Former Radio City Rockette Shares Surprising Skills She Learned on the Job That Helped Her Win Miss Texas Title (Exclusive)

**Regan Hutsell: From Radio City Rockette to Miss America Contender**

Regan Hutsell, a former Radio City Rockette and accomplished ballerina, is preparing to showcase her talents on a national stage as she competes for the title of Miss America on 6 September 2023. Representing Texas, Hutsell’s journey has been shaped by her extensive experience in the world of dance, which she credits for her success and personal growth in the pageantry arena.

Reflecting on her background, Hutsell recalls her entry into dance at the tender age of seven, when she first participated in a dance competition. As part of the requirement, she visited a photography studio to get a professional headshot, which led to a serendipitous moment as she gazed at images of former pageant winners adorning the studio walls. “I remember thinking, ‘I don’t know what that is, but one day I want to be a part of it,’” she shared with PEOPLE.

Hutsell’s aspirations in the performing arts took a significant turn when she joined the prestigious Radio City Rockettes at just 18. After auditioning in August 2019, she was accepted into the famed dance company. However, her debut performance coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing a pause in her career. Despite the challenges, the training and discipline garnered from her experience as a Rockette and with ballet troupes in both the United States and England have played a pivotal role in her current pursuits.

Currently, Hutsell sees a profound connection between her pageantry and dance experiences, stating, “Finding the similarities has been something that’s been super special and unique.” Both pageants and the Rockettes hold significant historical value, with Radio City celebrating its centenary last year and the Miss America pageant set to commemorate its 100th anniversary in the coming year.

Transitioning from Miss Houston to Miss Texas, Hutsell feels a deep sense of responsibility in carrying forward the legacies of both organisations. She remarked, “Knowing that you’re carrying something that people really resonate with has been the biggest thing.” Hutsell emphasises the importance of communication skills she developed as a Rockette, which have proven essential in discussing her passions and the scholarship opportunities Miss America offers.

Her preparation for the competition has not only involved refining her performance skills but also adapting to the demands of pageantry itself. Hutsell shares a light-hearted anecdote as she recalls her initial struggles with make-up during the state’s prelims in West Palm Beach, Florida. “When I first got here, I was using a foundation, and throughout the day I was like, ‘My face is melting off,’” she explained, before realising she had her trusty Mac Foundation to the rescue.

Despite not having a traditional pageantry background, Hutsell’s enthusiasm for community service and leadership drew her towards the Miss America competition. After returning from England, where she performed with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, she recognised a desire to give back, saying, “I miss doing something with people where you’re growing stronger together.”

Acknowledging that the only thing holding her back was fear, Hutsell fully embraced her foray into pageantry. She describes the empowerment that has come from this experience. “It’s pushed me in a multifaceted way,” she stated, pointing out the differences between dance competitions and pageants, where talent is just one element of a much larger stage presence.

Adapting to this new realm was initially daunting for Hutsell, as she pondered her stage presence beyond her skill in dance. “At first, something I had to acclimate to was thinking about how I walk and what I want my walk to say,” she explained, showcasing her determination to understand and embody the various aspects of the competition.

As she approaches the Miss America pageant, Hutsell remains grateful for the growth and self-discovery that has accompanied her journey. Her dual career as a performer and a contender for the Miss Texas title beautifully illustrates the intertwining threads of art, leadership, and community involvement, making her a compelling ambassador for both the performing arts and the ideals of the Miss America organisation.

With her experience and passion driving her forward, Regan Hutsell is not only competing for a title but also representing the aspirations and dreams of many young women who find inspiration in her journey from dance floor to pageant stage. As the date of the competition approaches, anticipation builds for what this multifaceted talent will bring to the world of Miss America.