TEACHERS

Rugcutterz staff is carefully chosen for their experience, as well as their caring approach to teaching dance to every level of dancer. All our teachers are specially qualified in their specific dance discipline and everyone one of our staff carries a valid first aid certificate with CPR and has provided a vulnerable sector screening report.

Kim Barker
Artistic Director

A member of Dance Master of America (M.L.D.M.A. Chapter 43), Kim has trained in all disciplines of dance, including ballet (R.A.D.), tap (B.A.T.D.), jazz, lyrical, hip hop, musical theatre and acro. For more than 15 years, Kim has inspired her students by sharing her knowledge and passion for dance. She has the ability to bring out the best in her dancers and encourages them to reach their fullest potential, no matter what age or level of dance.

A sought after workshop teacher, choreographer and adjudicator across Canada and the U.S., Kim never stops learning! She has traveled to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York, to study with the best master teachers and choreographers in the industry. Her students have also enjoyed the benefits of her industry connections. Kim strongly believes in giving her students unlimited dance opportunities and has arranged for her students to work with other well-known dancers and choreographers from across North America.

Kim's innovative choreography and dance style have brought her and her students much recognition across Canada and the U.S. over the years. She has been the choreographer for the first place soloist and first-place runner-up at the "Canadian National Exhibition's Rising Star Competition" while other students have won titles such as "Junior Female Dancer of the Year", "Teen Female Dancer of the Year" and "Teen Male Dancer of the Year" (all representing ADA Brantford), Petite Miss Dance USA, Jr. Mr. Dance USA (Regional), Teen Mr. Dance USA, Teen Miss Dance USA (Regional), and Future Star dancer award. She has even had students selected to represent Canada at a competition in Spain.

Kim's hard work and creativity have also earned her numerous prestigious awards, including "Diamond Choreography Award" (ADA Nationals), Entertainment Award (awarded out of 1,700 routines at the Starpower Orlando Nationals), five-time Sr. Rhythm Cup Winner (Rhythm Dance), Director's Choice Award (Dance USA), and Overall High Score Teen Group (Dance USA). Five Rugcutterz routines were also among the 60 routines chosen out of more than 1,700 to participate in the Battle of the Stars Championships during Starpower Orlando Nationals.

Some of her graduating students have gone on to pursue professional careers in the entertainment industry. Others have become sought-after teachers and choreographers for well known and reputable studios. She has even trained dancers who have joined her on the teaching staff at Rugcutterz Danz Artz. Kim feels a great sense of pride with each student accomplishment and encourages all her dancers to pursue their dreams.

Trained in first aid, Kim realizes the importance of teaching her students to maintain a healthy body and uses proper training methods to ensure the well-being of her dancers.

When she is not teaching or learning new skills, Kim is a performing member of 'What's on? Tap!,' an all-female professional tap dance company which performs at venues across the country.