Meet the Founder

Kim Somers

Founder and Director of UltraFlex Dance Academy

Kim Somers founded UltraFlex Dance Academy in 1997 at just 18 years of age. What began as one weekly dance class has grown into an award-winning academy delivering dance and acro classes across multiple locations in Galway and Cork.

For almost 30 years, Kim has remained committed to creating high-quality dance experiences where students feel welcomed, supported and inspired. UltraFlex is a performance-focused academy that encourages creativity, confidence and personal development alongside strong dance technique.

Kim holds a Licentiate qualification in Freestyle with the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA), together with qualifications across additional areas of dance and acrobatic training. She also holds a QQI Level 6 qualification in Child Psychology. This combination of dance education, professional experience and knowledge of child development shapes the way UltraFlex classes and programmes are designed and delivered.

A Lifelong Connection to Dance

Kim’s relationship with dance began at the age of seven following a diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. At the time, doctors feared that her mobility could become severely restricted by adulthood. Dance became an important part of her strength, confidence and determination.

At 18, Kim opened her first class and began building the academy that would become UltraFlex. Her personal experience continues to influence her belief that dance can positively affect far more than physical ability—it can strengthen confidence, resilience, creativity and emotional wellbeing.

From FlexYoStyle to Universal Dance

Alongside UltraFlex, Kim is the founder of Universal Dance, a professional dance teacher training and education programme created to support the next generation of confident, knowledgeable and adaptable dance educators.

Universal Dance has evolved from Kim’s original FlexYoStyle programme. While FlexYoStyle provided the early foundation, Universal Dance represents a broader and more developed vision for teacher education, professional certification and continuing development within the dance industry.

Drawing on almost three decades of practical teaching and business experience, Universal Dance provides clear, structured and inclusive training for aspiring and established teachers. Its programmes combine teaching technique, child development, class planning, creativity, professional practice and the skills required to lead engaging, age-appropriate dance classes.

Leadership, Education and the Future

As a dance educator, business owner and industry leader, Kim understands the responsibility involved in maintaining high standards while continuing to respond to the changing needs of students, families and teachers.

Her work is guided by a commitment to:

• Delivering safe, inclusive and inspiring dance education

• Building confidence and creativity through movement

• Supporting the professional development of dance teachers

• Creating meaningful performance opportunities for students

• Maintaining high standards in teaching, leadership and professional practice

• Contributing positively to the continued development of dance in Ireland

Kim’s vision is to continue developing UltraFlex as a welcoming and forward-thinking dance academy while expanding Universal Dance nationally and internationally as a trusted source of teacher training, certification and professional development.

At the heart of both organisations is one shared purpose: to educate, inspire and empower through dance.