Orfeo ed Euridice
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. During production of "Orfeo ed Euridice", von Heidecke was trained by legendary prima ballerina Maria Tallchief, one of the greatest American ballerinas. Von Heidecke continued his studies with Tallchief after the Orfeo production, and Tallchief became his mentor, coaching him in the Balanchine method and repertoire.