The Funqy Uniqorn Gallops Free
No, my first name ain't Baby...
…it’s not Janet either. But I do still hope to be Miss Jackson when I grow up. In all honesty though, I’m not entirely sure I ever will grow up, so perhaps it has to be good enough to simply be myself?
Who is Jack Kirven?
I’ve spent most of my life on the move.
I was literally a bouncing baby boy, so my parents got us trampolines, gymnastics lessons, and dance classes.
When I was a kid, I moved about a dozen times.
After graduating high school, I moved across the state. Then after college, to the other side of the country to study dance and choreography at UCLA. I spent a lot of time back and forth in Europe during these years, too.
After Los Angeles, I went to NYC to dance and train celebrity clients. Then I moved to Columbia, SC to become a high school dance teacher, and then moved again three years later to the Charlotte-metro area to become a college dance professor.
I’ve lived in Charlotte since 2006 and, in that time, I’ve moved from a house, to an apartment, to not-my-first-house (dammit, 2022 – you foiled my plans!), to more apartments. All told, I’ve moved more than 50 times.
Movement is my life. It’s a bridge between the physical and spiritual, the mental and emotional, the secular and sacred. Some people say they feel the divine when they pray or meditate. I feel God when I move, dance, and exercise.
That’s why 49Haiku exists.
Professional Experience
1998 - present
Educator, Trainer/Coach
INTEGRE8T Wellness
Created the template for the Related Arts curriculum in Richland County School District 1. Completed ISSA Master Trainer certifcation. Established INTEGRE8T Wellness, created “The 49 Professions of Joy” masterclass, and launched 49Haiku.
2006-2016
Co-Artistic Director
Viscera Dance Theatre
Along with Annie Vereen, defined the company’s artistic vision. Directed and choreographed numerous multimedia performances, blending contemporary and classical styles to create unique and compelling narratives. Performed lead roles in all productions, showcasing technical prowess and emotional depth.
2005 – 2022
Freelance Writer
Various Publications
Authored articles and essays on dance and choreography, providing insights into the creative process and the cultural significance of the performing arts. Created the Health & Wellness column for Q-Notes, focusing on various issues pertaining to the modalities of wellbeing.
Personal Milestones
1995
Accidentally Discovered Joy
It took +25 years to develop 49Haiku, and (unbenownst to me) it started with a picture book of yoga for couples.
2020
Published My First Book
While everyone else was bored during the lockdowns, I created a beautiful book. I am so proud of it, I could just pop!
2024
Janet Jackson Decathlon
On Bastille Day I got to see my favorite artist of all time for the tenth time! She is still serving! Her concerts are inspiring.
What People Are Saying
“Jack is one of the kindest souls I have had the privilege of knowing. He is naturally a creative spirit with a kind heart and loving personality. His infectious laughter and good positive mood is always inspiring. If you have the opportunity to work with Jack, he will do his best to help you and to encourage you to help yourself.” – Jimmy C.
“Jack’s wholistic approach towards life’s journey of body, mind, spirit in nutrition and proper movement and training is incomparable to others in the industry. His testimonials are well earned.” – Ron L.