Meet Haley Heckethorn | Co-Director and Co-Founder of HD Theatre Contemporary Dance Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haley Heckethorn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haley, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. My father has worked as a bartender and bar manager throughout my life, and my mother was the director of hotel operations for the openings of Wynn and Encore before transitioning to her current role with Allegiant Airlines. Their strong work ethic and dedication have always been a source of inspiration for me.

I was a shy child, and my parents enrolled me in dance to help me come out of my shell. What started as a confidence boost quickly became my entire world. Dance became my passion, my solace, and the place where I felt most at home. By a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue it professionally.

Academically, I faced challenges and struggled in school. I was diagnosed with dyslexia during my senior year of high school, which helped explain the difficulties I’d faced for so long. Growing up, I often felt like I wasn’t smart and lacked self-confidence in a school setting. It was frustrating knowing that with earlier support, I could have been given tools to succeed. However, I found comfort and understanding in the dance studio. Movement came naturally to me, and performing became my outlet and my life.

My parents’ careers in social and service industries shaped me. Watching them interact with people from all walks of life taught me how to connect with others, communicate effectively, and embrace diversity. These lessons, combined with the resilience and self-awareness I gained through dance, empowered me to forge my own path.

My background taught me how to navigate rejection, think creatively, and recognize different kinds of learners also improving my teaching ability. Most importantly, it encouraged me to look outside the box, create opportunities that align with my strengths, and build a life that fits my goals and dreams.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Dance, for me, is about connection—connection to others, to the world around us, and to the parts of ourselves that words can’t always reach. My art is rooted in storytelling and the ability to evoke emotion through movement. I believe what sets me apart is my deep curiosity and the versatility I’ve cultivated over the years. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible choreographers like Crystal Pite, Sharon Eyal, and Alejandro Cerrudo, and through these collaborations, I’ve developed an appreciation for blending technical precision with raw, emotional expression.

One of the things I’m most proud of is co-founding HD Theatre, a contemporary dance company based in Southern California, alongside my professional partner, Joe Davis. Over the past three years, it has been just the two of us, hiring emerging choreographers to set work on us and choreographing for schools and studios. Most recently, we’ve taken a significant step forward in producing our first full-length evening, “Uncorked”, which will premiere in January 2025 at Stomping Ground LA.

“Uncorked: Dance and Community” is more than just a performance—it’s a celebration of collaboration and artistic opportunity. For this show, we’ve invited three other LA-based contemporary dance companies to perform alongside us, creating a platform for artists to share their work and connect with the community. Additionally, we’ve assembled a group of six dancers we’re calling our apprentice company. These dancers, fresh out of college, are receiving their first professional dance jobs with us, giving them invaluable experience as they launch their careers.

This apprentice company holds a special place in my heart because most of these dancers have been part of my journey for years. I’ve taught them since they were 14 and even choreographed their college audition solos. To now be part of their professional beginnings feels incredibly meaningful. It’s a full-circle moment that highlights the importance of mentorship and community in the dance world.

Through HD Theatre, my goal is to create a space where artistry and community intersect. We’re not just building a dance company; we’re fostering a culture that supports emerging talent, values collaboration, and celebrates the power of movement to bring people together. I want the world to know that dance is more than just an art form—it’s a way to tell stories, to connect with others, and to leave a lasting impact.

Getting to this point has been far from easy. Dance is an inherently challenging field, filled with rejection, self-doubt, and the need to constantly adapt. Getting to where I am today I faced significant challenges growing up, including struggling with dyslexia, which often made me feel out of place in traditional learning environments. Dance became my refuge—a place where I felt seen, understood, and confident. Professionally, rejection and self-doubt were constant companions, but I learned to embrace those experiences as opportunities to grow. I’ve discovered that persistence, adaptability, and self-belief are essential ingredients to success. These challenges have shaped me. They’ve taught me to find opportunities in unexpected places, to approach each project with creativity, and to value the connections I’ve made along the way.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of building your own opportunities rather than waiting for them to come to you. Whether that meant freelancing, creating my own work, or mentoring young dancers, I’ve found fulfillment in carving out spaces where I can thrive and help others do the same.

Through my art, my teaching, and HD Theatre, I hope to inspire others to see the value of dance—not just as a performance art but as a way to connect, express, and create meaning in our lives. My story is one of resilience, creativity, and a belief in the transformative power of movement. I want the world to know that no matter the challenges you face, it’s possible to craft a path that aligns with your dreams and values.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d kick things off by packing up the beach bags, grabbing some sunscreen, and heading to Mission Beach. It’s the perfect spot to swim in the ocean, soak up the sun, and enjoy the laid-back California vibes. After spending the morning in the water and walking along the boardwalk, we’d stop at Lahaina Beach House, a spot my mom introduced me to. We’d sip tequila and stay to watch the sunset—it’s always stunning there.

In the evening, we’d head back to my neighborhood in North Park. We’d order pizza from Tribute Pizza, one of my favorite spots (and conveniently right behind my apartment!). After dinner, probably a bit overdressed, we’d head to 7Grand for some pool and live music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people and organizations who have played a role in my journey. I have to thank my parents and my best friends who have helped me every step of the way in my career through dance, teaching, managing, directing these are my mentors!

Lillian Barbeito, Director of Carmel Dance Festival
Artemis Gordon, Artistic Director of Arts Umbrella
Kathy Bunker, owner of Bunker Dance Center
Naomi Stikeman, Former rehearsal Director of Ballet BC and now Celine Dions Ballet Instructor
Joe Davis, Co-Director and Co-Founder of HD Theatre, Ballet Professor at California Institute of the Arts

Website: https://www.hdtheatre.org.

Instagram: @haleyheck @hd.theatre

Linkedin: Haley Heckethorn, HD Theatre

Facebook: Haley Heckethorn

Image Credits
Cherly mann. @cherylmannphoto
Lorrin Brubaker @lorrinsees
Whitney Schmanski @schmanski__