GAVIN HAAS

 

Gavin began his training as a dancer in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 2013. Initially, he started dance to get more roles in musical theatre productions he was a part of. Eventually, around age 14, he decided to shift focus off music and theatre and fully focus on dance. At age 16 he moved to Torrington, Connecticut to study at the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory. While there he performed roles such as the Snow King in The Nutcracker, Franz in Coppelia and Basilio in Don Quixote, as well as performing a soloist roll in a work by Thel Moore. Additionally, he joined the then virtual NYC Tap Crew directed by Thommie Retter, eventually becoming a team captain. At age 17 he moved to Richmond, Virgnia to join the Richmond Ballet as a trainee. While there he performed in Stoner Winslett’s, The Nutcracker and Malcolm Burn’s, Romeo and Juliet with the professional company. He also performed in works by Judy Jacob, Gianna DeMassio, Tara Penick, Starrene Foster, Gerard Ebitz, and Edward Stierle. After being awarded the Malcom Burn Award, he experienced a major knee injury, keeping him from dancing for 8 months. While unable to dance, he choreographed a new work, A Worthy Investment for Ornate Dance Theatre and taught private lessons and classes at Cavod Performing Arts. After recovering fully from surgery, he joined Zion Dance Project for Summer Series 2023, and accepted a position as a company apprentice and second company member for this season. He loves to teach dancers from the different techniques he has learned over the years and is passionate about helping them reach their full potential while staying safe and healthy. Seeing dancers find their own style and the ability to communicate through the art is his biggest passion. He is thrilled to be joining the Centre for Dance family!