John was born to Kitty and John Heinzman Sr. He was raised alongside his siblings, Scott and Liz, in a family that embraced and shared their Irish heritage and traditions. John’s dedication to his Irish culture, heritage, and the United Irish Societies programs and events is limitless.
John has helped to keep the Detroit St Patrick’s Parade marching by serving as a Co-Chair of the “Parade Fundraiser “and the “LeperCON Crawl”. He also provides music and choreography for Irish Heritage Nights with the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, and the Detroit City Football Club, all of which are Parade fundraisers for the United Irish Societies.
An accomplished Irish dancer, John, along with his Mother, Kitty, and sister Liz, founded the “Heinzman School of Irish Dance” (now called the Ardan Academy of Irish Dance). He received his TCRG as well as ADCRG Irish Dance teaching Certification. In addition to Irish Dance, he incorporates teaching Gaelic to his students. His impact on Irish dance extends locally, nationally, and internationally as he is regularly called upon to adjudicate dance competitions, including the “All Worlds”.
Learning to play the flute and Irish Tin Whistle, he studied under the great masters of Irish music, Al Purcell, Noel Henry, and Mick Gavin. He has performed with many groups, including the Crossroads Ceili Band, Bill Grogan’s Goat, John Connelly, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He was also a member of the band Seacht.
John is a strong and engaged member of the Detroit Irish community. He is involved with the programs and events of numerous Irish organizations, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Knights of Equity, Gaelic League, Motor City Irish Festival, and the United Irish Societies.