Haley Hartsfield 13 ~ Burklyn Ballet Theater Scholarship
My name is Haley Hartsfield and I am a 13 year old home-schooled 7th grader. I have been studying dance for eight years and have had the privilege of working with some amazing teachers and choreographers. I am currently studying at the Academy of Dance Arts where I am also a member of the Dallas Repertoire Ballet Company.
In 2011, I had the honor of receiving 1st place in the pre-competitive division at the Youth America Grand Prix in Houston. That summer I attended Tulsa Ballet’s Pointe to the Future Program. During the summer of 2012, I attended Joffrey’s Jazz and Contemporary Program in Los Angeles. I also attended NYCDA Nationals in New York City where I was named one of the top 12 National Outstanding Dancers. I was able to finish that year as a soloist for the Dallas Repertoire Ballet in their 20th production of
The Nutcracker.
Just recently, I had the privilege of participating in the 2013 YAGP semi-finals in Dallas where I was awarded top 12 in the Junior Contemporary Division. My goals for the next few years are to focus on my technique, performance, and artistry in ballet, contemporary, and modern dance. I will continue my dance education through master classes, conventions, and summer intensives. I intend to dance for a professional company someday.
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This summer, my Dance Council scholarship allowed me to attend Burklyn Ballet Theater in Vermont. It was the most amazing summer! The intensive far exceeded my expectations and I can not wait to go back. I attended three weeks of this six weekintensive and wished I had stayed much longer. Each week begins with an audition for the pieces that will be performed that weekend. We had classes in jazz, pointe, variations, contemporary, modern, pas de deux, and character. We usually danced from 9:00-4:00 Monday through Friday with rehearsals in the evenings and performances on Saturday. Each Saturday was a different performance, so if you didn't like the role you were given one week, you will certainly love it the next. I was thrilled to be dancing as one of Giselle's friends at the 2nd week performance.
I feel that this summer I was really able to focus on my artistry and concentrate on becoming the character in a piece. I also gained a lot of strength and clarity in my technique. I am so thankful to the Dance Council for awarding me with this scholarship, it allowed me to have an awesome experience and an amazing summer! I promise to keep improving and working hard every day.