Heidi DongHeidi Dong was born in Torrance, California on January 14, 1991. Her loving Korean parents wondered how their baby with autism would blossom. In a short while, the answer was clear. At age two, she showed no interest in toys or games, preferring art upplies and canvases. She continued her passion for art through school years and beyond. She also began dance lessons at an early stage where her additional artistic abilities were recognized. During high school, she joined Elizabeth Cantine's Ready, Willing, and Able (RWA) Dance Program for students with special needs. Heidi takes these weekly classes at the Palos Verdes Performing Arts Conservatory under the instruction of current director Julie Hast. There, she is able to study many genres of dance and to be assisted by the staff and one-on-one student mentors. She continues to study ballet privately with Liz. In the bi-annual performances at the Norris Theatre, Heidi's performing talents shine in the group dances and in her spotlight ballet solos. Through her weekday Easterseals Program, she works one day a week at Cabrillo Elementary School where she assists the staff making charts, graphs, and sample patterns. Her printing is more refined than typed font! Heidi also enjoys ICAN summer camp activities including horseback riding, swimming, and hiking. Year-round, she participates in speech and dance classes. She is currently studying art at the Exceptional Children Foundation's Art Center and summer studio. Heidi is able to interpret paintings and photographs as well as replicate most ballet variations that interest her. Her artistic giftedness is truly so beautiful, so beautiful... Read More Read Less