Haley Huelsman was born and raised on the Connecticut coast. She began dancing at age two and began dancing competitively at age four during elementary school. Haley began singing at age 6 and was part of an award-winning choir and dance group in high school for four years, serving as Dance Captain her senior year of high school.
After high school, Haley moved to New York to attend the American Musical Theater Institute, a 2-year training program in acting, singing and dancing. She was blessed to land her first professional job a few weeks before her 2022 graduation.
Haley is a true triple threat, trained in all styles of dance including jazz, musical theater, contemporary, lyrical, commercial jazz, hip hop, ballet, pointe, tap, and acrobatics/gymnastics.
What was the experience of being part of the 2nd National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar 2022-2023 like? What have you enjoyed most on this journey?
It was the most incredible experience traveling across the US and Canada while doing what I love to do. The dynamic of having the experience of playing my role as well as the leader of the Mafia was a blessing, experiencing this pushed me emotionally and physically and helped me grow while playing these roles.
Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical with music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. What’s it like working with this award-winning creative team?
Working with this award-winning creative team was so much fun. It was great to see the vision come to life with the costumes and staging.
You’ve also appeared on dance TV shows like Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms. How have these experiences influenced your journey as an artist?
Abbys Ultimate was an emotional experience for me, especially when I was so young, but meeting so many talented people and artists was very inspiring.
You are a true triple threat, with training in multiple dance styles. How do you stay so versatile and what is your favorite style?
As I was growing up, I practiced all styles of dance and traveled around the country to regularly take classes with different choreographers. My favorite style is funk and contemporary jazz.
You participated in Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition at age 11. How did this experience impact your career and prepare you for the world of entertainment?
Abbys Ultimate was difficult when I was young because I had no idea what was going on. It definitely shaped me into who I am today based on my experience and how I deal with situations today.
In addition to dancing, you also have experience in singing and musical theater. How do you balance these different skills in your performances?
Growing up as a competitive dancer, I always made time for voice lessons because it’s so important to also sing and act, especially if musical theater is something you want to pursue.
Tell us a little about your time at The Institute for American Musical Theatre. How did this training influence your artistic development?
The training was extraordinary and the opportunities we had to work with professional Broadway artists were inspiring and everything I learned I took with me into my auditions and professional work.
What can fans expect from your involvement in the current Jesus Christ Superstar tour? Any specific performance or moment you want to share?
Jesus Christ Superstar in Everything is such a physically and emotionally rewarding show, having the opportunity to perform the choreography every day is a challenge, but the boost it gives me is what I love.
In addition to presentations, do you have any other upcoming projects you would like to share with us? What are your short and long term artistic goals?
I have been asked to teach classes at various studios, as well as choreograph solos and group dances. I’m thrilled to be returning to the Jesus Christ Superstar tour in just a few days!! Hope to see you all at a show next season!
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