Heidi Yancey is originally from Newark, Delaware, she was raised by Joe and Diane Yancey. Heidi has four brothers and she is the only girl. At the age of five years old, Heidi would watch the television show “Fame” and she became inspired by the well-known performer Debbie Allen. She started taking her first dance class which was ballet. Heidi was the only African American girl in her class, so she faced many difficult challenges. By the age of thirteen, Heidi was taking ballet, tap, and jazz. Heidi later became Delaware’s First African American Ballerina.

At the age of thirteen, Heidi was selected to attend Duke Ellington School Of The Arts, located in Washington, DC. There were only fifteen students chosen, out of three hundred people. During her junior year of high school, Heidi ran for MS. DC Teen USA 1988 and was chosen, runner-up. After graduation, she went straight to New York to train and perform with Alvin Ailey 2nd Company. Heidi loved her experience with the company. She then went to Philadelphia University Of The Arts to major in Ballet when she became the first African American to major in Ballet and was selected as the prima ballerina to dance the ballet, Giselle.

Heidi went on to perform in many different shows and companies such as the Broadway Musical, Bubbling Brown Sugar, and Russian Ballet Company. Heidi was recognized as “Delaware's Most Accomplished Achiever” in 1999 and 2000. This recognition helped pave the way for many African American dancers in Delaware. Heidi also started the first spiritual Dance Company called, God’s Children”, and help start many different dance ministries in churches, and spoke at many church conferences and workshops. Heidi was the first to bring dance to the churches in Delaware. The dance company traveled throughout the tri-state area extensively. Throughout her years of traveling, Heidi had special appearances on the well-known television show “Grey's Anatomy”, “Private Practice” and Children's TV Show on the network CTN, “ Ignite Your Life.”

Heidi has been teaching for thirty years, plus in the performing arts. She opened her own Performing Arts School in July 2000, called “Heidi's Academy Of The Performing Arts” which consists of all forms of dance. HAPA also offers summer camp, home school, before and after care, and pre-school. Heidi now has three locations in Florida and more to come. reaching people through mind, body, and soul. Heidi has choreographed many musicals and shows, as well as been a judge for a plethora of competitions and pageants. Heidi was honored to choreograph for the well-known R&B Award Winner singer Chaka Khan.

Heidi believes she will have schools all over and abroad. Heidi has faced many difficult trials and tribulations throughout her life. She fought to become a professional ballerina, lost her mother, faced divorce, and was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) losing mobility in her body off and on and not expected to walk or live. Heidi lives by the scripture, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) Heidi is a survivor and she wants to share her gifts with the world through performing, teaching, and using her voice.