Kathleen Helm Ford

Kathleen Helm Ford is a Part-Time Lecturer in the Theatre and Dance Department at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), specializing in teaching Ballet and Jazz Dance. She holds an M.A. in Dance Education (K-12 credential) from Hunter College, an M.F.A. in Dance from CSU Long Beach, and a B.S. in Recreation Administration with a Dance minor from Cal Poly.

Her professional career includes performances with Chicago’s Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and works by prominent choreographers like Paul Taylor and Ohad Naharin. Her choreography has been showcased in venues such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the 92nd Street Y, and the DUMBO Dance Festival. She was recognized as a 2015 Breaking Glass choreographer, an award highlighting emerging female choreographers.

As a teaching artist, Ford has worked at institutions like Bank Street School for Children and the Mark Morris Dance Center in NYC. She leads her own company, Kathleen Helm & Dancers, and has contributed to educational initiatives through roles at Dancewave and the YMCA.