Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

“Embracing our identity as both movers and creatives, we can celebrate the unique gifts that define us as humans.” Words, spoken by Kristin LaRoy, that are the basis for her work as an artist and multidisciplinary arts integration educator. While LaRoy enjoys creating her own works of art in the performing and fine arts realm, she is also passionate about helping others reach their own creative potential and experiencing the arts for themselves.

With a dance career spanning over 18 years, LaRoy has graced stages across the southern and midwestern United States. Her expertise extends to teaching and directing dance programs in Lexington and Greenville, South Carolina, where she empowers both dancers and non-dancers to embrace movement through contemporary, jazz, modern, and improvisation techniques.

Beyond dance, LaRoy’s passion for fine crafts has flourished over the past nine years, as she has shared her knowledge as a printmaker and arts educator. From festivals to schools, to her own studio at the Travelers Rest Makers Company, she has guided countless individuals through the creative process, imparting artisan techniques along the way.

LaRoy’s dedication and talent have not gone unnoticed, earning her prestigious accolades such as the Carrie and Skip Gordon Emerging Teaching Artist Award and the title of Travelers Rest Business Person of the Year. Her programming has also been recognized as a family favorite, with her contributions earning accolades through Kidding Around Greenville’s KABOOM awards, where her Art Program was hailed as the best.

Artist Statement

I am a dancer, creator, and educator based in Upstate South Carolina, recognized for my dedication to utilizing movement and dance elements to empower individuals of all backgrounds. Through my work, I strive to inspire both dancers and non-dancers, as well as students and fellow educators, to embrace the art of dance and its creative process. Employing techniques such as improvisation, I facilitate the expression of thoughts, feelings, actions, and positivity.

My artistic practice incorporates various elements including body shapes, movement dynamics, levels, energy modulation, and spatial awareness. These tools enable me to convey ideas inspired by literature, the natural world, historical contexts, and human emotions, enriching the narrative of my performances and educational endeavors.

An integral aspect of my approach is informed by the neuroscience of learning and memory retention. This understanding informs my pedagogical methods, allowing me to create experiences that enhance students’ academic understanding and deepen their connection to their own bodies. Witnessing the impact of my work on students’ academic progress and self-awareness energizes me and reaffirms the importance of movement in education.

In today’s fast-paced world dominated by fleeting electronic distractions, I am driven by a belief in movement as a more profound tool for both educational success and emotional well-being. Through my artistic and educational endeavors, I aim to champion the transformative power of movement, fostering a deeper appreciation for its role in enriching our lives.

Teaching Artistry Details

Teaching Artist Statement

My work as a teaching artist is deeply intertwined with my identity as a dancer, creator, and educator. As someone who values movement and the creative process, I believe that dance can transcend boundaries and empower individuals from all walks of life.

One of the most significant ways my work as an artist impacts me as a teacher is by fostering a mindset of openness and exploration. As a dancer, I am constantly exploring new ways to use body shapes, movement dynamics, energy, and spatial awareness to communicate ideas. This process of creative inquiry translates directly into my teaching. I encourage my students to think creatively, explore their own physicality, and engage with movement as a tool for expressing thoughts, feelings, and actions. Techniques like improvisation play a key role in my teaching, allowing students to develop confidence in their own unique expressions and creativity.

My role as a teaching artist is to champion the transformative potential of movement. I believe that when students experience learning through their bodies, they develop a deeper connection to themselves, the material, and the world around them. Witnessing students’ growth—academically, emotionally, and physically—reaffirms my commitment to using movement as a powerful tool for education and personal development. Through my artistic and educational practice, I aim to inspire others to appreciate the beauty and power of movement and to recognize its vital role in enriching our lives.

Description of Offerings

Discover how movement and dance can serve as powerful catalysts for learning across disciplines. From History and Science to English and Math, LaRoy offers unique opportunities for educational success by encouraging participants to embody their knowledge. Each lesson allows learners to engage kinesthetically, think creatively, transform concepts into movement, and communicate through alternative methods. Participants will enhance their awareness and articulation of the body, deepen their understanding of energy and spatial awareness, while teachers observe how movement can strengthen cognitive connections and improve overall comprehension.

Experienced with the following age groups

• Preschool (3-5 years)
• Kindergarten -2nd Grade
• 3rd-5th Grade
• 6th-8th Grade
• Adults
• Higher Education
• 9th-12th Grade

Materials Provided to Schools or Organizations by Teaching Artist

During a visit or residency, LaRoy will utilize slides, speakers, and props related to the unit of focus. All materials will be discussed and finalized during the unit planning period and acquired prior to her first visit. As part of most residencies, participants will have the opportunity to create or craft a small prop that will aid in reinforcing the unit’s key concepts. Additional props, such as backdrops or set pieces, may also be incorporated during the final visits as the lesson plan allows.

Physical and Technical Requirements of a School or Organization

• Space: Participants will need an open space to move, such as a classroom with seating pushed back, a vacant room, or an open stage area.
• Sound: If the space is equipped with a sound system, that would be ideal, but the artist will also bring a portable speaker to meet the lesson’s audio needs. Please ensure the space used during a visit or residency can accommodate music and creative movement throughout the lesson. For example, a cafetorium stage may not be suitable if lunch is being served during the lesson, and a classroom near students taking tests may not be ideal for more dynamic activities.
• Visual Aid: Access to a smartboard or screen is required for displaying lesson slides.
• Time Accommodation: When visiting multiple classrooms in a day, the artist will need at least 5 minutes planned between classes for transitions.
• Final Presentation: Reserving a single classroom, studio, or stage space within the school is beneficial for end-of-unit performances that will utilize multiple props and/or backdrops.