Meet Kiari Kirk | Dance Choreographer & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiari Kirk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiari, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
A: My idea of balance has definitely evolved. A few years ago, I was a solo entrepreneur, living on my own, and completely fine with working around the clock. I would edit all night, teach all day, and never question it. I didn’t have to check in with anyone or explain why I was eating cereal at midnight while exporting videos. That was the life, and it worked for that chapter.

Then I got married. Now there is someone else in the equation. Jorge brings this beautiful grounding energy to my life. And along with him came Benito, our very dramatic dog who acts like he pays rent. Suddenly, real questions came up. What are we doing this weekend? Who’s cooking? Is Benito peeing on my PlayStation again?

Work is still important, but I have noticed how much I value being home. I have caught myself mid-project wondering what Jorge is up to and if I should be with him instead. That is a big shift for me.

So I created systems. Simple routines that help me stay consistent while giving myself permission to move a little slower. I cannot hustle at full speed all the time anymore, and I do not want to. Balance now means making progress without burning out. It means being just as proud of the quiet days as the productive ones.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art lives at the intersection of movement, storytelling, and community. Whether I am choreographing a combo, teaching someone how to groove, or directing a dance visual, I am always aiming to help people feel something real. That could be about themselves, their potential, or the deeper message behind the movement.

What sets me apart is how I teach. I do not just focus on steps or performance. I focus on connection. I care about helping dancers rediscover joy in their bodies, build confidence, and use dance as a tool for personal growth. I created The Dancer’s Blueprint with that mission in mind. It is a space where dancers, especially adult beginners, can grow without fear of being judged or left behind.

But none of this came easy. There were many seasons where I felt burnt out, invisible, or unsure of my place. I spent years overworking in Los Angeles, constantly pushing without rest. Eventually, I left to reset. That decision gave me space to remember why I fell in love with dance in the first place. I started rebuilding everything based on freedom and fulfillment instead of pressure and perfection.

I have learned that your art only grows as much as you do. That growth comes from the things no one claps for. Journaling. Healing. Taking risks. Slowing down. Trusting that the way I see the world is valuable, even when it does not fit the mold.

What I want people to know is this. Everything I create, whether it is a class, a course, or a video, is built from heart. I am not here to compete. I am here to contribute. If you work with me, dance with me, or create with me, I want you to feel supported, seen, and creatively awakened. That is the story behind my brand. And the story is still unfolding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I would want to create a mix of movement, nature, nostalgia, and good food. Nothing too fancy, just a lot of fun and vibes we could remember.

We would definitely spend time at the promenade in Santa Monica. It is an outdoor mall with live music, local artists, and just enough street chaos to keep it interesting. We would grab a quick lunch at BurgerFi, catch a movie at AMC, and then walk it off by heading straight to the Santa Monica Pier. The combo of ocean air, music, and the occasional overpriced churro is always worth it.

For something active, I would take them hiking at Griffith Park. It is peaceful, scenic, and gives you that classic LA view without too much effort. One of my favorite lowkey gems is a tumbling class at Mat’s Gymnastics in Los Feliz. It smells like feet, but the moment you start rolling around like an eight year old trying to remember how to do a cartwheel, you forget all about that. It is pure joy.

As for food, I do not need the fine dining scene to feel impressed. I would take them to Brick N Flour, where everything on the menu hits. It is casual, flavorful, and you always leave full. We would also leave room for random dessert spots we pass along the way. I like keeping things spontaneous.

That week would be all about catching up, laughing hard, moving freely, and creating memories without overplanning. That is my version of showing someone a good time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I love this question because I really believe none of us do it alone. First and always, I have to shout out my partner Jorge. His love, patience, and unconditional support have kept me grounded through the chaos of building a creative life. On the days I feel like quitting or questioning my worth, he’s the quiet voice that reminds me why I started.

Then there’s my dance community, The Kiki Kult, and all the Keeksters who show up, support my services, join my classes, share my videos, and take chances on the new ideas I bring into the world. They make me feel seen and remind me that what I do matters. I didn’t grow up feeling like I belonged anywhere, so to now have a community that reflects back love and energy is something I never take for granted.

I also owe a lot to the voices that guide me from afar. Dan Koe for showing me how powerful writing can be when it’s tied to your vision. Brandon Carter, whose brutal honesty keeps me from slipping into comfort and complacency. Alex Hormozi, who makes me dream bigger than I thought I was allowed to. Sometimes the goals feel out of reach, but something in me still says try. That matters.

Books like How to Win Friends and Influence People have completely shifted how I approach relationships and conversations. And Dr. Joe Dispenza’s work has helped me understand how important my internal world is to everything I create externally. Meditation, mindset, and movement have become my daily trio.

So yeah, it’s not just me. It’s Jorge. It’s the Keeksters. It’s the mentors I’ve never met, and the books that feel like personal letters from the universe. All of them play a part in the story I’m still writing.

Website: https://www.kiarilk.com

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