Brigham Young University Dance Alum Ryan Hatch Discusses Experience at BYU and Beyond — Including His Role in The Nutcracker
For BYU dance alum, Ryan Hatch, dance was always part of the plan, though he did not know exactly how it would fit into his career. “As I started my college journey it really was my time on BYU Theatre Ballet that sparked my love for the balletic art form,” said Hatch. “After graduating from BYU, I was able to get a job with Utah Metropolitan Ballet.”
While at Utah Metropolitan Ballet, Hatch earned a Master of Fine Arts in Choreography from Jacksonville University. At the same time, he worked his way up from small roles and was promoted to Principal Artist in 2023. He has been able to dance in some of his dream roles such as Peter Pan in “Peter Pan” and the Prince in “Snow White.”
Another dream role for Hatch is the one he is currently performing — the Snow Prince in “Nutcracker.” “‘Nutcracker’ has been a part of my Christmas traditions ever since I was really young,” said Hatch. “While ‘Nutcracker’ is a very physically taxing show, I always find comfort in knowing that ballet dancers around the world are all going through the same thing. The unity in that is very powerful.”
Hatch believes in the importance of the arts — an importance that goes deeper than aesthetic value. “I really am under the belief that the arts can connect us as a human race. The arts help us communicate with each other in ways that words cannot,” said Hatch. “The students at BYU are so fortunate to have support from the College of Fine Arts and Communications to pursue their passions and turn them into their careers.”
The College of Fine Arts and Communications played a pivotal role in preparing him for a professional career. “In ballet it is very common to join a ballet company at a young age. After graduating high school, I was not ready to join a professional ballet company,” said Hatch. “BYU was the perfect place for me to land to continue to train in ballet at a high level while getting my education. The faculty that I worked with and experiences that I had while at BYU have shaped me to be the person that I am.”
Some of the most meaningful memories for Hatch from BYU are tied to the relationships he formed there. “A standout memory of my time at BYU is dancing with my now wife, Alex Marshall Hatch,” said Hatch. “In my last year at BYU we were cast as the principal couple in ‘Swan Lake’ together. This is where our love started and we are lucky to be able to continue to dance together professionally.”
In the future, Hatch hopes to continue to perform dream roles. “This year I have been so lucky to be able to dance some incredible roles, and I hope I am able to continue to do what I am doing for as long as possible,” said Hatch. “When I decide to retire, I hope to continue to teach and to help direct a ballet company.”
When asked what message he would like to send CFAC students, Hatch highlighted the importance of networking and building relationships. “Make sure to cherish the people and the relationships that you are cultivating during this phase of your career,” said Hatch. “Some of the best opportunities that I have had are due to the connections that I made during my undergraduate years.”