Stretching The Limits: Colton Heier Perfects His Passion

Stretching The Limits: Colton Heier Perfects His Passion

NDA instructor and professional dancer Colton Heier shares his passion for dance while working to make it big in the industry.

Jun 12, 2017 by Leanza Pieroni
Stretching The Limits: Colton Heier Perfects His Passion
After discovering dance at the young age of 11, Colton Heier has perfected his passion while performing and traveling around the world. While working to reach his dreams, Heier spends his summers as an NDA Staff Instructor to help inspire a future generation of dancers.

Did we also mention his flexibility will leave you speechless?!

Get to know the incredibly talented Colton Heier!


FloCheer: How did you get your start in dance?


Heier: I was just moving into middle school and decided to go to a performing arts school. In sixth grade, everyone takes an introduction to dance class where you're exposed to multiple styles of dance. After my first class, I continued to take more classes. I began with tap and competing in ballroom for about four years before I decided to explore other styles of dance. When I was 15, I stated taking hip-hop, ballet, and jazz.

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Where have you trained?


I began my training at my performing arts school, Manatee School for the Arts. From there, I started dancing with a competitive dance studio and team called Kristina Castner and the Sunshine Dancers. I also joined my community and competitive dance team at school called MSA Heat, a nationally ranked team. I received a full scholarship for a classical ballet school, Diane Partington's Studio of Classical Ballet, where I went on to train in ballet for a few years.

I moved to NYC to train as a professional dancer where I trained from well-known choreographers in all styles, including hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and ballet. I took classes from Broadway Dance Center and Steps On Broadway.

I was given an amazing opportunity to earn my equity card while dancing in Disney World's Christmas show, "Celebrate the Seasons," which took place in front of Cinderella's Castle. After working at Disney World, I returned to NYC where I continued to go to auditions where I booked a contract as a dancer/aerialist on board Royal Caribbean's ship Brilliance of the Seas.

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As an NDA Staff instructor, how great it is it to share your passion and teach other dancers?


I would not be half the person I am now without NDA! I have gained so many valuable qualities from the company. Having the opportunity to be able to lead and inspire the future generation of dancers is life changing. NDA has not only helped me become a stronger dancer, but it really gives me the chance to change someone's life. The summers that I've spent with NDA and getting to travel the nation to share the passion I have for the art of dancing has really let me make an impact on the younger dancers.

It's so important for the next generation of dancers to be able to see the passion and sincere interest that we all have for the craft.
I really enjoy being able to teach theses dancers everything I know and have learned over the years. I owe NDA everything.

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Has dance given you many opportunities to travel? 


I have had the opportunity to travel to almost every state in the U.S. from teaching with NDA. While dancing on the cruise ship, I was also able to travel to some amazing and gorgeous places as well. I visited Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Costa Maya, all of which were places that I've never been before. It's so fulfilling to be able to travel the world and explore these amazing places while being able to do what you love, which is dance.

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Photo Credit: Michelle Sutherland


Your social media is filled with stunning flexibility pictures. How do you perfect your skills?


Maintaining your flexibility is a very difficult task. I work on my flexibility at least once a day. I will always do a little warmup stretch every morning just to get my day started. About twice a week, I take about an hour or so to stretch. This includes some yoga exercises as well as stretching my splits and stretching out my back.

Usually once a week on Sundays, I have an intense stretching which will include stretching with a TheraBand and stretching my over splits. This is something that will usually last about two to three hours.

[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/_clg2QvbIk/?taken-by=coltonheier0628" hide_caption="0"]

Any tips for dancers who want to improve their flexibility?


The best advice I can give to any dancer trying to improve their flexibility is to stay committed. It's very easy to feel discouraged when you're just starting and you're not even able to touch your toes yet. You must keep up with it and continue to push through. The best way to cope with being uncomfortable while stretching is to distract yourself and stay occupied. Try playing a game, watching TV or doing work on the computer -- something to take your mind off what you're doing.

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Photo Credit: Michelle Sutherland


What do you hope for your future in the dance industry?


I would love the opportunity to be able to travel and dance on tour with a company such as Cirque du Soleil. I have always dreamed of being on tour with them. I would also love to dance in a Broadway show or at Radio City Music Hall. I think it will be so awesome to be in the Christmas Spectacular.

[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/-Ki2H_PbBN/?taken-by=coltonheier0628" hide_caption="0"]

Before beginning any fitness program, you should check with your doctor.  By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk.

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