Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Heard.
Hi Bianca, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am a professional dancer born and raised in Orlando, FL. I began dancing when I was 4 years old and trained in all styles before transitioning to primarily classical ballet training. I quit when I was 17 as I did not have the body to be a ballerina, nor did I think I had what it took to have a career as a professional dancer. I fell in love with dance all over again when I began working for Walt Disney World at age 20 in 2016. I have had the pleasure of portraying many roles with Disney in a variety of shows and parades. I traveled along the west coast of the United States, Mexico, and Canada with Disney Cruise Line before achieving my dream of becoming an Equity performer with the company in 2019. I currently perform at Beauty & the Beast: Live on Stage but in a recent turn of events, I have made the decision to leave the company later this month to further my dancing career with Virgin Voyages. Beginning in July, I will be spending most of the year sailing through Europe and dancing in Virgin’s signature shows. In addition to dancing for Disney, I am also part of a queer burlesque troupe, Les Vixens Burlesque. I joined in 2017 shortly after coming out as bisexual (although now I’d say I’m more pansexual than anything). Burlesque has empowered me and given me more confidence than any other dance style. It gives me full autonomy of my body and an ability to connect with audiences in an incredibly intimate way. I believe life is about balance and I feel that dancing in big stage shows at Disney and smaller more intimate burlesque venues gives me the duality I seek within my art. I hope to remain in the entertainment industry for as long as my body will let me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve felt fortunate that I’ve been in the right place at the right time on several occasions, but I’ve worked incredibly hard to get where I am. I am often the only person of color in many settings, especially at my current job where I’m the only female black dancer. I often have to work twice as hard as my white counterparts to even be considered for roles and to maintain the ones I have now. My sexuality has never gotten in the way of my work, thankfully, but coming out was a tough process for me in the beginning. I am grateful that my parents have come around though, and that they support me to their fullest ability in everything I do.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professionally trained dancer and I also perform burlesque all over Florida. My strengths lie in my energy, my personality, and the way I make others feel when I’m on stage. It’s imperative to me that I enjoy what I do, as I feel that that energy radiates when I am performing. Having the ability to exchange energy with audiences so closely is what makes me art so important to me. I love to make people feel seen and represented, and I love bringing a smile to people’s faces.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I had a lot of trouble finding myself. I went to a predominantly white private school and didn’t have the ability to be authentically myself for a long time. I was something of a loner throughout high school. I didn’t have a set group of friends – I was kind of a floater. As I grew older, I realized that I didn’t fit the mold of what others wanted me to be and that’s something I really love about myself now. I was an outgoing kid but I was rather reserved as I was scared of the way people perceived me. I also was always in dance class so I didn’t really have time for friends at school. Dance consumed my childhood but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. I was a disciplined and determined kid and looking back, I don’t mind that I didn’t have many friends growing up.
Contact Info:
- Email: heardb@me.com
- Instagram: biancaheard
Image Credits
Monet Boudoir
