Hannah Garner ’15 Receives Princess Grace Award for Choreography
The modern dance innovator was presented with the 2025 Princess Grace Award, recognizing dance artists for their extraordinary accomplishments.
A game-changer and a shape-shifter, Hannah Garner ’15 (Dance, Arts Management minor) is pushing creative boundaries and receiving critical acclaim for works that are clever, engaging, and full of whimsy.
“Her work seeks beauty in failure, explores limits of the body, and finds solace in the humor of being human.”
—The Princess Grace Foundation
In 2020, Garner made Dance Magazine’s list of 25 to Watch, where she was lauded for her work on “Red,” a performance that casts the audience as characters in her story.
“Each choice felt necessary, rather than just an excuse to break the fourth wall. Moments of humor added dimension, not distraction.”
—Dance Magazine
Garner was nominated for the prestigious award by fellow PGA honoree (2023) and Purchase alumna Keerati Jinakunwiphat ’16 (Dance ), who also made Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch in 2021.
Just one year after graduating, Garner launched her New York City-based repertory group, 2 nd Best Dance Company, with three friends from Purchase.
She has since collaborated with choreographers including Doug Varone and Raja Feather Kelly at venues such as The Joyce Theater, New York City Center, Park Avenue Armory, and New York Live Arts.
She has been commissioned by leading dance organizations and has served on the dance faculty of Purchase College, Bard College, and the Gina Gibney Company.