Katura is an African term that means "to lift our heavy burdens". At Katura, we believe that as we use our God-given gifts in the performing arts - our burdens will be made light.
WE ARE KDA!
Kimberly Jones, Owner/Artistic Director
Tap | Ballet | Jazz | Lyrical | AfroFusion | Hip-Hop
KDA is an award-winning dance studio offering quality recreational dance classes, competitive dance, and fitness to all ages. Our goal is to not only esteem the Arts, but to make the arts tangible to ALL. Founded in 2011, Katura Dance Academy continues to thrive under the direction of Kimberly Jones.
Kimberly Nicole Jones was born in Greenville, NC and grew up in the small town of Farmville, NC. Farmville is where Kim began her music and dance training at the tender age of 3 in schools and local dance studios. Kim grew up in a very musical and spiritual home with her parents, Bishop Jessie W. Jones and Co-pastor Carolyn Jones and 2 sisters. At the age of 8, she started her first dance team, “SpLaSh!” As a teen she gained plenty of experience working for Christlike Productions, Inc. as an actress and background vocalist. Kim is also a graduate of John Casablancas Modeling and Acting Center. In 2000, Kim became director of the performing arts ministry at her father’s church, Rouse’s Abundant Life Ministries. Kim was a very active student at North Carolina State University, where she majored in Arts Applications with a Music Concentration. While at State, she modeled with Black Finesse Modeling Troupe and danced with DanceVisions where she studied under Stafford Berry, the associate Artistic Director for the African Dance Ensemble. Kim also danced with ‘Commercial Break’- State’s original Hip Hop Dance Team where she was the assistant choreographer. Wanting to take the dance ministry to another level, Kim started Kalyani Productions in the summer of 2004. Taking the ministry outside the 4 walls of the church, Kim started this company to teach all who desired to know the value of the ministry of the performing arts as well as the skill and training involved. In May of 2006, the name was changed to Katura Productions, Inc. Katura is an African term that means take a burden off my mind. We believe that in this ministry, as we worship God and minister to His people through the arts, He will lift all of our burdens, set free, and deliver. Kim and her Katura staff operated in the summer as a camp offered to ALL ages and as workshops during the year. Kim opened Katura Dance Academy, School of the Performing Arts, in August of 2011. Kim, now an award-winning choreographer, taught 8 years at DanceArt Studio, Inc. in Garner, NC (www.danceartinc.com) as the hip hop, tap, ballet, and praise dance instructor. There she coached and choreographed for over 8 teams. Although it was hard for Ms. Kim to leave her DanceArt family, their support and love constantly encourages her to continue to go for her dreams!
