Rising Stars: Meet Clover Hardin of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clover Hardin.

Hi Clover, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up moving around Alabama because of my father’s job, which gave me the opportunity to experience a variety of dance studios, teachers, and styles at a young age. Eventually, my family settled in Wetumpka, Alabama, where I joined a pre-professional ballet company based in Montgomery for about ten years.

One of the things I am most proud of is my ability to balance a demanding schedule. While dancing with a ballet company, I attended public school, competed in track and cross country, and trained as an independent competitive dancer. During that time, I earned multiple titles at Platinum National Dance Competition, Fusion National Dance Competition, and StarPower. I also worked as an apprentice with Platinum National Dance Competition, assisting world-renowned choreographers in Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia. Looking back, I believe that learning to balance so many interests at a young age shaped who I am today. Dancers learn time management early, and that mindset has followed me into college. I have always wanted to take advantage of every opportunity available to me and gain as many experiences as possible.

As a sophomore in high school, I was already taking advanced courses and felt ready for a new challenge. I made the decision to skip my junior year and graduate early. That decision allowed me to graduate alongside my twin brothers, creating a unique moment for my family as all three of us entered college while my mother began her graduate program.nAlthough I knew I wanted to continue dancing, I had no clear idea what I wanted to do after college. What I did know was that Brenau University felt like home. After attending the Brenau Summer Dance Intensives beginning in 2019, I fell in love with the program and dreamed of attending. However, I never believed it would be financially possible.

When news spread that I would be graduating early, I was approached about a scholarship opportunity that is only awarded once every four years to performing arts students at Brenau. During that same time, I built meaningful connections with professors from several universities who guided me through the audition and college application process. Their mentorship and support were invaluable as I navigated one of the biggest decisions of my life. Exactly one month before graduating high school, I was awarded Brenau University’s Performing Arts Achievement Scholarship. Receiving that scholarship changed the course of my future. It reinforced my belief that everything happens for a reason. If I had not experienced the challenges and opportunities of my childhood, I may never have chosen to graduate early, apply for that scholarship, or ultimately find my place at Brenau.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not every path in the dance world looks the same, and I can confidently say that both personal and professional challenges have shaped who I am today. Many of those challenges stemmed from the toxicity and outdated mindsets that can still exist within ballet culture. At the same time, I recognize that the dance world is incredibly small. Throughout my career, I have tried to approach every experience with professionalism and respect because the relationships we build often follow us throughout our lives. I never want to burn bridges, knowing that our paths may cross again in the future. I am hopeful that as the ballet world continues to evolve, becoming more progressive, inclusive, and accepting, the individuals who contribute to those outdated environments will evolve as well. I believe people are capable of growth and change. While I may share more of my experiences one day, for now I choose to focus on my own growth and allow space for that change to happen. I remain optimistic about the future of the art form and the direction in which it is moving.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for my work in choreography, dance film, dance education, arts advocacy, and my versatility as a performer. Currently, I am a rising senior at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Marketing. My training spans ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and musical theater, allowing me to approach performance and creative work with both technical precision and artistic range. Beyond the stage, I am passionate about supporting and advancing the arts through leadership, administration, and digital engagement. I currently intern with Resolute Artists Agency under Paige Chambers, where I assist with social media strategy and administrative operations. This summer, I am also serving as an Arts Administration Intern with Giordano Dance Chicago under Nan Giordano, gaining valuable experience in arts management and organizational leadership.

I continue to expand my impact within the dance community through my role on the Social Media Committee for the American College Dance Association, where I contribute to promoting and connecting collegiate dance artists nationwide. Throughout my time at Brenau University, I have performed in numerous seasonal productions and have had the opportunity to work with and assist acclaimed choreographers, including Xavier Lewis, Cammi Nevarez, Francine Ott, Quaba Ernest, Staycee Pearl, Larry Keigwin, Tiffanie Carson, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Madia Cooper-Ashirifi, Jessica Lynch-Oliver, and George Wilson-Berry.

At Brenau University, I have shown leadership beyond the dance field. I am Vice President for Alpha Chi Omega Tau Chapter, Senior Leadership Society, Golden Guide with Admissions, Student Ambassador, Campus Conduct Board, and honor societies. As previous Student Government President I spoke with the Trustees about arts advocacy in college programs. I will continue to stand up for all arts programs through platforms in my leadership positions.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the dance industry continuing to become more accessible, inclusive, and accepting over the next 5–10 years. As conversations around diversity, representation, mental health, and equity continue to grow, I believe the field will move toward creating more opportunities for artists from all backgrounds to be seen, valued, and supported. I also see how technology can shape the dance world in a positive and negative way. I recently did a piece with Cammi Nevarez with the International School of Ballet in Marietta, Georgia last month where technology and projections were a huge asset to the piece. As the industry evolves, I hope technology continues to be used as a tool that enhances the performance experience rather than replaces the artistry, human connection, and live elements that make dance so powerful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clover.hardin/?hl=en
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clover-hardin-a0a0963a7
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cloverhardin
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cloverhardin?_r=1&_t=ZP-974K6ZItNc7

Image Credits
AJ Reynolds
Beaming Glory Photography