Heather Nichols began her training at West End Academy of Dance in Richmond, VA. In 2009, Ms. Nichols joined the Richmond Ballet as a trainee. From 2011 to 2015, Ms. Nichols attended Butler University and received her Bachelor of Science in Dance Pedagogy and Pre-Physical Therapy. After graduating in 2015, she accepted a contract with Ballet San Antonio, where she spent four years. In 2019, Ms. Nichols joined Kansas City Ballet as a company member. She created her first choreographic work, Meraki, on the company in March 2022. This is her first season with NCI.