Years later, that same outlet would help her through another life-changing moment.
In 2022, at just 30, May underwent surgery to remove her uterus after being diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer.
The recovery kept her away from dancing for nine months.
“To suddenly not be able to move the way that I was able to for such a long time was really hard, and I actually had to train a lot of my muscles again because it was such a huge surgery,” May said.
The experience left her “depressed”, but returning to dance became a turning point.
Now, that journey is at the heart of what she hopes to pass on to others.
Starting on May 5, she is launching Confidence in Heels weekly classes at Dance Express Napier, inspired by her own experience and the work of fellow performer Alesha Hunt, better known as Cherry Boomb, who previously ran burlesque-based confidence classes in the region.
The classes are also closely tied to the Glow Fairies, a performance group May co-founded with Boomb in late 2025.
Since then, the group of 10 fairies has performed at many events across the Bay, including Nuit Blanche, Outfield festival, the Christmas parade, as well as school visits, private functions and community appearances.
Alesha Hunt, better known as Cherry Boomb (left), and Hannah May at Outfield Festival in January this year.
Known for their glowing wings, the group began as a way to showcase local talent, and May said they wanted more fairies.
“That’s a huge opportunity for them, as they can perform with us,” she said.
“The local talent that we actually have here is incredible, and it’s basically showcasing what they can do, instead of hiring out performers from elsewhere.
“Napier needs a spot on the map now.”
May’s classes are designed for beginners and focus on creating a safe, judgment-free space.
“There’s no experience needed. It’s about being yourself and feeling comfortable in your own skin,” she said.
The Glow Fairies at the 2025 Christmas Parade: Cherry Boomb (left) and Hannah May in the front row, with Laura Atkins (left), Tessa Scapens, Crystal Kerr and Kathleen Urbahn.
Participants must be older than 18 and can expect a mix of jazz, burlesque and hip-hop movements in heels, with basic dance techniques and light performance elements, with an emphasis on body confidence rather than technical ability.
“It doesn’t matter what you wear or how good you are, everyone’s just there to have fun and support each other,” May said.
“It’s such a horrible world these days, so if I can help one lady feel better or more confident about herself or even in her body image, then I feel I’m doing something right.”
The group can be found online on social media under the name Glow Fairys the name was accidentally misspelled during the creation of the page.