Hi everyone! My name is Hayley Midea and I am so excited to be a part of the Habitat PAC! Like many dancers, I started dance when I was very young. At two years old I was enrolled in my first dance class. In the beginning, my mom thought dance would be something that I would grow out of. After all, I spent my entire first recital dance arguing with my friend over who was standing in the right spot. I also refused to take jazz because it was “too fast”, a funny statement knowing who I am as a dancer today. Nevertheless, here I am, 21 years old studying dance in hopes of pursuing a performance career. 

 

I grew up dancing at Gayle’s Dance Phase, a competitive studio on the East side of the state.  This studio quickly became my second home and my favorite place in the world. The instructors became like family, friends and mentors that will forever be in my life. Growing up, I received training that encouraged personal growth as dancers and as people. Now, I am so excited to be a part of a studio in West Michigan that can provide this same sense of belonging to all of you!  

 

I first fell in love with dance and specifically performing at a very young age with participation in The Majestic Dance Ensemble of Michigan’s production of The Nutcracker. I loved the idea of playing different characters and being able to transport an audience to a different world through dance. This love transferred to all types of performances that I have gotten the opportunity to be a part of. Along with competition dance, I was involved with my high school dance team. I was also a part of the WMU Dance Team from 2016-2019.  Now, I am a Senior BFA Dance Major at Western Michigan University where I have fallen in love with performing at the collegiate level. 

 

I have also recently became very interested in exploring my own choreography.  When I was young, the idea of choreographing a dance seemed like a daunting task. Now it excites me! Unexpectedly, it became something that I love as well.  Most recently, I created a solo that I will have the chance to perform in the Fall of 2019 as a finalist in the Maggie Allesee Choreography Competition. I hope to investigate new choreographic ideas with all of the students at The Habitat! I am excited to see how all of you beautiful dancers bring my ideas to life!

 

This past summer, I had the opportunity to train with MusEffect Dance Company in Los Angeles, California.  In addition to being a talented dance company and an inspiration in my choreography, MusEffect is able to blend the ideas of dance, social topics and community service.  I love the idea of being able to help others through dance. I believe that dance is such a gift and that it can make a big impact on the world. I cannot wait to see the impact that we all make together at The Habitat, it is going to be an incredible year!