Choreographer Reflects on Huntley Resident's Rise to Miss Illinois

Crowned Miss Huntley, then Miss Windy City, and then Miss Illinois, Hannah Smith undoubtedly has found success in the pageant arena. However, as the Huntley resident sets off to compete in the Miss America pageant, her dance choreographer, Beth Fowler, says she never had planned on the pageant circuit.

"She's really not a pageant girl," said Fowler, who owns Beth Fowler School of Dance, in Genoa and St. Charles. "She entered her first one for the scholarship opportunity, and then that led to the others."

It has been Smith's strength in the talent portions of the competition that have leveraged her success, said Fowler. A student of ballet since her early childhood, Smith now teaches at Fowler's school and performs in its dance company.

"With her dance training, she knows how to present herself, she’s comfortable in front of a crowd," said Fowler. "When she won Miss Windy City, she won first place in talent."

But she's also the total package, Fowler points out, emphasizing Smith’s genuine concern for others, her warmth and her interest in encouraging youth to have self-esteem.

"Her students say when Hannah gives these speeches to her students they would love to have a tape recorder so they could share what she talks about," Fowler said. "She talks to her students as a peer, not as an authority."

Fowler and Smith have worked together for four years, and Fowler choreographed Miss Illinois' 90-second dance routine for the Miss America pageant.

"I wanted it to have depth and substance," said Fowler. "It actually tells a story, so Hannah actually dances a character that comes to life." The Miss America pageant will air Saturday, Jan. 14, on ABC.

Smith performed a preview of that number for friends, family and students who came to a send-off party at Beth Fowler School of Dance on Friday night. About 80 guests attended.

"Everyone loves her. The parents love her, the students love her," Fowler said. In fact, Smith's relationships with students represent what Fowler strives to provide at the school. "She's a role model. A photo of her with two children, showing them the way, is at our school because that's what it's all about."

Smith will wear a custom-sewn tutu created and designed by Randall Newsom, a dance instructor in Chicago who performs worldwide, Fowler said.

"It actually took more than 72 hours to make it," she said. "It is the most professional, elegant tutu. He spared nothing and went all out."

Aside from her wardrobe or her practice and preparation, Fowler said that it will be Smith's sincerity and passion that shine most.

"I've always told Hannah, 'You will do the best just being you,'" she said. "'You’ve gotten as far as you have by just being you."