Katie Kunselman
Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Creator
Meet Katie
Biography
Katie Kunselman is a dedicated and versatile dancer with a passion for her craft. She began dancing at age nine, receiving extensive training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary dance. Graduating in 2024 and receiving her BFA degree, Kunselman has expanded her skills through exposure to various modern techniques and collaboration with renowned choreographers such as Stephanie Martinez, Marc Brew, and Kate Weare. In 2022, she attended the Arts4All Program in Miami, performing with and assisting disabled dancers. Kunselman further enriched her dance experience in the Paris Abroad Program during the Summer of 2023, exploring African Dance, William Forsythe's elements, and various dance techniques, as well as choreographing a solo for the final showcase. She also attended Bates Dance Festival for a week in July 2023 collaborating with different dancers around the country and exploring new movement qualities and intentions. As a leader she has held many positions on the Dance Education Organization Board, and has been granted many scholarships in her time at the university. Kunselman actively advocates for the arts and thoroughly enjoys new challenges that involve creativity and artistic expression through movement.
Artistic Statement
Hello! I am Katie Kunselman, a dedicated dancer with over 12 years of experience. Starting in competitive dance at age 9, my journey has evolved into a deep exploration of modern and contemporary techniques at the University of South Florida (USF). I'm passionate about creating captivating movement characterized by fluid connections throughout the body. Inspired by fellow dancers and life experiences, I'm actively refining my creative process, overcoming challenges, and seeking inspiration in everyday life. I create because I love to dance and find the expression of art beautiful. Saying 'yes' to various experiences enriches my work, aiming to touch the audience and bring them satisfaction. As I navigate my choreographic process, my goal is to create art that resonates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact. My transformative journey as a dancer and creator continues, and I look forward to exploring the endless possibilities that dance offers as I begin my career.
BFA degree certified
Education
- Student at USF 2020-2024
- Trained in levels 1-4 of Ballet, Modern, and Choreography.
- Credits in Entry and Senior Seminar, Laban Movement Analysis, Dance Kinesiology, Improvisation, Ballet History, and 21st Century Dance History.
- Have performed in Fall and Spring Concerts and worked with 3/5 Guest Choreographers in residency.
- Completed the Paris Summer Study Abroad Program working with many talented professionals in a number of different styles while also receiving exposure to many large professional company performances, seeing 11 different shows in the month abroad.
- Attended Bates Dance Festival for one week in July 2023 where she collaborated with dancers and respective instructors and explored different movement qualities and meaning behind movement.
USF Performances
Marc Brew, USF Guest Residency-- "Blink" (March 2022)
- Worked with disabled choreographer Marc Brew in his USF Guest Residency in Spring 2022, exploring arm-based choreography. Collaborated with other disabled dancers during the Arts4All Festival in Miami, sharing diverse experiences.
Paula Nunez, Faculty Work-- "Cafe Con Leche" (March 2022)
- Worked with Paula during my Sophomore year on an intense 18-minute piece, requiring performances with props and individual chairs for a cast of 17 women. The experience was both challenging and exciting, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the creative process.
Bliss Kohlmyer, Faculty Work-- "Precipice" (October 2022)
- Collaborated with Bliss in my Junior Year at USF, where she crafted a piece using big boxes symbolizing a shared precipice. The experience taught me valuable lessons, utilizing various props to enhance the storyline of the piece.
Stephanie Martinez, USF Guest Residency-- "Bewist" (March 2023)
- Collaborated with Stephanie Martinez as a guest choreographer in the beginning of my Junior Spring Semester 2023. The owner and founder of PARA MAR, she pushed me to delve deeper into movement and explore my work ethic during the audition process, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Jeanne Travers, Faculty Work "Spirit Dreams" (March 2023)
- Worked with Jeanne Travers in my Spring Semester of Junior year in 2023. Explored different information to apply to movement such as our spirit animals, also explored interesting transitional movement in addition to the ensemble moments of the piece.
Michael Foley, Faculty Work-- "Burn All Your Bridges" (October 2023)
- Working with Michael Foley on this piece expanded my understanding of partnering and contact movement in various group formations, from duets to septets. This experience deepened my knowledge of organizing and executing complex partnering sequences.
Achievements
- Received the Green and Gold Talent Scholarship per semester from Fall 2020 to Spring 2024
- Received an additional Talent Grant in her Junior and Senior year at USF
- Granted the Henry S Parrish Dance Scholarship for her senior year - Fall 2023-Spring 2024
- Casted per audition for three of the five guest choreographers that were in residency in her time at USF
- President of Dance Education Organization (DEO), orchistrating philanthropic events, fundraising, and community activities to create a friendly environment in the dance department. Also held the Historian and Junior Vice President position in her sophomore and junior year
- Choreographed multiple solos and group pieces at her childhood dance studio that went on to compete in regional dance competitions where she received choreography awards and recognition for her work.
Need a teacher?
Pop-Up Classes
Private Lessons
Pop-Up Classes
Classes available in Modern, Contemporary Fusion, Jazz, Ballet/Technique, and Improvisation for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels!
Rates Available Upon Request
Inspiration
Private Lessons
Pop-Up Classes
Katie became inspired by her first dance teacher, Paula Scriva, who saw potential in her at a young age and provided her the technique and foundation she would need to take her abilities to a collegiate level. The faculty at USF has molded Katie into the dancer she is today, adding new techniques and abilities to her repertoire and instructing four in-depth courses on the processes of choreography. Katie is excited to take her knowledge and inspire the next generation of young dancers with her passion.
Private Lessons
Private Lessons
Private Lessons
Custom to each dancer's abilities and goals, private lessons offered can consist of rehearsing a piece, technique and foundation, cleaning and solidifying movement, audition assistance and more!
Rates Available Upon Request
Contact ME
Follow my Instagram @ktdancingg for fun grooves and dance career updates!
If interested in choreography, pop-up classes, or private lessons, please feel free to direct message my Instagram linked below or email me: kkunselman24@gmail.com
ktdancing.org
