Cast interview – Helena Haswell
12th August 2016 2:17 pm
Cast interview – Helena Haswell
Where do you come from and currently live and with whom?
I am from Southampton, England, but of course currently live here in the centre of Cromer with my best friend and fellow dancer Rohanne.
Do you own any family pets?
I do not own a pet personally but we have a family dog. A beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel which my parents rescued called Ellie. You will probably see her on the pier over summer!
When did you first start performing?
At the age of five!
What was your first professional experience?
My first professional experience was going on tour around Scotland with Ballet West performing in the “Nutcracker”.
Where else have you performed in your career?
I have appeared on various TV shows, both internet and TV commercials, various events and trade shows nationwide, modelled for Vanity Fair magazine and of course my favourite, performing in both the summer & Christmas Cromer Pier shows! More recently though I have just got back from performing on my first cruise ship for Costa sailing around South East Asia, which was one of my biggest adventures!
What’s your biggest professional achievement to date?
Staying employed in this industry is a personal achievement for me!
Who have you worked with in your career?
I have worked with, Arlene Phillips, Denise Van Outen, Louie Spence, Ant and Dec, Cheryl Cole and Miley Cyrus. Through the Pier I have also worked with so many incredible artists and comedians which has been incredible. These include; Rachel King, Andante, Benson, Olly Day, Adam Daye, Ben Langley and Paul Eastwood or P as I like to call him!
Where is the best place you have performed and why?
Has to be Cromer Pier of course!
And where is the worst place you have performed?
There aren’t any! If I’m performing it’s a blessing!
Have you ever had any embarrassing things go wrong during a performance?
PLENTY! I think the funniest would be this one time when the male dancers were meant to bring all the female dancers a mask to dance with on stage but instead of a mask they brought flashing light fire evacuation torches! Instead of a masquerade ball it looked like something from Star Wars! It was hilarious!
What are you looking forward to most about returning to Cromer?
The shows! It’s my most challenging job to date, as a dancer, which not only helps me maintain and improve my skills but makes it that bit more enjoyable!
Who do you have to thank for where you have got to in your career so far?
I have so many people to thank. My biggest thanks is to my parents for their continued support and guidance, but also my best friend Dan who, has not only helped me mentally to get to this point in my career but, has also taught and inspired me so much of this industry. Without him I’m not sure I would have made it!
Who inspired you to do what you are doing?
Again so many people! Darcey Bussell, Mia Michaels, Nick Lazzarini, Travis Wall, Melanie Moore, The Rockettes, Jennifer Holiday, Celine Dion, Beyonce…the list is endless!
Who will be coming to support you this year?
My parents and my sister. And a whole host of friends I hope!
What will you be doing on your precious days off?
Crabbing! Exploring Norfolk in my beautiful car – Nissan Fiagro! Staying fit! And most likely shopping in Norwich!
Any additional information you’d like our audience to know about?
Nope!
