Two Minnesota Dance Educators Receive Awards

October 6, 2026

Congratulations to Dr. Julie Kerr-Berry, Professor Emerita of Dance at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and to Kristin Blatzheim, a dance educator in District 196, for both receiving awards recently!

Dr. Julie Kerr-Berry

Dr. Julie Kerr-Berry, Professor Emerita of Dance at Minnesota State University, Mankato, received a Lifetime Achievement Award—Living Artist/Educator from the National Dance Education Organization. This award celebrates excellence across the field of dance education, honoring visionary leaders, innovative educators, dedicated researchers, and organizations making a lasting impact. It not only recognizes achievement but also inspires innovation, affirms our shared values, and strengthens the future of dance education.

During her tenure at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Kerr-Berry directed the Dance Program and later chaired the Department of Theatre & Dance. She is Editor Emerita of the Journal of Dance Education. Her scholarly publications focus on the intersections of dance, race, history, and whiteness. She has also received awards for her scholarship, leadership, and work relative to social justice and racial equity with the National Dance Education Organization.

In fall of 2026, Kerr-Berry’s book, Bearing Witness to Whiteness in American Dance: Dancing Bodies Out-of-Place will be published by Palgrave MacMillian. Her creative research has been featured in American College Dance Association’s Gala Concerts. Earlier in her career, Julie was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study dance in Indonesia. This led to other international dance study and her development of study abroad coursework for her students. Julie holds advanced degrees from Temple University’s Department of Dance in Philadelphia, PA.

Kristin Blatzheim

Kristin Blatzheim, a dance educator in District 196 (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan), is recognized by the Minnesota Society of Health and Physical Educators (MNSHAPE) as the 2026 Dance Educator of the Year. This honors and recognizes outstanding service and contributions in dance education by a Minnesota dance education teacher (not as a subject within a Physical Education program).

Blatzheim holds a BA in Dance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MEd in Professional Studies, Arts Education based, from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has taught ballet, jazz, tap, modern, improvisation, and composition for over 20 years at private dance studios, community education settings, and public high schools. Since obtaining her Minnesota K-12 Dance teaching license in 2008, Ms. Kristin has taught dance at several high schools in the metro area. She taught at Apple Valley High School from 2012 and Valley Middle School since 2022.

Ms. Kristin has also performed professionally with the Eclectic Edge Ensemble, a jazz based dance company in Minneapolis, as well as other local modern dance companies in the area. While her performance career is behind her, her passion for teaching is all around her!

Ms. Kristin strives to teach dance to students of all types by offering them rigorous technique classes, dance history, and performance opportunities, all while allowing them the freedom to explore dance as it fits their own unique personality.

MNSHAPE is the state professional organization for physical education and health educators.