Kimberly Jarvis

Kimberly Crislip Jarvis is a choreographer, educator, teaching artist, and organizational development consultant whose work bridges the creative arts with education, wellness, and community engagement. She is the founder of Arts + More Services, where she provides customized communication workshops, strategic planning sessions, and staff development retreats for businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Her approach uses the arts as a catalyst for clarity, connection, and sustainable growth.

Kimberly holds degrees and certifications from the Scandinavian Institute for Physical Culture in Denmark, the American College of Sports Medicine, Malone University, and the University of Akron. Her career spans more than three decades and includes international performances throughout Scandinavia, Europe, and Eastern Asia, as well as collaborations with more than 50 organizations worldwide.

From 1993 to 2010, she served as Artistic Director of the Living Fountain Dance Company in Canton, Ohio, producing more than 55 dance and multimedia works that included live music collaborations and symphony‑accompanied performances. She also designed the JOYDANCE program for Community Health Services in Summit County with support from the Ohio Criminal Justice grant and the Ohio Arts Council.

Her arts integration residencies include long‑term work through ArtsInStark, Wayne Center for the Arts, and the Ohio Arts Council’s TeachArtsOhio program. She developed Moving to Math and Science, Dancing from the Inside Out, and PUREMOVEMENT, programs that integrate movement with STEM learning, social emotional development, trauma‑informed practice, and creative aging.

Kimberly has received Creative Aging training through Lifetime Arts and has taught modern dance to adults 55 and older in residencies funded by Ohio Teaching Roster sponsors Ohio Arts Council, Art Possible Ohio, OhioDance, and the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education at Highland Library in Medina County and Wooster Library in Wayne County.

Her professional collaborations include training and performance experiences with Jacob’s Pillow, Ballet Magnificat, Wayne Center Ballet, and Dancing Wheels. She has worked with acclaimed artists such as Merce Cunningham, Meredith Monk, Craig Patterson, Patricia Lent, Susanna Chaffey, Jennifer Way, Milton Myers, and Dianne McIntyre, and her teaching includes both classical ballet and adaptive dance.

 

Availability

Mornings and afternoons, upon request with advanced scheduling

 

RECENT PROJECTS: “Puremovement Dance Integration,” Cloverleaf Local School District High School Students (Grade Levels 9-12). Collaborated with the high school choirs over the course of several weeks to integrate choreography into their winter and spring concert performances. Through daily sessions, students learned various dance techniques and movements that complemented their vocal performances. The culmination of the program was the inclusion of choreographed segments in both concerts, showcasing the students’ newfound dance skills. This initiative was particularly significant for the rural high school, as it provided all students with the opportunity to participate in dance, enriching their artistic experiences and fostering a sense of collaboration and creativity within the school community.

“Energetic Movements: Exploring Energy Through Dance,” Cloverleaf Middle School (Grade Levels 6-8) Students embarked on a unique journey to explore renewable and non-renewable energy through the expressive medium of dance. Students delved into the concepts of fossil fuels, solar, wind, and hydro power. Through a series of interactive sessions, they translated these abstract ideas into physical dance elements, embodying the characteristics of each energy source. The workshop culminated in a mesmerizing performance where students showcased their newfound knowledge through captivating choreography, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability and inspiring action.

“Cultural Dance.” Foreign Language Students (Grade Levels 6-12). Students explored the rich tapestry of global dance traditions, learning about their historical significance and sacred meanings. From indigenous dances rooted in tradition to the vibrant celebrations of Carnival around the world, students gained insights into the diverse ways in which dance reflects and shapes cultural identities. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and multimedia presentations, participants not only expanded their linguistic and cultural knowledge but also developed a deeper appreciation for the universal language of movement. This immersive experience fostered cross-cultural understanding and inspired students to explore the connections between language, culture, and dance.

 

Video courtesy of the teaching artist.