Her dance moves are as dynamic as her will is strong. Kim Tyler grew up in south suburban Chicago Heights and says dancing was her refuge.
"Growing up in a home that, you know, an unprivileged home, not having financial means, having abuse that's happened in the home. My outlet was dancing," Tyler said.
Her family couldn't afford professional training, but that didn't slow her growth or determination.
Tyler became a Luvabulls dancer -- performing regularly at Chicago Bulls home games for five years. For the past seven years, she has served as the dance team's choreographer.
"I had that dream of being a professional dancer one day. I actually auditioned for the team and didn't make it the first year. But I still had this desire like I knew I was supposed to be there so I re-auditioned the following year and actually made it," Tyler said.
During the off season, Tyler shares her talent with local youth. In 2006, she started a non-profit faith-based venture called "Endure Productions." It provides an outlet for performing arts to mostly underprivileged youth -- while spreading a message of hope.
"People are just like, I've never seen anything like it, that's what you usually hear, I've never seen anything, it was so awesome. They just don't believe that sometimes you can come together and do something so good and so excellent for God," Kyrai Martain said.
"She's given us an opportunity to do things that normal kids anywhere wouldn't have the opportunity to do -- whether it be with money or transportation or anything. So basically, she's pouring out to us, you know, so we can give back," Demonte Polen said.
Students receive all of their dance training for free. The group is hosting its annual benefit show on August 7th at the Harold Washington cultural center. This year, "Endure" is sharing its proceeds with the Luol Deng Foundation in support of South Sudan. If you'd like ticket information, visit endureproduction.com or luoldeng.com .
