Kim Black, proudly known as “Miss Kim” to hundreds of families in Alamance County, has been instilling confidence, sparking creativity, and teaching dance to children in the community since she was 16 years old. After teaching at many local schools and studios, she took her biggest leap in 2020 and opened her own studio – Miss Kim’s Dance and Arts – which continues to grow and thrive. She and her staff work with children from 18 months to 18 years of age, giving them a positive environment to express themselves through movement. Her class offerings include traditional tap, jazz, and ballet classes, but have grown to include art, Spanish, cheer, summer camp experiences, and competition dance teams for a variety of ages.
Kim deeply values mentorship, as she herself began apprenticing under her dance teacher at an early age. She now provides those same opportunities to many of her students and is constantly investing in her staff. She regularly brings in guest dance teachers and industry trainers to provide high-quality professional development opportunities. She has created a supportive and connected workplace environment by organizing staff luncheons and celebrations throughout the year, promoting collaboration and growth. All of Miss Kim’s staff are encouraged to build positive relationships with their students and to embrace every dancer at their individual age, stage and ability level.
One of Kim’s most meaningful contributions to the community is as the founder of the non-profit, Our Time to Shine. Our Time to Shine provides dance opportunities for children with disabilities. Currently, they provide weekly classes at no charge to over 25 children for these super-powered dancers, blending movement therapy with tap, ballet, and jazz to promote coordination, balance, flexibility, and creative expression. The program has grown tremendously over the years, and Kim has found opportunities in the community and across the United States to advocate for the inclusion of children of all abilities in arts programming. Our Time to Shine has not only been showcased locally but has even performed twice on Broadway, as part of the annual Arts for Autism Gala.
One of Kim’s favorite sayings is, “There are people who watch things happen, and there are people who make things happen.” Without a question, Miss Kim is someone who makes things happen. She sees possibilities where others may not and brings those possibilities to life by creating opportunities and experiences for all. She is a powerful example of what happens when someone dedicates themselves fully to their craft and their community, and the possibilities for the children she dedicates herself to are truly endless!
