(Photo courtesy)
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
After four decades in the dance world, Dr. Kimberly Banda, owner of Kim’s Studio & Event in San Benito, is drawing on lessons learned as a dancer, educator, director, coach, and studio owner to write a new book that helps young performers build confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of identity.
Banda’s Dancer Evolution is a 15-week coaching experience for dancers ages eight to 18. Rather than focusing solely on technique, the program encourages dancers to recognize their strengths, discover their passion, step outside their comfort zones, build consistency, and set goals, while applying weekly challenges to their dance training.
“Confidence doesn’t come from being the best dancer in the room,” Banda said. “It comes from learning to trust yourself throughout the process.”
Banda said dancers are constantly evaluated through corrections, auditions, placements, and performances, which can make it easy for young performers to measure their worth by where they stand in a formation or whether they receive a solo.
She said Dancer Evolution was created to help dancers understand those experiences without letting a single difficult moment define how they see themselves.
The book draws on Banda’s 40-year journey in dance. She began training at age two-and-a-half at McMillian School of Dance, later becoming a San Benito High School Belle and cheerleader, danced collegiately and professionally as an NBA G League dancer, and returned to her alma mater as an educator at age 21.
At 22, she became director of the San Benito High School Belles.
Banda said those different roles helped shape the perspective behind the book.
“I don’t think I could have written Dancer Evolution from just one chapter of my life,” she said, explaining that her experiences as both a performer and a coach from the other side of the room taught her about “the person behind the dancer.”
The project also holds deep personal meaning. Banda said her father encouraged her to start writing the book two years ago. She began it but repeatedly set it aside, believing she had more time.
After his death, finishing the book became a way to honor the man she described as the “ultimate dance dad,” who supported her from her childhood performances through her years as a director and studio owner.
Her faith also shaped the project. Banda said she believes God gives people talents and gifts for a reason and that those gifts should be developed and shared with others.
For Banda, the book also carries a message for dancers in her hometown.
She said young performers in San Benito should not assume that major opportunities and exceptional talent are confined to larger cities. Banda said she believes local dancers have the talent, drive, and potential to succeed.
“If my story gives even one young dancer from San Benito a clearer sense of what may be possible in her life,” Banda said, “then sharing my journey has meaning far beyond anything I’ve accomplished.”
Pre-sales for Dancer Evolution begin on September 15 via KimsStudioEvents.com, with the book scheduled for release on September 20.