Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Yancey.
Hi Heidi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Heidi Yancey. I am a mother to a beautiful daughter Rosa Skinner and grandmother too two beautiful grandchildren. I am Delaware’s First African American Ballerina. I have been dancing since the age of 5 years old. At the age I made history but wasn’t recognized until the age of 23 years old. I have been blessed to graduate from the prestigious school Duke Ellington School of The Arts in Washington, DC. I attended Philadelphia University of The Arts., in Philadelphia, PA. I have been blessed to perform with the Russian Ballet company, Alvin Aiely Dance Company, perform in Broadway Musicals, Judge for Pageants (Miss USA), traveling Judge for Dance Competitions, TV Appearances such as Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, choreograph for top celebrities, and more. I was recognized Delaware’s Most Accomplished in The Arts twice. I have been teaching the Performing Arts for 35 years. I have been the Director for Performing Arts Programs with large organizations and raising millions of dollars. I am the owner of Heidi’s Academy International which ran successfully in Delaware and Florida with an enrolled over 1,000 students throughout the years. The school has been running for 25 years. Presently it’s a traveling Musical Theatre Group that performs plays that changes one’s life through the storyline. I am the Director at My Kids Academy and Aquarelle Kids Academy which is own by the same owners. I Directed an Early Childhood Performing Arts Program for ages 2-12 years old students offering Dance, Music, Instrument training, tumbling, Sports, and Musical Theatre. I continue to put on quality performances in the Orange District at prestigious theatre such as: Dr Phillips Performing Arts Center. Throughout my journey I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and lost mobility in my body. For twelve years I suffered with the disease. and survived!! I am the one percent that has survived. I stand today with all mobility in my body and Glory to God I am still here. I have been a spokesperson for the foundation telling my story. My motto is: I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength. I am grateful to continue sharing my gift to our youth in the arts in the community and giving them an opportunity of a lifetime on prestigious stage and performing with the best.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Coming up in the dance world majoring in Ballet as an African American was very hard. I faced many challenges such as called the “N” word during class, being told I would never make it because i was black, never giving an opportunity to have lead roles even though I was the best in the class, and nevered was even looked at. Because i had parents who fought for me, I made history! Later in my career I started to face a lot of injuries. I wasn’t sure why I would get hurt a lot. At the age of 31 I was diagnosed with Multiple Scleroses (MS). I went from being a prima ballerina to losing mobility in my body overnight. I was expected to live. I was told by doctors I was dieing every week. All my organs stop working but my heart. I started to get herbal treatment. I suffered for 12 years and one bounced back. The doctors said I was a miracle! No one usually survives this disease.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Presently I am the Performing Arts Director at My Kids Academy and Aquarelle Kids Academy. I oversee the Performing Arts Program for both locations owned by the same owners. I offer Dance, Music, Tumbling, Musical Theatre and Sports. I developed a curriculum for the ages 2-12years old. We do three shows a year on prestigious stages. I am known within the community putting quality shows for the youth. I also own Heidis Academy International which a traveling group that puts on Musical Plays that changes one’s life. I am most proud to give the youth an experience of a lifetime through my performances. What sets me apart is my story of someone who fought, nevered gave up, lost everything and still standing today doing what she loves! My story changes lives.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My mentor is Debbie Allen. I follow her which pushes me everyday!
