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, every spring. 

The team goes through a “hell week” of rehearsals before leaving for Florida. Rehearsals during hell week can be hard, but Jones says it’s not too bad being with teammates.

“We make it through as one big family,” Jones said.

One of Jones’s favorite events to perform at is the sendoff the dance team has before the big trip. The sendoff is a special performance the dance team puts on for friends and family before going to Nationals.

“We have so much fun performing on the stage together,” Jones said. “My favorite thing about being a dancer is that I can perform at games but also be able to compete at events.” 

After graduation, Jones wants to become an occupational therapist so she can help people with disabilities.

“I hope to go to occupational therapy school,” Jones said.

While becoming a therapist, Jones says she will continue to follow her dream of dancing by teaching dance to others.

“I definitely want to continue dancing after I graduate. I teach at a dance studio and hope to stay there a long time,” Jones said.

Jones encourages everyone to follow their dreams and have fun doing it. As a Honey Bear, Jones lives out her dream daily.

“Trying out to be a Honey Bear was one of the best decisions of my life,” Jones said.

Tryouts for the 2022-2023 UCA Dance Team are May 12 and 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.