About

One last competition awaited Kim, and time was slipping away for him to secure a spot for the next level. The path leading to this moment had been filled with both challenges and triumphs. What began as a simple opportunity to connect with others had evolved into a thrilling quest to discover his passion and cultivate his self-confidence. As he geared up for his final dances, the crowd encircling the dance floor fell silent.

It all began with a ballroom dance class in high school. Eager to make new friends and seek an activity beyond concert band, Kim enrolled in a social dance class where he discovered East Coast Swing, a vibrant style of swing dancing that gained popularity during the late 1990s swing revival. Instead of spending his Saturday nights on homework, Kim immersed himself in dance at the local venue, the Murray Arts Centre. Throughout college, he continued to embrace swing dancing, incorporating Lindy Hop among various swing styles. It was not unusual for Kim to find himself hitting the swing dance floor several nights a week.

One evening, a group of West Coast Swing dancers unexpectedly joined the local Lindy Hop event and invited Kim to join them. Although it was still a variation of swing dancing, there was something distinctly different about it. In 2006, Kim was captivated by the versatility of West Coast Swing, performing familiar moves to a diverse range of music genres beyond the traditional big band jazz. This experience reignited not only his enthusiasm for swing dancing but also his desire to teach. Kim soon returned to the Murray Arts Centre, taking on roles as both a teacher and a DJ, as well as the dance director for the weekly West Coast Swing dance.

A new challenge emerged. Eager to expand his skills in West Coast Swing, Kim traveled across the U.S. to compete in national dance events. Under the guidance of top professionals on the convention circuit, Kim achieved impressive placements in his competitions, steadily advancing within the WSDC ranks. Along the way, he forged new friendships and took on the roles of workshop instructor and DJ at various local clubs and venues throughout the western U.S. The dedication he poured into mastering West Coast Swing was ultimately put to the test as the beats dropped, and Kim connected with his partner, creating a dazzling dance that propelled him to new heights.

The crowd erupted with excitement as cheers resonated through the ballroom, marking the moment Kim achieved the milestone he had long envisioned. In June 2017, Kim secured a high enough position in his competition to advance to the next level. Attaining the WSDC All-Stars status was a celebration of the dedication Kim poured into his swing dancing, as well as the invaluable life lessons he embraced throughout his journey.

Kim’s vibrant and dynamic dance style, combined with his natural musicality, consistently enriches the community. He offers both group classes and private lessons throughout Salt Lake City and neighboring areas. Additionally, Kim is often spotted delving into various dance genres beyond swing. He has broadened his dance repertoire to embrace wedding first dances, hip hop, contemporary, and tap. Whether it's West Coast Swing or other dance forms, Kim eagerly anticipates fostering fun and building confidence through the art of movement and dance.

My Mission and Values

My mission is to inspire others through teachings and performances to explore the world of dance, to appreciate our differences, and to enjoy our experiences together.

My values:

• Fun - dive into excitement and uncover happiness in your endeavors.
• Curiosity – cultivate a passion for acquiring new knowledge.
• Diversity – honor and appreciate our distinctions.
  

• West Coast Swing Strictly Swing
• Advanced
• 2017 FreZno Dance Classic - 2nd Place
• 2015 Portland Dance Festival - 2nd Place
• 2015 5280 Swing Dance Championships - 3rd Place
• Sophisticated
• 2018 FreZno Dance Classic - 1st Place
• 2018/19 Palm Springs New Year's Classic - 2nd Place
• 2019 City of Angels - 5th Place