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(319) 427-0005
HEY THERE!
My name is Jackie Heinz and I am the owner of Heinz Academy for the Performing Arts. I am so excited you are interested in our program and believe wholeheartedly that Heinz Academy is the perfect dance home for your dancer and family. Please reach out if you have questions and I cannot wait to meet your family!
OUR STORY
I didn’t grow up dancing. In fact, my first dance class was in college—an invitation to perform in a piece honoring West Point Military Academy. From the moment I stepped into that studio, I was hooked. I poured myself into every class I could take, and eventually began teaching after graduation. When the opportunity arose to purchase Heinz Academy in 2008, I knew it was meant to be.
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Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t quite fit in. I was different. But dance gave me a space where my individuality wasn’t just accepted—it was celebrated. That experience shaped my vision for Heinz Academy: a studio where every child, teen, and adult feels seen, valued, and supported. I wanted to create a place that felt like home.
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Over the past two decades, we’ve grown from a handful of students in a community center to a two-location academy serving families all across the Cedar Valley. But what hasn’t changed is our heart. We are still rooted in connection, creativity, and kindness. Whether it’s your first dance class or your fifteenth year on stage, you belong here.
Here at Heinz Academy we have nine core values that are the center of everything we do. Not only are our values the driving force behind how we run our classes and encourage our students, but also in how we run our business as a whole. Here are our core values:
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Better Together Than Alone
We can achieve so much more as a team and grow together than we can as individuals.
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Always Stay Humble
It's important to stay humble in all our endeavors and to let our results speak for themselves.
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Every Child Is Important
Every child plays an integral part in our success and every child's input and contributions are valued.
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​Continuous Improvement
It's important to always grow and be better than we were the day before.
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Our Door Is Always Open
We believe in investing in each dancer to ensure their success in dance and in life and we will always be a safe place for them to share and express themselves.
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Be Real, Be You
Be your authentic self. Be creative in the way that suits you and know you will never be expected to look, feel or dance like anyone else. Be your individual self.
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Be Innovative Leaders
We should always strive to think outside the box and be different, rather than re-create what's already been done.
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Always Have Fun
Laughter and a deep love for what we do is our foundation. Perfection is not essential but working from the heart is.
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Dream Big
Life is yours to create and it should be crafted just as you envision it. You are the only one who has to live it so dream big and make it grand.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
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MEET OUR TEAM
Ms. Jackie
As the owner and guiding force behind Heinz Academy, Ms. Jackie is the heart of our studio family. With more than 24 years of teaching experience, she has trained in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary, pointe, and hip-hop. She studied dance at the University of Northern Iowa and furthered her training at the prestigious Bates Dance Festival in Lewiston, Maine. Jackie’s greatest passion lies in creating a welcoming space where every dancer—no matter their age, ability, or background—can discover their confidence, creativity, and love of movement. This year, she is excited to once again share her knowledge and joy of dance in classes ranging from our youngest Twinkle Stars to advanced pointe and contemporary students. Her vision is simple but powerful: to ensure Heinz Academy is not just a studio, but a second home where dancers grow both on and off the stage.
Ms. Amber
We’re so excited to have Ms. Amber stepping into a new role this season as Heinz Academy’s Office Assistant! Many of our families know her from the classroom, where she shared her love of ballet, tap, modern, and jazz with students of all ages. With 18 years of dance training and years of experience teaching, Ms. Amber brings a dancer’s heart and a teacher’s care to everything she does behind the scenes. From helping families get settled at the front desk to keeping things running smoothly, she’s a warm and welcoming presence you’ll see and hear from often. Her favorite part of this new position? Still being surrounded by the Heinz Academy family she loves and supporting dancers as they grow both on and off the stage.
Ms. Madison
Ms. Madison has been part of the Heinz Academy family since she was just three years old, and we’re thrilled to have her now serving as one of our Office Assistants! Over the years, she has trained in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and acro, and she previously spent four years teaching everything from Twinkle Stars to Hip-Hop. Her background as both a dancer and teacher gives her a unique perspective in supporting our families and staff at the front desk. You’ll often find her greeting dancers with a smile, helping parents with questions, and making sure the office runs smoothly. Madison loves being able to stay connected to the studio community she’s grown up in and is always excited to help dancers feel at home at Heinz Academy.
Ms. Sophie
We’re excited to welcome Ms. Sophie to the teaching staff at Heinz Academy! Growing up in Davenport, she began dancing at the age of six and trained extensively in ballet, tap, jazz, pom, and kick. During high school, she was an active member of her Dance Team, blending her technical skills with performance and team spirit. Currently a student at the University of Northern Iowa, Ms. Sophie is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, a field that deepens her understanding of movement and the body. She believes dance is not just about mastering steps, but about finding your voice and growing both inside and outside the studio. Ms. Sophie can’t wait to share her passion, energy, and encouragement with her dancers this season!
Ms. Jensen
Ms. Jensen brings an incredible range of training and passion for dance to Heinz Academy! Growing up in Decorah, she has been dancing for 13 years and has studied ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, modern, lyrical, acrobatics, pointe, contemporary, pom, and musical theatre. She is currently pursuing a degree in Theater at the University of Northern Iowa and is an active member of UNI’s Orchesis Dance Company, where she continues to grow as both a performer and artist. In the classroom, Ms. Jensen believes that every student deserves to feel valued, respected, and encouraged. Her goal is to create an uplifting and supportive environment where dancers can discover their strengths, build confidence, and find joy in movement.
Ms. Callie
Ms. Callie is a familiar face at Heinz Academy, having danced here for the past seven years. During that time, she has trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary, building a strong foundation that she is excited to share with her students. Currently a sophomore at Cedar Falls High School, Callie is also an active member of the school band, showcasing her love for the arts both on stage and in music. She says Heinz Academy has given her so much over the years, and now she looks forward to giving back by inspiring her dancers in the same way. With her enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication, Ms. Callie can’t wait to guide her students through a fun and meaningful season of dance.
Ms. Ella
Ms. Ella has been part of the Heinz Academy family for 12 years, training in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, and pointe. As a dedicated member of the Heinz Academy family, she has gained valuable experience performing and growing as both a dancer and teammate. Now a junior at Cedar Falls High School, Ella is also active in color guard, band, and choir, showcasing her love of the arts in many different forms. She is excited to step into the role of teaching Twinkle Stars this season and share her passion for dance with the next generation. Ms. Ella can’t wait to inspire her young dancers and help them take their very first steps in the studio with confidence and joy.
