Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Hunter.
Hi Kim, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From the time I was a little girl, I loved movement. Like many children growing up, I spent hours outside dancing, doing gymnastics in the front yard, and participating in sports throughout my school years. I discovered early on that I enjoyed being active, and that passion has remained with me throughout my life.
Because I was also interested in health and wellness, I earned a degree in Health Science. One statement from a college professor has stayed with me over the years: “To stay fit and healthy, you must find an activity you genuinely enjoy.” For me, that activity was dance.
As my relationship with Christ deepened, dance became much more than exercise—it became an act of worship. While serving on my church’s dance ministry, another church member approached me one day and said, “You have a gift. You should take this beyond the church and make it your business and ministry. I’ll help fund it.” I accepted that incredible opportunity, and more than 30 years later, I am still teaching dance through Unity Christian Arts, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to drawing people closer to Jesus Christ through the arts.
The journey, however, has not always been easy.
Early in my leadership role within the church dance ministry, I became discouraged by relational challenges and conflicts. I seriously considered leaving everything behind and moving away. Around that time, a friend invited me to a women’s conference at the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville in 1995.
During the conference, a prophetess from the United Kingdom, Sharon Stone, called me out with just three words: “Don’t you run.” I laughed because she had no idea what I had been contemplating. She continued by saying that God had a purpose for me right where I was. She spoke prophetically over my life, declaring that I would lift banners, play the tambourine, dance before the Lord, and interpret what God revealed through movement.
That prophetic word has remained an anchor for me through every season. Looking back over the years, I can clearly see God’s hand directing my life, opening doors, providing encouragement, and using both positive and difficult experiences to shape my character.
One of the Scriptures that has continually guided me is Proverbs 3:5–6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
God has also transformed the way I think. A pastor from California profoundly impacted my life by teaching me to pay attention to my thought life. He explained that many discouraging thoughts do not come from God and must be rejected and replaced with God’s truth.
Romans 12:2 reminds us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I learned that real change happens when we replace fear, negativity, and lies with God’s Word.
That lesson completely changed my perspective. Instead of seeing people as my enemy, I began to understand the spiritual reality described in Ephesians 6:12—that our true battle is not against people but against spiritual forces. This understanding helped me stop running from conflict and begin responding with faith, wisdom, and grace.
Another lesson that has stayed with me came from a Stress Management class in college. I expected the course to teach me how to eliminate stress. Instead, the professor said something I’ll never forget: “The stress may not change—but you can change in the way you respond to it.” That wisdom has proven true throughout my life and ministry.
Today, I strive to pass those lessons on to my students. Dance is certainly about developing technique, but it is also about developing character, faith, and a healthy mindset. We study Scripture together and learn how to apply God’s Word to everyday life. I often tell my students, “Memorizing Scripture without applying it is like preparing a meal and never eating it.”
One of my favorite passages is 2 Corinthians 10:3–5, which teaches us to take every thought captive and bring it into obedience to Christ. When we allow God’s truth to shape our thinking, it changes our lives.
People often say, “If you change your thoughts, you change your life.” I believe Scripture teaches that when we allow God to transform our minds, He transforms our lives—and through us, He can transform the lives of others.
Looking back over more than three decades, I know that this journey has been sustained by God’s faithfulness. Every challenge, every opportunity, and every student has reminded me that my calling is not simply to teach dance, but to use the arts as a way to share the love of Jesus Christ and encourage others to discover the purpose God has for their own lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any journey spanning more than 30 years, it has certainly had its challenges. There have been moments of uncertainty, obstacles, and seasons where I questioned whether I should keep going. But through every challenge, God has remained faithful.
One of the greatest blessings has been the unwavering support of my husband, our Board of Directors, our family, our friends, and the many people God has placed alongside me. Their encouragement has reminded me that ministry and leadership were never meant to be carried alone.
Personally, I have learned that my greatest strength comes from spending time with God. Reading His Word, praying, and listening for His direction have given me the confidence to persevere. Scriptures such as Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” and Romans 8:28, which reminds us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, have strengthened me during difficult seasons.
Many of the challenges were practical as well. As the founder of a nonprofit organization, I found myself having to learn skills I had never been trained in—accounting, bookkeeping, budgeting, facility management, and the countless responsibilities that come with operating an organization. There is so much more to leading a ministry than simply teaching dance.
One lesson I’ve learned is that God never intended for us to do everything by ourselves. Romans 12 reminds us that we are one body in Christ, with each person contributing different gifts and abilities. That truth has been evident throughout this journey.
I’ve been blessed by people who were willing to share their knowledge, lend their expertise, and serve alongside me. Their willingness to help has made Unity Christian Arts stronger than it could ever have been through my efforts alone.
This journey has taught me that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about remaining teachable, trusting God, and allowing others to use their gifts. We truly need one another, and I am grateful for the Christian community that has encouraged, supported, and strengthened me every step of the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Founder, Owner, Artistic Director, and Instructor of Unity Christian Arts, Inc., a nonprofit dance school and ministry dedicated to drawing people closer to Jesus Christ through the arts.
We specialize in worship through movement, using a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, and creative dance. We also teach the art of worship with flags, streamers, and tambourines, helping students understand the biblical significance of these expressions of praise.
If there is one thing we are known for, I hope it is creating an atmosphere where people can experience the presence of God. While we certainly value excellence in dance technique, our ultimate goal is much greater than a polished performance. Every class, rehearsal, and presentation is an opportunity to worship the Lord and minister to others.
What I am most proud of is not the choreography or performances, but the hearts of our students. We teach them that dance is not about showing off their talents—it’s about pointing people to Jesus Christ. Our prayer is that those who watch us will encounter God’s love, experience His presence, and leave encouraged, healed, strengthened, or even come to know Christ as their Savior.
I believe what sets Unity Christian Arts apart is that we view dance as both an art form and a ministry. We welcome students of all ages—from young children to adults and seniors—because worship has no age limit. We also offer unique opportunities to learn biblical expressions of worship, including dancing with tambourines, just as Miriam did after God delivered the Israelites across the Red Sea.
At Unity Christian Arts, our mission has always remained the same: to use every movement, every dance, and every opportunity to glorify God and help others experience His life-changing presence.
What does success mean to you?
I define success by seeing the transforming fruit of God in my life and in the lives of those we minister to. Success is witnessing people change from doing what they want to doing what God wants.
Romans 12:2 says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” That verse reflects how I measure success. It is not simply about outward achievement, but about inward transformation—seeing hearts renewed, minds changed, and lives aligned with God’s will.
For me, true success is when people grow closer to God, begin to walk in His purpose, and allow His presence to shape every part of their lives.
Pricing:
- Private Lessons $25/hour
- Group dance Lesson $55/month -1x/week
- Registration $25
- Dance Camp; Spring Break & Summer $20/day
- Camp Registration: $20
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/BJdn4q1gjnH/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Unity-Christian-Arts-134500833650971/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCvkEIjwjrkLYa1y1CKRMFDA
- Other: Unity’s Mobile App Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.pushpay.unitychristianarts
Apple store https://apps.apple.com/us/app/unity-christian-arts-dance/id1535572905
