Ms. Kristin Tillotson – High School Dance
Originally from New York, Kristin Tillotson discovered her passion for dance at an early age and pursued that passion professionally by attending the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Education in 2005 before continuing her education at Drexel University, where she received a Master’s degree in Dance/Movement Therapy.
For over 20 years, Kristin has dedicated her career to educating, mentoring, and inspiring young artists. She has been teaching in the public education system since 2006 and has served as a dance educator at the Charleston County School of the Arts since 2014. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for combining exceptional technical training with a supportive, student-centered approach that encourages creativity, confidence, and personal growth.
Drawing from her background in Dance/Movement Therapy, Kristin incorporates movement as a powerful form of communication and self-expression in every class. She believes, as Martha Graham famously said, “The body says what words cannot,” fostering an environment where students grow not only as dancers but as confident individuals.
Kristin’s students have gone on to attend some of the nation’s most prestigious dance colleges, conservatories, and universities, earning scholarships and pursuing successful careers in both the concert and commercial dance industries. Many of her former students now perform professionally with dance companies, cruise lines, theme parks, theatrical productions, and commercial entertainment organizations across the country. Through her mentorship at the Regional and National High School Dance Festivals, students have also received numerous scholarships to collegiate dance programs and nationally recognized summer intensives, helping launch the next generation of professional artists.
In addition to teaching dance, Kristin has choreographed numerous school musical productions, including Annie Jr., High School Musical 2, Fame Jr., Hairspray Jr., Grease, Pippin, and SpongeBob the Musical, providing students with valuable performance experiences both on stage and behind the scenes.
As a choreographer and performer, Kristin has presented original works at the University of the Arts, Drexel University, and numerous studios and performance venues throughout the Philadelphia region. She has trained and worked with many nationally recognized artists and educators, including Curt Haworth, Ronen Koresh, Donald Lunsford, Scott Jovovich, Michael Trusnovec, Mia Michaels, Wayne St. David, Judith Jamison, Kimberly Bailey-Bears, Brian Sanders, Cynthia Quinn, and Matthew Neenan.
Kristin is also a Past President of the South Carolina Dance Association, an organization dedicated to advocacy, professional development, and fostering a strong network within South Carolina’s dance community.
Whether working with beginning dancers or pre-professional artists, Kristin’s mission remains the same: to provide exceptional technical training while cultivating artistry, resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance. She believes every student deserves a place where they are challenged to reach their highest potential, supported as individuals, and inspired to become not only stronger dancers, but stronger people.
Kristin_tillotson@charleston.k12.sc.us
https://sites.google.com/charleston.k12.sc.us/soahsdancemst/home
Amazon Wishlist
- Favorite Colors: blue
- Favorite Restaurants: EVO, Kickin’ Chicken, Swig and Swine
- Favorite Snacks: cheese, pickles, popcorn
- Hobbies: jigsaw puzzles, boxing, dancing