Kim Grier-Martinez

Kim Grier-Martinez, a cisgender Black woman, dance artist, and activist, has been a Teaching Artist for several decades. Additionally, she serves as the Artistic Director of the Rod Rodgers Dance Company, established in 1967 and founded the Youth Program in 2002. A native New Yorker, Kim earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in teaching dance to diverse groups, including English Learners (EL), students with disabilities, and individuals from Kindergarten to adults, focusing on improvisation, composition, musical theater, and choreography. Kim notably contributed to ArtsConnection federally funded Developing English Language Learning Through the Arts (DELLTA) Program, employing arts-based strategies to support ELs’ language development, and coached classroom teachers through the program – including leading peer learning communities through practitioner research. She also facilitates ArtsConnection’s Framework for Joyful and Liberatory Arts Education. Ms. Grier-Martinez is not only an ardent Arts educator but also an advocate for integrating political, scientific, and cultural elements. Through storytelling, she promotes diversity and global awareness within the communities she serves.