[2] Von Heidecke's professional career was launched in 1975, when he was chosen as one of two male dancers for George Balanchine's world premier of "Orfeo ed Euridice" with Lyric Opera Ballet in Chicago.
In 1981, however, a mid-air collision with another dancer completely severed the ligaments in his knees and his professional dance career ended.
In 1989, he commenced his international choreography career with the world premier of Les Sirenes at Scotland's Edinburgh Festival.
His work received rave reviews from Britain dance critic, Nicholas Dromgoole, in London's Sunday Daily Telegraph.
Von Heidecke has also coached numerous opera stars in stylized movement, including Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Denyce Graves, June Anderson, Viktoria Vizzen and Karita Mattila.