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The H.E.ART MissionThe H.E.ART's mission is to provide a healthy, creative and inclusive environment. Our holistic approach to the Performing Arts is to inspire and empower Actors, Dancers and Singers of all ages and abilities to cultivate their natural and latent talents. As a Multicultural Performing Arts Company in Los Angeles, The H.E.ART is committed to fostering and developing our youth's self-esteem and self-confidence, instilling a sense of cultural pride, strengthening relationships and nurturing their socio-emotional development.
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The H.E.ART GoalThe goal is to broaden the reach and effectiveness of the traditional after-school or weekend center by:
Our program, while directly aimed at developing performing arts’ skills, will indirectly result in the positive development of self-esteem, self-respect and self-discipline. In addition, Students will be further inspired by their interaction with seasoned industry professionals who will instruct at the facility. The H.E.ART will provide an environment that is holistic, in that people at all levels of development in their craft will interact, be mentored and experience peer support. This will truly be a breeding ground for the cultivation of well-rounded individuals. |
Meet the H.E.ART Staff
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Eartha Robinson
Founder, Dance & Movement Instructor
A native of New York City, Ms. Robinson was raised in Harlem. At the age of 14, she was accepted into the “famed” Performing Arts High School (P.A.) in NYC, the school upon which both the movie and television series FAME were based. While attending P.A., Ms. Robinson received numerous scholarships and contract offers from dance luminaries such as Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Donald McKayle, Dianne McIntyre and Bernice Johnson. Ms. Robinson made her Broadway debut at age 16 in THE WIZ, starring Stephanie Mills and thus began her career. Eartha Robinson has established herself as a “veteran” in the Entertainment Industry, having worked alongside some of the most celebrated and innovative Choreographers and Directors of our time, including: George Faison, Michael Peters, Debbie Allen, Otis Salid, Lester Wilson, Spike Lee, Norman Jewison, Wes Craven, Gary Marshall and many others who’s light continues to shine through her and into her work... |
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Vernée WatsonActing Instructor
Vernée Watson has worked as a professional actress for over 45 years in theatre, TV, film, commercials and voice-overs. She began her acting career on stage with a Harlem based theatre group doing off-Broadway shows and when she moved to the West coast she appeared in several plays including Sistuh, Sistuh and One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest as Nurse Hatchet. TV appearances began with Welcome Back Kotter and goes on to include Sister Sister, NYPD, NCIS, The District, ER, The West Wing, Without a Trace, The Mentalist, Criminal Minds, Southland, The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men, Cold Case, House MD, Ironside, A.N.T. Farm and as Will’s Mom on The Fresh Prince, to name a few. She has appeared in such films as The Kid, Boy In The Plastic Bubble, Norman Is That You? Showdown in Little Tokyo, No Turning Back, Christmas with the Kranks, and as Aunt Annette in Denzel Washington’s directorial debut film, Antwone Fisher. She is the recipient of an Emmy Award and a Clio Award... |
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DeBorah Sharpe-TaylorVocal Instructor
Ms. DeBorah has worked as a Vocalist, Voice Instructor, Choral Director, Actor & Voice-Over Artist with vocal credits that include Michael Jackson, The Supremes, Barry White, Andre Crouch & Harry Belafonte. Additional credits include Broadway shows such as The Wiz, Jelly’s Last Jam, Little Shop Of Horrors along with many others. She has also appeared on American Idol! We love having Ms. Deborah as a part of The H.E.ART, bringing her knowledge & experience in Voice to our Kids within our unique, integrated Performing Arts program. |
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Tiana Simone ShawBallet Instructor
Tiana Simone Shaw studied Dance in the BFA program at Montclair State University while also studying at the Ailey School in NYC. She has worked with professional companies and choreographers including Robert Battle, artistic director of The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Donald McKayle and Lula Washington, choreographer of the Oscar winning film, Avatar. Over the years, she has been a featured dancer for R&B artists like Jill Scott and Sean Kingston. Tiana’s choreography has graced the stages of Montclair State University, Kasser Theater and has been featured at the annual International Black Dance Conference in Toronto, Canada. Tiana began teaching at age 14 and by her junior year at Montclair State, was teaching dance minor classes. As a teacher, her dream is for her students to develop a respect and passion for the art of dance. Instilling everything she’s been taught, piece by piece, to her dancers is Tiana’s goal. While showing them professionalism and love she encourages them to go for their dreams and believe they can achieve anything and everything they set their minds to. “Dance has completely changed my life...it’s my turn to pay that change forward to my students” - Miss Tiana |