About Dance Strong Dance Academy
Miss Kourtnie
Kourtnie (owner)- has been dancing
since she was at the early age of 2 1/2 years old. She has trained in styles such as- tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, and modern. She has a hard work ethic with a passion to teach and share the art of dance. She not only is head instructor & competition director of her studio, but is the head choreographer for the Bucks County Technical High School's Dance Team. Her award winning choreography speaks for itself. She's won numerous choreography awards at many regional competitions and lead her Dance Strong dance team to their first National Title in 2019. She has attended Dance conventions including The Pulse & recently Nuvo where she not only had the opportunity to train with world renowned choreographers such Mark Meismer, Phil Wright, Travis Wall & Ray Leaper, but had the opportunity to receive personalized instruction from Denise Wall.
While attending DeSales University, she had the honor of being one of the few freshman chosen to perform in their Emerging Choreographers Concert.
In her competition days, she won high honors in many Regional and National competitions throughout the U.S. She's competed and performed in many states such as Tennessee, Las Vegas, Disneys The Magic Kingdom, and New York to name a few. She's been recognized by judges with special awards such as "The IT Factor", "Broadway Bound", and "Turns like a Top".
Kourtnie was the main feature in a music video for the band Civil Youth. Kourtnie entertained children for two summers at Sesame Place performing as Elmo and Abby Cadabby.
Kourtnie is always looking for ways to better herself and learn more so that she can bring the best education to her students. She continues her training at Broadway Dance Center in New York and takes classes with CLI Studios- a program based out of LA.
Dance Strong Dance Academy began as a dream imagined by a young dancer who fell in love with the beautiful art of dance. It turned into a reality in the summer of 2013. It has grown into an amazing, fun, family oriented studio that provides quality teaching in a positive environment. At Dance Strong all students whether they are in recreational or competitive level are treated with the same type of professionalism and love. We pride ourselves on teaching not only dance lessons, but life lessons. We want all our dancers to grow in a positive environment, where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. Here at Dance Strong Dance Academy we invite you to bring your hopes, dreams, and positivity to our studio and become part of our amazing family.
Mr. Kim is a ABT certified teacher in levels pre-primary through level 3 that currently teaches at the Betsy Daily Performing Arts Center in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. He's trained in ballet in the Vaganova technique in Moscow, Russia at the GITIS Academy. He holds his Masters in Fine Arts for Dance Theatre through Kookmin University, South Korea. As a performer, he currently freelances throughout New York and New Jersey with companies that include Roxey Ballet and CelloPointe among others. Past company credits have included Gwangju City Ballet (Korea) and Korean National Ballet.
Mr. Kim
Coach Courtney
Ms.Kim
Kim began her dance career at the age of 3 and continued training in tap, ballet, jazz,
pointe, modern and stretch. She also was a member of the Avallon Dance Company for 4 years.
She attended DeSales University as a dance major and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in
2000. During her time at DeSales, she was a teacher for the Conservatory of Dance from which
she received the ‘Underclassman Award’. She was a member of the ACTion Dance Touring
Company and attended master classes with artists such as Robert Battle (Director of Alvin Ailey
Dance Theater), Stephen Casey (Bucks County Playhouse), Elizabeth Streb (STREB) and Sheri
LaRoche (Anita Feldman Tap Company). Kim also performed in both student and faculty
choreographed concerts; The Young Choreographer’s Series and Dance Ensemble. Her first
choreographic piece titled "Journey" was featured in the dance department's Young
Choreographer's Series as well as being cast as a soloist in 2 other senior pieces. Kimberly was
also selected to be a Resident Advisor both her junior and senior year.
Kim’s formal teaching career began in 1998 at Carol Willson Studio One and has
continued in teaching all forms of dance with a specialty in TAP. Kim’s choreography has been
featured in Conwell-Egan Catholic's Drama Club performances of A Funny Thing Happened On
The Way To The Forum, Jeckyll & Hyde, Oliver, A Christmas Carol, Thoroughly Modern Millie
and Cinderella. She is also on staff for the Explosion Dance Team at BCTHS. Kim continues her
dance education by participating in master classes with artists such as Victor Smalley and Angel
Armas (Dance Moms:Miami), Lane Napper (iCarly/Victorious), Aaron Tolson (Tap
Dogs/Riverdance/Sole Power Fitness), Eleanor Scott (SYTYCD-contemporary) and Ade
Obayomi (SYTYCD-hip hop).
Aside from dancing, Kim is happily married with 4 children and is an Instructional
Facilitator at BCTHS. As a family, they continue working to expand Tabs for Ashley, a tab
collecting & recycling effort that raises money to donate in support of Shriner’s Hospital for
Children of Philadelphia.
Courtney began her career, coaching all levels of competitive cheerleading in 2006 for a local non-profit cheerleading organization. She spent many years volunteering her time for this organization that was geared toward providing children ages 3-18 an affordable opportunity in the competitive cheer world, regardless of skill. Courtney became certified through USASF as a certified coach in all aspects of competitive cheer, including tumbling, stunting, jumps & tosses. Throughout the years, she has attended numerous workshops on choreography, safety, and team building, just to name a few.
During her time there, she not only coached every squad, but later became the head choreographer for all routines, and traveled to Delaware to learn how to mix music professionally. She was the creator of two additional teams in that organization, including the Tiny Squad and the Parent Team, which she not only coached & choreographed, but was a member of the team, performing at a National competition. Her Tiny squad debuted, winning 2 consecutive Grand Championships, and she coached her Senior squad to becoming National Champions in Ohio.
Courtney’s love of the community did not stop at cheerleading. In addition to volunteering for numerous organizations, she is also a licensed EMT in the state of Pennsylvania.
Courtney finally transitioned into the dance world in 2013 by teaching the tumbling aspect of Acro during summer classes. The following year she took over the Acro program, starting with just one class of 9 children. Through her hard work, the Acro program has gained immense popularity, and today, she teaches 6 classes with over 70 students, including a competitive group.
Mr. Josh
