Conversations with Julie Hackett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Hackett.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a bioengineer by training, dancer/choreographer by passion, and freelancer by choice.

Born in Portland, Oregon, I began dancing very early. I primarily grew up in Dallas, Texas dancing on competition dance/drill teams and performing in musical theatre at school. In true Texas fashion, I was on my high school’s drill team performing high kick routines at every football game halftime.

I attended Oregon State University where I studied bioengineering for my undergraduate B.S. and chemical engineering for my masters. During that time, I continued to dance; I performed with a modern dance company and was heavily into swing dance and ballroom. I was a full-time student working in a bioengineering research lab, but I still danced almost daily.

After graduate school, I moved to LA: not to pursue dance, but for an engineering job. For a number of years, I worked my engineering job and danced on the side – in community musical theatre shows and with a contemporary dance company. In 2018, I made the daunting decision to transition away from engineering and pursue dance full time. Since then, the journey has been an adventurous one.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a circuitous path to where I am today. The journey has certainly been bumpy since switching careers. Freelance work inherently has peaks and valleys, especially in the performing arts, and that cyclic nature is to be expected.

Perhaps most notably, the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out all my work in a week. After a number of unemployed months, I pivoted back to engineering. I was a production brewer for a craft brewery for a good portion of the pandemic. But when things began to return and reopen, I made the switch, once again, back to a freelance performer. Despite continued challenges such as strikes and shifts in the industry, I continue to adapt, evolve, and find new ways to pursue my passion.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dancer, choreographer, and performer. My work is predominantly project based and ever changing. I have performed with contemporary dance companies and theatre troupes as well as in regional musical theatre and film/music videos. I also choreograph and teach dance. I am constantly seeking out new opportunities to grow as an artist and grow the community of artists.

I have trained in a number of styles beyond the standard ballet, jazz, and modern. I was a competitive baton twirler. I was deeply involved in the swing dance and ballroom scene during college. I have trained in aerial arts for a number of years. More recently, I started training in swordplay and stunt work for film. Developing a variety of skills has enabled me to be versatile for whatever job may come next.

I love old Hollywood movie musicals. Some of my favorite performances and pieces I have created have been in that classic style a la Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse. The chance to perform, create, and exist in that style will always have a special place in my heart.

On the production side of my work, I often leverage my engineering skills and approach choreography methodically. I am known for having spreadsheets of my choreo with corresponding detailed diagrams. That process and documentation has come in handy on multiple occasions when last minute changes are needed. Bringing an engineering perspective to the freelance dance world allows me to work efficiently and more easily manage multiple ongoing projects.

I am proud of the career I have built. Utilizing my wide range of experiences and training, I have been able to navigate the roller coaster that is freelance life. Living in LA has opened many unexpected doors and enabled me to pursue my passion as my career.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the vast and varied opportunities in Los Angeles. An artist can find so many opportunities to create, connect, experience, and share their passions in LA.

Of course, traffic is my least favorite thing about LA.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.julie-hackett.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.enlair/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliehackettdance
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieahackett
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@julie.enlair?si=M_qjuw-spQXRGKSh

Image Credits
Bryan Bernart Photography, Diana K Photography