About Hailey:

Minor: Dance and Honors Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts 

Hailey Himelright is a dynamic University of New Mexico student pursuing a degree in Anthropology with a focus on Ethnography, along with minors in Dance and Honors. Born abroad and raised in New Mexico, Hailey has a unique understanding of cultural diversity and the importance of community. 

To enhance the dance scene on campus, she founded SLOPE, a student-led dance organization that offers free, peer-taught dance classes and workshops. SLOPE also hosts public showcases each semester, making the arts more accessible to everyone at UNM. 

Hailey's commitment to community goes beyond dance. She previously served as president of a campus housing community association, where she organized free catered events that increased student participation from fifteen to over seventy. Her drive to make connections extends into the broader community, as she has volunteered at a local women’s shelter, helping sort donations and prepare professional outfits for job interviews. This experience deepened her understanding of the diverse stories people carry and the importance of self-expression. 

With a strong background in dance, Hailey is combining her passion with her academic pursuits by researching pole dance. Using ethnographic methods, she explores how this art form intersects with sport, work, and self-expression, particularly within the Albuquerque area. 

In addition to her studies, Hailey actively contributes to the UNM Honors College. She has coordinated excursions and participated in research projects, creating opportunities for her fellow students to engage more deeply with their learning. Recently, she organized a student-led trip to Lisbon, Portugal, which allowed participants to connect their classroom experiences with real-world interactions. 

This summer, Hailey will also be student teaching for the Honors College course Conexiones, drawing from her own transformative experiences studying abroad in Spain. 

Hailey's journey reflects her dedication to building community, creating opportunities, and exploring new perspectives through dance. As she continues her academic and artistic endeavors, she is sure to leave a lasting impact on those around her.