Kim Johnson:
Owner/Teacher
Owner Kim Johnson, developed the vision of Studio VIA after 23 years of dance training and performing. Graduating with academic honors in May of 2007, she received a double major in dance and athletic training from the University of
Wisconsin- Stevens Point.
Licensed in the state of Wisconsin as an athletic trainer, certified through ACSM as a personal trainer, Sports Yoga, and Spencer Pilates, proves that Kim has an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge in health and wellness. As director of group fitness for the Wisconsin Athletic Club in Wauwatosa, Kim still continues to grow and develop her knowledge for health and wellness. Kim also has a Professional Rescuer certification from the American Red Cross and holds high standards for her students' safety and well-being.
Kim has also been trained in dance since age three. She received her early dance training from a local dance studio. Performing regionally and nationally since age 12, she has had the opportunity to perform and compete in New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago, and Minneapolis. In high school, Kim was Captain and MVP for the Brookfield Central Lancerettes her sophomore, junior and senior years. She was named a UDA AllStar and traveled to Paris, France for a two week performance opportunity.
While at UWSP, Kim performed annually in Afterimages from 2002-2006, the Player’s show “What?!?!”, Dancestage 2004 and 2005, and was a national finalist for American Dance Idol in 2003. Kim also performed at the American College Dance Festival 2004 in St. Louis Missouri. She was the Assistant Student Director of Afterimages 2004 and the Student Director of Afterimages 2005. As a choreographer, Kim created works for “What?!?!”, Afterimages 2005 and 2006. After a week dance intensive Senior Repertory Project rehearsals with guest choreographer Andrew Cao in 2006, Kim was elected as dance captain for future rehearsals and performances. Kim has worked on dance for camera projects which she performed, choreographed, and produced.
Prior to opening Studio VIA, Kim performed for three years with the NBA as an Energee! dancer for the Milwaukee Bucks. She had the opportunity to travel with the Bucks to China in 2008 to perform and support the Bucks abroad. She has also taken part in ProDance while on the Energee! Team, which allowed her to learn from some of the top choreographers in the nation and take class along side other NBA, NHL and NFL dance teams.
Most recently, Kim has been a guest speaker at WACPC-WIAA's fall and spring symposiums sharing her experience and knowledge about dance, coaching, choreography, technique, injury prevention and management with coaches and dancers from around the state! She won the "Best Choreography" award at Legacy Dance Championships in Milwaukee in 2018 for the dance "Descendants". In 2020 she was awarded the "Best Choreography" award at legacy Dance Championships in Milwaukee for "Trolling" and in 2021 Studio VIA received the "Top Studio" award from Thunderstruck Dance Competition! In 2022 She received best choreography for "Therapy Group" and best choreography in 2023 for "Prison Of Decisions".
The dads of Kim's 2018 dance company also presented her with a special award from them! Click here to read the full plaque.