KU dance instructor traded Joffrey for University
Move to Midwest motivated by family academic calendar
Jennifer Yeoman Special to the Kansan
Jerel Hilding got tired of waiting in the car. That is what he said started his career as a dancer.
Hilding, an instructor and choreographer at the University of
er at the University of Kansas, said that he would get tired of waiting for his college girlfriend to get out of dance class, and would go inside to watch.
Hilding's girlfriend didn't make it in the dance world, but Hilding did. He spent 16 years in New York at the Joffrey Ballet as a principal dancer. That was where he met his wife, Krystyna, who was also a member of the dance company.
Hilding and Krystyna came to Kansas in 1980
adventure and a transition in our lives. And, it would be great for our family."
Family is important to Hilding. He plans to stay in Kansas, a secure place to raise his sons, Dennis, 12, and Kristopher, 3.
"I don't want to be away when my kids are growing up," Hilding said. "For the first few years, I was still dancing and Krystyna and Dennis came along with me."
But, Hilding left the Joffrey so he could spend more time with his family. He said he wanted to leave on his own terms and not when he was too old to dance. That is
"It's worth it. It's satisfying seeing students improve and enjoy what they're doing."
Jaeol Miking KU dance instructor and choreographer
why he accepted the teaching position at the University. Hilding said making a career change in midlife was hard, but teaching eased the transition.
"I never got out of my student clock," said Hilding. "I can't see myself working a 9 to 5 desk job. Anyway, I kind of got used to summer vacation."
Christy Dalke, Overland Park junior. "He brings a lot of new and innovative ideas to his work and his pieces. His works always have wonderful story lines."
Hilding is now focusing his energy on teaching and choreo-
choreographing he has little time to spare.
Hilding said that between teaching and
"It's worth it," Hilding said. "It's satisfying seeing students improve and enjoy what they're doing. It's something that not all instructors get to see."
I was pretty excited to move here, Krystyna said. "I thought it would be an
day in Robinson Center. Hilding used to be a principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet.
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new prairie
March 1996 The Hill
Spring Fling 13