I'm Joel Hanna, a multidisciplinary performer with 30+ years of experience in live performance, including dance, music, and martial arts. I’ve toured globally, won international titles, and risen to principal dancer and choreographer, becoming one of the most celebrated Irish dancers of my generation. I later created and produced dance, television, and theatre for venues in New York City and internationally, and I bring extensive skills in projection and lighting technology. I co-created Shakti Caravan, led arts education outreach across New York, India, and Southeast Asia, and I currently serve as Executive Managing Director of the Vancouver Tap Dance Society, continuing to promote humanitarian, educational, and artistic initiatives worldwide.

Joel Hanna

I'm Joel Hanna, a multidisciplinary performer with 30+ years of experience in live performance, including dance, music, and martial arts. I’ve toured globally, won international titles, and risen to principal dancer and choreographer, becoming one of the most celebrated Irish dancers of my generation. I later created and produced dance, television, and theatre for venues in New York City and internationally, and I bring extensive skills in projection and lighting technology. I co-created Shakti Caravan, led arts education outreach across New York, India, and Southeast Asia, and I currently serve as Executive Managing Director of the Vancouver Tap Dance Society, continuing to promote humanitarian, educational, and artistic initiatives worldwide.

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I’m Joel Hanna, a multidisciplinary performer with 30+ years of experience in live performance, including dance, music, and martial arts. I’ve toured globally, won international titles, and risen to principal dancer and choreographer, becoming one of the most celebrated Irish dancers of my generation.

I later created and produced dance, television, and theatre for venues in New York City and internationally, and I bring extensive skills in projection and lighting technology. I co-created Shakti Caravan, led arts education outreach across New York, India, and Southeast Asia, and I currently serve as Executive Managing Director of the Vancouver Tap Dance Society, continuing to promote humanitarian, educational, and artistic initiatives worldwide.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Executive/Managing Director at Vancouver Tap Dance Society
January 1, 2021 - Present
Oversees organizational strategy, operations, and artistic programming for Vancouver's premier tap dance company.
Producer, Director, Soloist Performer at Shake The Earth: Taiko & Tap
January 1, 2023 - Present
Producer and director for Taiko & Tap productions; performs as a soloist.
Producer, Director, Soloist Performer at VTDS Presents: Encore
January 1, 2025 - October 26, 2025
Produced and directed Encore series, coordinating performances and artist collaborations.
Program Director at Canada Scores – Mindfulness Meditation Workshop Series
January 1, 2020 - Present
Oversees mindfulness workshop program coordinating eight schools.
Travel Writer at VIVA Lifestyles & Travel Magazine
January 1, 2022 - October 26, 2025
Wrote travel features and lifestyle pieces.
Event Coordinator at Chinese Consulate
January 1, 2019 - Present
Coordinated events and cultural programs.
Dancer/Body Double at Bryan Adams Music Video 'Joe & Mary'
January 1, 2019 - October 26, 2025
Dance and body double work for a music video.
Soloist at Over Seas Project
January 1, 2019 - Present
Soloist for international dance project in multiple cities.
Video Content Creative Director at The Quiet Warrior
January 1, 2019 - Present
Led video content direction and production.
1st Round Pick at World's Best CBS TV Show
January 1, 2018 - October 26, 2025
Selected as a principal performer for a CBS television format.
Co-owner/Manager at Tru Jam – Social Media Marketing & Monetization
January 1, 2018 - Present
Co-owned and managed social media marketing and monetization projects.
Fight Choreographer at Deadly Class Season 1 Episode 3
January 1, 2018 - October 26, 2025
Choreographed fight scenes for a TV series.
Tap Dancer/Choreographer at Bedford Property Music Video
January 1, 2018 - October 26, 2025
Tap dancer and choreographer for a music video.
Cultural Ambassador at United Nations Youth Assembly
January 1, 2018 - Present
Cultural ambassador representing at the UN Youth Assembly.
Program Leader/Soloist at Shakti Caravan: International Dance Exchange
January 1, 2018 - Present
Led international dance exchange programs in Jaipur, India.
Executive Director/Stage Director/Tech Coordinator/Soloist at Vancouver Spring Show
January 1, 2018 - Present
Directed productions, managed technical aspects, and performed as a soloist.
Soloist at Lights – National New Year's Eve Show
January 1, 2017 - October 26, 2025
Soloist performance in a major New Year show.
Show Director/Choreography at Angy Birds
January 1, 2018 - October 26, 2025
Show director of choreography for a Shanghai show.
Dance Master/Choreographer at Transluscent Boarders
January 1, 2017 - October 26, 2025
Dance master with NYU Tisch Faculty in Cuba.
Guest Soloist Performer/Delegate at United Nations- World Youth Assembly
January 1, 2017 - October 26, 2025
Guest soloist performer, opening ceremony and grand assembly delegate.
Dance Soloist/Musician at Fidanz Festival
January 1, 2017 - October 26, 2025
Dance soloist and musician in Cuba.
Program Director/Lead Instructor at Fighting For Change
January 1, 2017 - October 26, 2025
Program director and lead instructor for change initiative.

Education

Executive Education: Leadership, Organizing and Action at Harvard Kennedy School Of Executive Education
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025
Sifu Title (Black Belt) at Temple Kung Fu
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025
Black Belt at INSBN International College of Martial Arts
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025

Qualifications

Executive Education: Leadership, Organizing and Action
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025
Sifu Title (Black Belt)
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025
Black Belt
January 11, 2030 - October 26, 2025
New York Times Pick Of The Year for Choreography
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality