Junior Soloist
Heather is from Kitchener in Ontario, Canada. She trained at Canada's National Ballet School and joined Northern Ballet in 2017.
Heather is sponsored by Mr Jolyon & Mrs Carol Harrison.
Learn more about Heather
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario in Canada.
At what age did you start dancing?
I believe I began when I was 3 or 4 years old.
Where did you train?
I danced at Morée School of Dance in my home town in Kitchener and competed in all styles of dance until joining Canada'a National Ballet School in 2013 where I trained for four years.
Previous companies
I performed in the National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker in my last year of Canada's National Ballet School.
Awards/nominations/prizes
Christopher Ondaatje Ballet Prize (2016), Academic Medal of the Governor of General Canada (2016), Maitland Award for Mathematics and Science (2016).
Which Northern Ballet role would you most like to dance?
I think Jane in Jane Eyre would be a really neat role to tackle and a dream role for me is Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.
Career/training highlights
Performing Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby was definitely a highlight of my time at Northern Ballet so far. She is such a neat character and the ballet is so engaging from start to finish. Also, performing on the Royal Opera House stage for the Kenneth MacMillan tribute in my first year. Throughout school training I had many wonderfully eye-opening opportunities for travel and exchanges as well which were all incredible.
What do you like most about being a dancer?
I love being able to dive into a place where I can focus on the movement, music and the story and not have to worry about anything else at that time. I also love the community of people around you with whom you very quickly become such wonderful friends!
If you could adapt one work into a ballet what would it be?
I think West Side Story would make an incredible ballet. That, or Pride and Prejudice; it already has a gorgeous soundtrack and a great story.
What is your favourite book?
I have several but I fell in love with the Harry Potter series and it is still at the top of my list.
What is your favourite post-show meal?
One that is shared with my lovely friends!
How do you like to relax?
I love to spend my free time hiking and exploring the English countryside. I'm always up for an adventure. I also love cooking new things and hanging out with friends.
If you weren't a dancer what would you be?
If I weren't a dancer I think I would be an environmental scientist of sorts, or doing something active!
Photos by Riku Ito, Emma Kauldhar, and Emily Nuttall.