Alicia Smith-Kirk, Move It! Dance Project, Director

Dance, Leadership and Fun! Students she has trained and mentored over the years are achieving as leaders in professional dance companies, as dance teachers, as dance studio owners, modeling, film, Disney, Higher Education as degreed individuals and or professional staff. A "technician" who brings her love, passion and personal expertise to the students, Ms. Alicia is a committed instructor. Students leave her classes excited and eager to return. She is married with three teenaged daughters who also practice leadership development through dance expression and public speaking.




 

 

Education

  • Purdue University Global - Bachelor's of Science Degree, Communications Major
  • Baldwin Wallace University - MAED in Leadership in Technology, Educational Technology Major (December 2023)
  • Ohio After-School Network: Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal Professional Learning Certificate

 

Credentials

  • Cecchetti Council of America Licensed Ballet Instructor
  • Dance Masters of America Certified Dance Instructor in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz
  • Certified: Yoga, Pilates, Partner Assisted Stretching, Acrobatic Arts
  • Distinguished Toastmaster, Toastmasters International a world leader in public speaking and leadership development


Experience

  • Artistic Director, Artistry In Motion Dance Studio
  • Youth Program Coordinator, New York City Tap Festival Instructor
  • American Tap Dance Foundation (Internship) & Youth Program Director
  • New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble - First Company Member
  • Program Developer and Facilitator: Workforce Development for Teens and Young Adults
  • General Board - Cecchetti Council of America


Awards - Dance and Fitness

  • Top 5 Trainers of Bally Total Fitness, East Coast Market (NY/NJ)
  • Dance Teacher Magazine’s Featured Honoree Recognized as a Top Dance Educator
  • National Award-Winning Choreographer, 1st place out of 1,000 entries
  • Choreographer, Miss America Pageant--Brooklyn, NY
  • Top Competition Awards:  Numerous Judges Choice Awards, High Point and Overall
  • American Tap Dance Foundation’s prestigious National Tap Teacher of the Year Award 1st Michigan recipient


Awards - Leadership
2021 District Director Resiliency Award Recipient from Toastmasters International
2020 Distinguished Toastmasters Award (DTM)
2019 Club Coach Award from Toastmasters International for coaching a club to achieve Distinguished status.
2017 & 2018 District Director's Award recognizing district leadership success for District 10 Toastmasters

2017 Pathways Guide Award for training 12 clubs to access the new online software access to the Toastmasters Education Program.
2016 On The Move Community Award from the Lorain Club of Negro Business and Professional Women Inc.
2016 Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), Toastmasters International's highest Communication & Leadership excellence award.
2015 Advanced Communicator Bronze Award while serving as an appointed Area Director for Toastmasters International District 10
2014 Next Generation Leadership from the Lorain Club of Negro Business and Professional Women Inc.

Personal Philosophy
"If something will make a difference in 5 years, do what it takes to lay the foundation to make it happen today.”

Professional Affiliations/Memberships

  • Acrobatic Arts
  • American Aerobic Association International
  • Cecchetti Council of America
  • Dance Masters of America
  • International Sports Medicine Association
  • Purdue University Global Alumni
  • Society of Technical Communicators
  • Toastmasters International


Favorite Quotes:

 

"Pride is doing your best work, even when no one is watching." ~Author unknown.

 

“Many hands make light work.” ~African Proverb

 

"Leaders know the way, go the way and show the way." ~John Maxwell

 

"We learn best in moments of enjoyment." ~Dr. Ralph Smedley