About Ultraflex
Meet Our Founder
Kim Somers is the Founder and Director of Ultraflex Dance Academy and has over 30 years of experience within the dance industry. Since opening her first dance school in 1997, she has dedicated her career to developing dancers, supporting teachers and creating opportunities for young people to grow through dance. Today, she operates dance schools across Galway and Cork, delivering structured, multi-style dance education programmes for children and young people.
In recognition of her contribution to the industry, Kim was awarded the All-Star Business Award in 2019 and, in 2025, received the Dance School of the Year Award at the All-Ireland Dance Awards. Alongside her extensive practical teaching experience, she holds a QQI Level 6 qualification in Child Psychology, a Licentiate qualification with the IDTA in Freestyle Dance, and qualifications in Theatre Craft, Street Dance and Acro Dance.
Throughout her career, Kim has developed educational frameworks, teaching systems and progressive training pathways designed to support both dancers and dance educators. She is the creator of Universal Dance Teacher Training & Certification, which provides a structured pathway from young dance leadership through to professional teacher qualifications.
Kim was recently elected Head of Education for DanceSport Federation of Ireland, where she will contribute her experience and educational expertise to supporting the continued development of dance teachers and dance education in Ireland.
Where it all began!
Kim began her dance journey at the age of seven, following her doctor’s recommendation after being diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She was told she might be in a wheelchair by the age of 18, but thankfully, that was not her path. Instead, dance became her passion, and it ultimately led her to discover the true power of a positive mindset.
At just 18 years old, Kim opened her first dance school. Over the years, hundreds of students have passed through her doors, with many going on to successful careers in teaching, performing and acting. Alongside her love of dance, Kim pursued studies in Applied Social Studies and Physiology after completing her Leaving Certificate. However, nothing moved her quite like dance.
In September 2019, following 22 years in business and extensive study, research and development, Flex Yo Style was born—a creative, inclusive and inspiring approach combining dance, flexibility and mindfulness.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Kim continued delivering classes online, recognising how important connection, movement and ongoing support were for her students during such a difficult and uncertain time. Thankfully, the schools returned stronger than ever, and the experience further shaped Kim’s vision for the future of dance education.
As that vision continued to grow, Flex Yo Style evolved and transformed into Universal Dance Teacher Training & Certification—a broader, more progressive education and professional training pathway created to serve the changing needs of the dance industry.
Universal Dance now supports students from the age of 11, beginning with the Class Leader programme and progressing through Student Teacher training into professional dance teacher qualifications and continued professional development. It provides a complete pathway for the next generation of dance educators, teaching them not only what to teach, but how to communicate, connect, inspire and build fulfilling careers within the dance industry.
