Alumni Spotlight: Anna Hastings

Anna Hastings graduated from KU in 2023 with a BA in Dance and a minor in Business. Along the way, she was a member of the Rock Chalk Dance team and co-founder of Jayhawk Tap Co.

Currently, Anna is a dancer for Walt Disney World, where she began her post-graduation career, as well as performing at Universal Studios.

When asked why she chose KU, Anna said that a main factor was the flexibility the university allowed her in her college career. She was able to major in dance, dance with the Rock Chalk Dance team at sporting events, start a student tap dance company with “the amazing" Maya Gold, and teach at local Lawrence studios as well. KU prepared her professionally by allowing her to study different styles of dance and refine her technique. She also shouts out the Career Prep class with Prof. Michelle Heffner-Hayes for emphasizing important aspects of dance as a business such as creating reels, updating resumes, and building websites.

Her advice for incoming Theatre and Dance students: “Trust in yourself and your ability to get where you want to be. If you work hard, stay patient, and be kind to others along the way, good things will come. Just enjoy the trip!”

Anna has a recurring role in the Festival of the Lion King show at Animal Kingdom (Disney World), the Festival of Fantasy parade in the Magic Kingdom (Disney World), and the Triwizard Spirit Rally (Universal Studios). Anna also served as a Maintenance Choreographer at the Magic Kingdom this past winter.