Carol Kay Harsell - Founder - Kinderdance was originally conceived and developed by Ms. Harsell, who started dancing at the age of 3 and has been involved with dance and early childhood education ever since. She always had three major loves: education, dance and business, which motivated her to attend and graduate from Dance Educators of America, New York City Teacher Training School. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Dance, and a Master of Arts degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Adapted Physical Education and Dance. Ms. Harsell is a published author and has conducted research in early childhood education and communication through dance. She established the American Academy of Dance, Inc. in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has an extensive background in dance instruction, having taught people of all ages, levels and physical abilities in ballet, tap, acrobatics, jazz and creative movement. She has also conducted dance and movement therapy workshops at local, state, national, and international conferences and has worked as a consultant to many Universities, YMCAs, Private and Public School Systems, Hospitals, and for the National Committee on Arts for the Handicapped. As a performer she appeared with the New York City and New Jersey State Ballet Companies, and has performed and choreographed numerous solo and group concerts. She not only is a talented dancer/choreographer, but also won a scholarship for voice to the Master Works Chorus in New Jersey. Ms. Harsell has combined her talents in dance and voice to write original music and songs for the Kinderdance® programs. Since 1979 she has been solely devoted to developing curriculums and educating preschoolers through dance and training Kinderdance Teachers and Franchisees in the Kinderdance teaching methods and procedures which are successfully being taught to thousands of young children throughout the United States, and the World.</p>
<p>Kinderdance founder Carol Kay Harsell,<br />
Carol passed away on February 29, 2020<br />
BA. Psy., BA. Dance, MA. PHED.<br />
is the recipient of the<br />
"RELEVANT RESEARCH AWARD" (1985)<br />
in Dancing and Children, Dancing-Study and Teaching, and Child Development.<br />
Awarded by a national panel of educators, the University of Oregon<br />
(College of Human Development and Performance)<br />
and Texas Woman's University (College of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance).