Teh’Ray “HayWyre” Hale Jr., On Why Being Just a Dancer Isn't Enough
Image courtesy of Teh’Ray “HayWyre” Hale Jr.
Both hard work and passion combined result in success that luck alone can’t get you. Teh’Ray “HayWyre” Hale Jr., a 22-year-old Chicago native, began dancing in 2013. Though his journey hasn’t been easy, he never gave up and his dreams eventually began to manifest. Today, he is well-known in the Chicago dance community and has made a name for himself beyond the city borders. While his talents are partially responsible for the recognition, a single conversation with him reveals a character fueled by a kind heart and the desire to inspire the generation of dancers that will undoubtedly follow him.
Image courtesy of Teh’Ray “HayWyre” Hale Jr.
Teh’Ray, as an artist, dances in the styles of Hip-Hop and Animation. Though he is almost entirely self-taught, his resume includes trainings with instructions from Joffrey Ballet in Chicago’s Gallery 37 program, and priceless advice from big names in dance such as BluPrint.
As a human, he is kind and open to new experiences. Case in point, the videographer he currently works with, Reggie Johnson, is a man he met through his day job at the clothing store Zumies. “I saw him walk in with all this video equipment and started talking to him,” he said. The conversation turned into a collaboration, a free video, and not too long ago Teh’Ray was able to fly them both out to Atlanta, where they recorded 25 dance videos in a single weekend.
Image courtesy of Teh’Ray “HayWyre” Hale Jr.
And that’s just one of many examples that demonstrate the kind of person Teh’Ray is. It wasn’t until two years into dancing that he began to take it more seriously, realizing the potential for a career. Not afraid to put himself out there, he asked big name brands like T-Mobile, Samsung, Nike and Journeys for opportunities. What followed was a string of sponsorships and jobs dancing at events or street performing outside of stores.
But it hasn’t been all sunshine for Teh’Ray. Reflecting on harder experiences, he mentions getting accepted to AMDA, the College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Though he couldn’t afford the tuition, he still viewed the acceptance letter as a win. On a similar note, he went out on a limb and asked his former employer at Journeys to sponsor him at a competition, so they did.
“I didn’t win the competition, and I felt really bad. I was sitting in my hotel room after, and I was looking at my shoes and I realized, these were given to me because someone believed in me.”
And now, even as he is perfecting his craft and still has many years ahead of him, Teh’Ray is already focused on being the someone that believes in an up-and-coming dancer.
“I didn’t want to be one of those dancers that is just a really good dancer. I want to inspire people. I want bring light to how amazing dance is, I want to be what people were for me when I was younger.”
What advice does he have to share for the young ones who are breaking out now? Firstly, a word from his father who always said you can let people waste your money, energy, but never allow them to waste your time. Time is the one thing we can’t get back. Secondly, he urges young dancers to believe in themselves.
“You’re going to face people who tell you that you stole moves, that you’re unoriginal. Center yourself and remember why you want to do this. Because that sets you apart from anything that those people have to say.”
That way, when you win competitions, you’re always going to be more than a dancer, the way that Teh’Ray is shaping himself to be.
“Dance is so much bigger than me. One day I’m not going to be able to move like I used to anymore, in the time that I do have I want to make as big of an impact as possible.”
Catch Teh’Ray in Milwaukee on July 24 – 25 for a competition he is both battling in and judging. And follow him on Instagram @that_kidd_haywyre to see the latest in dance moves and a super special gallery that showcases dance as an art that he is planning for August.
