Dave Heard
Dave Heard began his career in New York City, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in English from Fordham University. There, his studies focused on creative writing and dance though the school’s partnership with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and The Ailey School.
Since then Dave has performed on international stages, appeared in the national tours of Broadway’s Hairspray and Dreamgirls, and has worked as an educator, performer, and entertainer all across the country.
But it wasn’t until he began working closely with school-aged children, that he found his true calling. in 2003, Dave joined the Rainbow Tribe dance company which partnered with D.A.R.E. teaching dance workshops and performing in schools across Boston. In 2010, he joined Northern Lights Entertainment, a company known for providing clients with stunning yet wholesome celebrations and high-energy/engaging party talent. It was here, that he first earned the nickname “Dancin’ Dave”, and went on to be featured in The Boston Globe for his dancing & party motivation skills. Dave Heard also taught dance at Boston Children’s Museum through a partnership with Urbanity Dance Company, and in 2012, he was hired at House of Dance as a “Hippity Hop” instructor for ages 4 & 5. In this inclusive environment, Dave worked closely with preschool aged children and children with special needs. He continued this work by volunteering as a dance instructor at Horizons for Homeless Children, so that he could continue inviting pre-k and kindergarten aged children to get up, get moving, and share in his love of arts expression through dance.
In 2017, Dave attended Plymouth State University where he performed with an anti-bullying and conflict resolution program called TIGER - Theater Integrating Guidance, Education, and Responsibility. TIGER toured schools and classrooms all over New England promoting the values of cooperation and empathy, and teaching students how to be an upstander when they encounter bullying or discrimination in their school environments.
He earned his master’s degree in Integrated Arts Education, and in doing so, began his research and work with social-emotional learning (SEL). Dave’s passion for SEL and its efficacy in helping children thrive in school and in life, led him to create JUST START in an effort to increase visibility for this vital education, and to ensure it would be accessible to all children.
You can read more about our founder and president here.
