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From the Radio City stage to the Miss Texas crown, Regan Hutsell brings a dancer’s determination, a passion for service, and a message of self-acceptance to the Miss America competition.
After winning the Miss Texas crown in June, life has been a whirlwind for Regan Hutsell. She is now preparing to represent Texas at the Miss America competition in West Palm Beach Florida, while putting the finishing touches on her talent routine. This year’s Miss America pageant runs through September 6th, with Miss America 2027 being crowned at the finals on Sunday, Sept. 6. Hutsell, who is from Houston, has been dancing since the age of four. Dance has significantly impacted her life, and Hutsell has experience with several styles of dance, including lyrical, tap, jazz, and ballet.
Now at the age of 25, Hutsell has danced with renowned companies including the Radio City Rockettes and the Birmingham Royal Ballet in the United Kingdom. Reflecting back on her start in dance, Hutsell remembers being captivated by the art form which she has grown to cherish.
“I remember my first ballet class and being mesmerized by the joy of it,” she said. Hutsell elaborates on her life as a dancer, “I will say the community that I found through dance has been something incredibly special, and people don’t always know that. Yes, the environment is competitive and the pressure is high, but the community that you glean from it is something that is completely unexpected. The things that you put your body through, showing up day in and day out, spending all day moving your body physically, while also becoming an artist and a storyteller are incredible. At times, you have to check your emotions at the door to truly convey and bring a message to an audience. I can say the determination of a dancer is truly like no other.”
Regarding her experience as a Rockette, Hutsell emphasizes the sisterhood and the lessons she’s gained. “I will say it was magical . . . to sum it up in one word,” Hutsell said. “When you’re standing on stage as a Rockette, you feel the history that’s behind you. Every single woman who has ever been a Rockette has performed Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, which is a number that’s been in the show since its inception in 1933. I think Tony Bennett said when you’re standing on stage at Radio City Music Hall, you feel like you’ve got the world underneath your feet. The Rockettes are considered the epitome of what it means to be a jazz dancer and to carry a legacy of a multifaceted dancer. It truly showed me that there’s so much that life has to offer.” Hutsell went on to dance with the Birmingham Royal Ballet overseas, and continues to utilize her experience as a dancer in other aspects of her life.
Now as Miss Texas, Hutsell is looking forward to serving The Lone Star State and competing in the Miss America Pageant. Her advocacy platform, “Your Body is Your Home,” is meant to encourage others to take care of themselves physically and mentally. This hits home for Hutsell as she previously struggled with an eating disorder and physical injuries from dance. Opening up, Hutsell shares her past experience. “My struggle with body image started when I was eight, so being able to encourage others who are struggling means a lot to me. When I think about service, it has given me the confidence and courage to use my voice as an advocate for people truly finding home within themselves. I strongly encourage others to find a place that has a balance of happy and healthy and to treat themselves kindly. This is something I’m incredibly passionate about and a message that I look forward to sharing and continuing to do as Miss Texas or as Miss America.”
When asked what the Miss America organization means to her, Hutsell offers her genuine perspective. “Miss America has changed my life,” Hutsell said. “When I think about Miss America, I think of the four points of the crown, which stand for service, style, scholarship, and success. I can say that every single one of those aspects has influenced my life and has truly transformed it. Every single person I meet as Miss Texas, I want them to truly feel seen, known and loved, and to feel the hope that they can accomplish anything they want to. I stand here as proof of that. I hope that every single community I get to impact truly feels that I am there to be an advocate for the fact that everybody has their own journey, and that you don’t have to physically look and act like somebody else to be happy.”
Words of advice to other women out there struggling with challenges or pursuing success, Hutsell shares this advice: “Know that you have something truly unique to offer the world and don’t let anybody hold you back from achieving your dreams.” Looking forward to what’s ahead, Hutsell plans on finishing college to become a physical therapist. The Miss America organization has awarded Hutsell over $33,000 in scholarships toward her education which she is truly grateful for. “It’s been the biggest blessing,” Hutsell added.
Along with dance and pageants, Hutsell is an avid baker and a huge fan of the Houston Texans. She believes the community in Texas is truly something special “We have a beautiful mix of cultures here that sets our food scene apart. I think the state pride is amazing. And, honestly, H-E-B is one of my favorite places. I will say H-E-B, Buc-ee’s, Tex-Mex, barbecue, and community are what make living here so amazing.”
Watch the Miss America pageant Streaming Live on YouTube here on Sunday, Sept 6.
Follow Miss Texas on Instagram @missamericatx @reganhutsell
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Cover Photo Courtesy of Miss America IP INC
Originally from San Antonio, Jenny Castro has a passion for writing, travel, and discovering new topics. She loves Tex-Mex food, Tejano music and George Strait. Check her out on Instagram to keep up with her work and latest adventures.
