Abby Heston

Background

About Abby Heston

Abby is a passionate dance educator and studio professional with a dynamic blend of teaching and administrative experience. She has over 8 years of experience teaching dance to students of all ages, from toddlers to adults, with a specialization in ballet and early childhood dance education. She also teaches jazz, lyrical, beginner tap, parent-and-me, and toddler/preschool acro with a thoughtful, age-appropriate approach that nurtures both technique and confidence. Most recently, Abby served as the Studio Manager at a dance academy in Orange County, where she led both administrative and managerial operations. She managed a small team of employees, handled hiring and performance reviews, coordinated schedules, and oversaw the studio’s front desk operations. From answering phones and enrolling students to managing tuition and planning events, Abby ensured the studio ran smoothly and efficiently. She also led social media marketing efforts, creating content, editing short-form videos, and curating visual media to support the studio’s digital presence. In addition to her dance and management work, Abby brings 4 years of experience as a social media manager with a strong skill set in content creation, account management, photography, video editing, and customer communications. Abby began dancing at age 7 in Washington state, with a deep focus on ballet. She later expanded into other dance genres. Abby trained in Washington with instructors such as Leonessa Grimes, Russell Capps, Valdene Dick, & more. She’s performed in various ballet repertoire most notably The Nutcracker with Eugene Ballet Company in 2014 & 2015, and recently in Don Quixote at SoCal Ballet Scene’s 2024 Festival. As a teenager, she moved cross-country to train full time at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet under esteemed instructors: Marcia Dale Weary, Amanda Edge, Frances Perez Ball, Melinde Howe, Nicholas Ade, and more. Her extensive background in early childhood education—over 7 years in preschool classrooms, daycare, and nannying— has shaped her teaching style to be strongly rooted in developmentally appropriate curriculum. Abby believes in building strong relationships with her students and fostering a joyful, safe environment where young dancers can thrive. Now based in Orange County after relocating from the Pacific Northwest in 2021, Abby is passionate about creating and managing positive studio environments that support dancers, families, and staff alike.