Kimberly Crislip Jarvis is a professional choreographer, educator, and teaching artist known for her interdisciplinary approach to dance and education. With degrees and certifications from the Scandinavian Institute for Physical Culture (Viborg Idrætshøjskole) in Denmark, the American College of Sports Medicine, Malone University, and the University of Akron, Kimberly has blended academic rigor with creative innovation across her career.

From 1993 to 2010, Kimberly served as the artistic director of the Living Fountain Dance Company in Canton, Ohio. During this time, she led more than 55 dance and multimedia productions—including five live music projects and three works accompanied by symphony orchestras—and designed the JOYDANCE program for Community Health Services in Summit County through support from the Ohio Criminal Justice grant and the Ohio Arts Council.

Between 1997 and 2013, Kimberly was a Teaching Artist in residency across Stark County, Ohio generously funded through ArtsInStark. Following that, she toured Wayne County schools with the TuTu Tuesday program in partnership with Wayne Center for the Arts, bringing ballet and math integration to elementary students. In 2020, she began working with Ashland City Schools through the Ohio Arts Council’s Teach Arts Ohio program, where she developed and delivered innovative in-school residencies such as Moving to Math and Science, Dancing from the Inside-Out (a trauma-informed and creative aging program), and PUREMOVEMENT, which uses dance to empower student voice and foster SEL growth.

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

Her professional artist collaborations include performances and training with Jacob’s Pillow in Massachusetts and Ballet Magnificat! in Mississippi. 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. Kimberly’s choreography and pedagogy also reflect her time with Wayne Center Ballet in Wooster and Dancing Wheels in Cleveland, where she taught 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.