Neil is a dancer who first started dancing at age five at the David DeMarie Dance Studio in Clarence, New York, and American Academy of Ballet in Williamsville, NY. He also appeared in small roles in movies. At age 14, he began intensive training in ballet at the Chautauqua Institution for three summers. He attended Point Park University for a year, majoring in dance. Haskell has described his dance style as jazz/ballet. He earned the title of "Male Dancer of the Year" at the American Dance Awards in 2005. He got his Equity card the summer before auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance.
He has performed in the Twyla Tharp Broadway show The Times They Are A-Changin', with music by Bob Dylan, and in Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's performances Grease, 42nd Street, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Beauty and the Beast. Neil recently landed a spot in MTV's new musical, The American Mall which will start filming in January 2008 for broadcast and DVD release in summer 2008.In Spring 2008, Haskell, along with former SYTYCD contestants Sabra Johnson and Danny Tidwell is featured in movmnt magazine's cover story to promote 'Keep it Real' the publication's awareness non for profit. In April 2008 he began playing the role of "Luke" in the Off-Broadway musical Altar Boyz.
