Kim Weiss is a performing arts instructor, coordinator, choreographer and director of dance productions. She is recognized for her success in inspiring student engagement. At Cal State Northridge, she earned her credentials in Clear Multiple-Subject, K-12, and Adult Education and Learning Handicapped. Her graduate work in dance and education was done at UCLA, Mills College and San Diego State University. Recently, she was featured in Voyage LA for her story about her ongoing contributions to the dance community and for her expert training of dancers, from beginners to professionals. The article and video highlights Kim as a committed dance educator and choreographer in Los Angeles. As a former professional dancer, she brings her extensive background to her students in both public and private settings. She has helped to shape the lives of children and adults for over 15 years, providing professional training in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, contemporary and musical theatre. In addition, she has been a judge for Nexstar, Imagine, Inferno and Precisions National Dance competitions. Currently, Kim is a Teaching Artist for The Music Center and for Theatre of Hearts. She was featured at The Music Center’s Summer Symposium.
Kim was trained at top studios, including Debbie Reynolds Dance, Joe Tremaine’s, B & B Dance Studio and Roland Dupree. She taught for 14 years at Millikan Middle School Performing Arts Magnet where she formed Outta Da Box Dance Company, a teen dance group that continues to perform throughout the community.
While setting high standards for her classes, Kim aims to strengthen each student’s ability and confidence, and encourages them to create their own original work. One of her choreographic strategies is in using a guided improvisational method called “Dance Soup,” which uses a variety of word prompts. She also proficiently connects dance to concepts and skills in other areas of the curriculum.