Haley Schwanz, soloist dancer with Boston Ballet, knows the limitations of a dancing career. That is why she has prepared for career part deux by earning a bachelor of science in Psychology from Northeastern University—along with a 3.79 GPA. After her performing days end, she plans to pursue a career in movement therapy, as well as both teach and advocate for psychologically sustainable coaching practices within the dance world.
Before she takes on those new challenges, she can revel in the memories of being an outstanding dancer. After graduating from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 2010, Haley performed with Staatsballet Berlin for five years, touring in Thailand, Taiwan, China, and throughout Germany.
Since joining Boston Ballet in 2017, Haley served as a member of the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Council and was one of two nominated representatives on Boston Ballet’s Dancer/Board Caucus, providing dancer insights to the board. As a member of AGMA Union Negotiating Committee, she successfully negotiated major wins, including industry-leading parental leave benefits, pay equity, reinstatement of benefits following the COVID 19 pandemic, and safe and sustainable working conditions.
As a performing member of the ballet, Haley originated roles in new choreography and productions, including world premieres by William Forsythe and Jorma Elo. She performed in Paris, Los Angeles, Ottawa, and at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, MA. Additionally, she showcased her skills to choreograph ballets performed by the troupe during the 2018/2019 and 2020 virtual seasons.
Haley has taught dance, as well, at the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet in Novi, MI, the Brookline Ballet, Jose Mateo Ballet Theater in Cambridge, the online streaming service Dancio, and more. She has also amassed considerable volunteer experience. She was a teaching assistant for children and young adults with Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder at United Dance. As a teaching assistant in Boston Ballet’s Adaptive Dance program, she taught dance to students with disabilities.
“Haley has been perfecting her craft for nearly her entire life and is currently one of the best in the world at what she does for a living,” says College of Professional Studies Dean Jared Auclair. She has embraced every opportunity she has been given. “Having delayed a formal education to pursue a career in dance, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to earn a degree in my own time,” Haley says. “My studies gave form and structure to my thoughts, inspiring new ways to engage with my art form and share it with others.”
Assistant Director for Boston Ballet Russell Kaise says, “Haley exemplifies what it means to be a leader in our art form and beyond. A true force both on stage and in the studio, her constant sense of curiosity, passion, and humanity make her an inspiration to all that share the privilege of working with her.”
