Kimberly Crislip Jarvis is an educator, choreographer, and administrator, known for her exceptional contributions to the creative arts. With an impressive educational background, Kimberly holds degrees and certifications from respected institutions such as the Scandinavian Institute for Physical Culture in Denmark, the American College of Sports Medicine, Malone University, and the University of Akron.

Throughout her career, Kimberly has collaborated with Kent State University, Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, Mississippi, and Jacob’s Pillow in Massachusetts, where she had the privilege of working alongside esteemed dancers such as Merce Cunningham, Meredeth Monk, Craig Patterson, Patricia Lent, Susanna Chaffey, Jennifer Way, Milton Myers, and Dianne McIntyre. She also made significant contributions to Wayne Center Ballet in Wooster, Ohio, and Dancing Wheels in Cleveland, Ohio, showcasing her versatility through a spectrum of teaching finite ballet and working with adaptive dancers.

Currently, Kimberly serves as an artist in residence for Cloverleaf Local School District and the Executive Director of the Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster, Ohio, where she inspires students in dance education. Her professional journey has been further enriched by her performances with inspiring dance companies such as Leaven Dance Company in Ohio and Lori Belilove and Company in New York. She also served as adjunct faculty at Kent State University.

A notable accomplishment in Kimberly’s career is the establishment and directorship of the Living Fountain Dance Company from 1993 to 2010 in Canton, Ohio. During her tenure, she spearheaded the implementation of the JOYDANCE program for Community Health Services in Summit County, a transformative initiative made possible by an Ohio Criminal Justice grant and the Ohio Arts Council.

Kimberly’s artistic endeavors have transcended geographical boundaries, as demonstrated by her captivating performance in Assisi, Italy, in 2014, alongside Dr. Cynthia Krenzel-Dogett and renowned concert pianist Stefanos Spanopoulos. Before assuming the role of coordinating the Department of Dance at Wayne Center for the Arts, Kimberly astoundingly produced 55 dance and multimedia concerts, including five live music projects and three performances accompanied by symphony orchestras.

Continuing her dedication to education and innovation, Kimberly has focused on developing groundbreaking programs that bridge dance with other disciplines. These include the Moving to Math and Science program, a remarkable K-5th grade dance program that merges movement and STEM education, the transformative Dancing from the Inside-Out program, which incorporates trauma-informed approaches to enhance well-being and creative aging, and PUREMOVEMENT, an innovative in school dance education program that engages and inspires young minds. These programs were designed with the support of Teach Arts Ohio grants at Ashland City Schools and ArtsInStark grants throughout Stark County.

Kimberly Crislip Jarvis has an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, education, and community engagement. She is advocating for healthy organizational environments that do not tolerate harassment of any kind, racism, homophobia, or abuse of power. Her contributions continue to inspire generations of dancers and artists alike.

 

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.