Nicki Flinn has been a dance professor at Hope since 2009. Her responsibilities are primarily with dance education and pedagogy. Currently, she’s working on a project for the State of Michigan in the development of K–12 arts assessments. Her recent research interests include brain-based, kinesthetic learning for academic environments that include the creative process.

She is also the director of Hope’s Strike Time Dance Company. This company produces full-length performances with a focus on education outreach. They perform approximately 40 shows a year for children.

Areas of expertise

Nicki's area of expertise is in K–12 dance education. She developed a K–12 dance program and curriculum in Owosso, Michigan, for 12 years. Her goal is to provide dance opportunities for students of all ages.

Education

• M.A., the art of teaching, Mary Grove College, 2002
• B.A., dance education, language arts and kinesiology, Hope College, 1997

Honors, grants and awards

• Patrons of the Arts Grant for Strike Time Dance Company (2015)
• Jacob Nyenhuis Faculty Grant (2013–15)
• Dance Educator of the Year, Michigan Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (2006)
• Teacher of the Year, Owosso Public Schools (2002)
• Outstanding Major Student in Physical Education, Michigan Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (1997)
• Dance Education Student of the Year, National Dance Association (1997)
• Hope College Peter Bol Award, Hope College (1997)

Selected publication

• Michigan's Model Arts Education Instruction and Assessment Project, K–12 Arts Education Instructional Blueprint, Assessment and Audit Tool for Dance MAEIA (Michigan Arts Education Instruction and Assessment)

Outside the college

Nicki coaches the Holland High School girls golf team.