Heather Hamilton
Heather’s a professional dancer, choreographer, and coach getting after her dreams from Nashville, TN.
Heather’s life, dreams, and pursuit all have one thing in common - Making an impact for Jesus. Whether it’s dancing and choreographing for the NFL and NBA, dancing for Kacey Musgraves and Dan + Shay, or raising up the next generation of dancers, Heather’s life is written with purpose.
As Heather continues doing all she can to infuse her faith in all she does, her reach continues to grow. With her experience as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, judging national dance competitions, and teaching top teams throughout the country, Heather’s paving the way for others to be just as bold and courageous about their dreams as she is.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
I’m blessed to be using my passion for dance to create routines, perform in the NFL, and mentor young dancers and students.
I’ve always been a dreamer and believe everything starts with a dream. Currently, I’ve been seeing dreams redeemed in a way I never would’ve imagined. I’m finding some of the greatest miracles in my life have started with a closed door. Dreams that I thought were dead have been restored to immeasurably more than I could imagine.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to perform. I began dancing at the age of two and always knew I wanted to make it my career.
As I grew up, there were many people including family, mentors, and coaches who helped walk alongside me and shape my dreams into goals. From there, those goals turned into plans that were acted upon and later became realities.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
My dreams are completely dependent on my faith and relationship with Christ. In fact, without His divine intervention, most of my dreams would’ve failed or never been imagined.
But here’s the key…If I desire the dream more than God who is the GIVER of dreams, then I make the dream an idol.
If I’m being honest, my desire to dance professionally was partly about wanting to feel a sense of significance. It was through the kindness of Jesus, that He wanted me to find my worth in Him rather than a stage.
It was through my deepest heartbreak, where I found the biggest breakthrough. Now, I’ve been able to use my pain from the past to bring freedom and hope to others.
God really cares so deeply for us and our dreams. So much so, that He is willing to steer us away from what we think we need, so that He can lead us into the greater call and plan for our lives.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
It’s crucial to have a mentor or coach. Someone who is in your corner but keeps you accountable. It doesn’t matter if you’re a “subject matter expert” or a “first day beginner.” We ALL need a coach.
We’re more likely to fail or slip up when trying to accomplish goals by ourselves. Having people around to champion and support us helps maintain focus and creates momentum.
I also believe wholeheartedly in the value of hard work and repetition. Getting in our reps no matter what will always keep us ready.
We should pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on us. I’m tired of prayer being a last resort. Prayer is the vehicle for our breakthrough. But think of it like this…A car without fuel is pointless. Prayer is the same way. It needs the fuel of faith. The harsh reality is that our unbelieving prayer may not be prayer at all. It’s time for all of us to step up in faith, persevere with hope, and believe through prayer.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
I want everyone to know and believe there is a God-dream for their life. Keep your plans open-hearted and trust the Lord with your process. He’s going to lead you into the fullness of your calling and it’s going to be far bigger than you can imagine.
Don’t let disappointment scare you from your calling. Oftentimes, it’s in the heartbreak that our hearts are being prepared and refined for something more. It’s also okay if the desires of our heart shift. In fact, it could be the Holy Spirit pushing you toward your biggest breakthrough.
Ephesians 3:20 — “God can do anything you know, far more than you can ever imagine, guess or request in your wildest dreams. He does it not by pushing us around, but by working within us, his spirit deeply and gently within us”