Biography
Haskell was born in Clarence Center, New York and first started dancing at age five at the David DeMarie Dance Studio in Clarence, New York, and American Academy of Ballet in Williamsville, New York. He also appeared in small roles in movies. At age 15, he began intensive training in ballet at the Chautauqua Institution for three summers. He attended Point Park University for a year, majoring in dance. Haskell has described his dance style as jazz/ballet. He earned the title of "Male Dancer of the Year" at the American Dance Awards in 2005. He got his Equity card the summer before auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance.
He has performed in the Twyla Tharp Broadway show The Times They Are A-Changin', with music by Bob Dylan, and in Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's performances Grease, 42nd Street, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Beauty and the Beast. Haskell also landed a supporting role in MTV's movie musical The American Mall, which was broadcast and DVD released in summer 2008. In Spring 2008, Haskell, along with former SYTYCD contestants Sabra Johnson and Danny Tidwell, was featured in movmnt magazine's cover story to promote 'Keep it Real', the publication's awareness nonprofit organization. In April 2008 he began playing the role of "Luke" in the Off-Broadway musical Altar Boyz. He continued playing the role of "Luke" until March 2009, and left to begin working on the new Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5. Haskell was also cast to play the leading role of Jake in the musical F#@king Up Everything in the New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF 2009), which performs at various times from October 6 through October 17. All performances sold out. He has recently returned to So You Think You Can Dance Seasons 7 and 8 to dance as an All Star. He was also in the first national tour cast of West Side Story playing the role of Snowboy. He is currently touring with the musical Bring It On based on the movie of the same name. He is playing the role of Steven and will stay with the company during its limited engagement on Broadway at the St. James Theatre from August 1, 2012 to October 7, 2012.
Read more about this topic: Neil Haskell
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