Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Hoffman.
Hailey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up dancing at Dance Connection Too in Gilbert, AZ. After I graduated high school in 2012, I saved up for a year and made the big move to LA at the end of the summer in 2013 to pursue dance. I dance for a company called MusEffect, I am on faculty for a touring dance convention called Revive Dance Convention, and I’m represented by Bloc Talent Agency for industry work.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel like there are always struggles with moving away from home at a young age. Luckily, I have family in Southern California which helped make that transition easier. My grandma lives in Long Beach and I had a few jobs lined up the summer before I got my own place so I moved in with her for the summer. Three months later, I got my own apartment. The dance industry is tough and you definitely get more “no’s” then “yes'”. It took me a while to get signed to an agency but after some perseverance and hard work I made it happen. I’m so grateful for all of the obstacles because the successful outcome means even more after pushing through those challenges.
I also very recently had a pretty major injury. I was in a rehearsal for a show and dislocated my shoulder. After weeks of physical therapy and pretty great pain, I got an MRI and I had a torn labrum. The only way to repair this kind of tear is surgery. Two months after dancing through the show with a tear in my joint I had surgery. Six month recovery and I should be fine. I just hit my six month mark and I still have a lot of therapy ahead of me. Looks like I’m going to make a full recovery but it’s going to take more time. I am feeling really optimistic and hope I can get back to full out dancing really soon.
Hailey Hoffman – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Well I am my own business. I am a dancer, choreographer, and dance teacher. Balancing all three can be tough. Dancing is my first love. I love performing! It took me a while to fall in love with teaching and choreographing but after some experience it’s pretty insane that I get to call that my job. I love traveling and choreographing for studios all over the US! In terms of my choreography I like to combine my technique with a little bit of groove and soul. I think it’s important to use all of the training I’ve gained growing up as a studio kid but also utilizing everything I’ve learned from training in LA and having that funk that runs so deep in my soul!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success is a personal content feeling. I think there are levels of success. I think success is continuing to reach higher like building. blocks. I feel successful when I know I did my best, worked as hard as possible, and reach a goal regardless of how small or large. It’s when I feel content and proud of myself. Even if I don’t book the job, or win the award, or whatever it may be, if I walk away feeling like I learned something or feel like I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and feel proud of what I put out then I consider that a success!
Contact Info:
- Email: hailey.hoffman94@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hailey_ho
Image Credit:
Caity Wood
Drew Dizzy Graham
Tyler Williams
Alanna Ludt
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