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“Hi, Miss Jackie!”
“Miss Jackie, guess what I did in school today!”
The noise level in the open studio increased several decibels with the arrival of the energetic dance students. The object of their attention, Miss Jackie, is Jackie Heinz (28), instructor and owner of Kinetic Energy School of Movement and Music in Cedar Falls, Waverly and Independence.
Nothing from the scene is unusual. The children certainly don’t seem to notice that their instructor, who teaches them to tap and twirl, is wheelchair bound.
Heinz, as well as her two brothers, has a genetic form of muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy. The disease causes weakness and wasting of voluntary muscles. It has never stopped her from pursuing her dreams or accomplishing her goals.
“I was always interested in the physical side of how the body works,” said the University of Northern Iowa grad. “In college, I was interested in the bio-medical, sports science field. One requirement for my general education courses was a physical education class. I enrolled in weight lifting. My instructor asked why I was in that class. She encouraged me to take a modern dance class instead.”
Heinz switched classes and, while it wasn’t love at first dance, she did enjoy the class. After the Christmas break, her instructor approached her about participating in a dance she was producing. “She had written it for her brother who was graduating from West Point. She wanted people of all ability levels to be a part, so I agreed. That was when I fell in love with it,” recalled Heinz.
She credits her UNI instructors for being supportive of her. “They never let me get away with saying, ‘I’m handicapped. I can’t do this.’”
Creativity played a role in some of her classes. For example, the teacher of her tap class made a tap table and Heinz used tap gloves to perform. “For one class, the professor dictated a dance to us that we transposed into the actual movements. I used a partner for the actual dance portion.”
Heinz has spoken to classes and organizations all over the country. She said a lot of disabled dancers talk about their struggles in getting to where they are. “I can’t say that I feel that way. I’ve always had lots of support—from my instructors and especially my family and husband.”
Heinz performed with the UNI Orchesis Dance team, the UNI International Dance Theater and the American College Dance Festival. One of her greatest performing experiences was being accepted to the Bates Dance Festival, a prestigious three-week camp, where she performed with the AXIS Dance group based in California that integrates able-bodied dancers with disabled performers.
“In one of the classes we created a production piece that we performed with the professional dance group on the last night,” said Heinz. A few years later, AXIS performed at UNI’s Gallagher Bluedorn and Heinz was able to bring them to the studio to teach a master class for her students.
How does she teach and perform from a wheelchair? “Just like everybody else,” she replied. “I teach two nights a week. The kids never have really questioned that I’m in the chair. Most of them have had only me for an instructor. I give a lot of verbal cues when teaching. I think it lets them be creative, not have to dance one certain way. When I’m performing, my chair serves as my legs.”
Two years ago, Heinz was given the opportunity to purchase Kinetic Energy. “I never imagined I would be the owner of three studios, it’s still hard to fathom even now. I was halfway through with my education before I ever picked up dance.”
These days, keeping track of all her students (300 at the three studios) keeps her in good condition. “I love teaching. It’s so rewarding to see the students grow and learn. They keep me motivated.” She said the popularity of the High School Musical movies and the dance shows on television have helped her business thrive.
The students have two set performances each year—a holiday show in December and a year-end recital in June. Heinz also books shows throughout the year in the community. “We've performed at John Deere and in the schools. We did Swan Lake with the Wartburg Symphony and a program for MDA, which meant a lot to me because of all the support they’ve given to my family. I believe it’s important for kids to be involved in their communities.”
When asked if dance is a sport, Heinz paused thoughtfully before answering. “I would give it the heading of ‘art’. It certainly takes the stamina, agility, focus and dedication of a sport. What sets them apart is dance is not limited by rules and boundaries like on the football field or basketball court. Dance is more creative, like a painting. There are no boundaries to what I create or do. The only limitations you have are those you put on in your imagination.”
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