Jennifer Kerkhoff, Owner + Dance Director
Jennifer fell in love with dance at just three years old and has never looked back. She’s trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and hip hop, and her love for teaching and choreography has grown over more than 30 years. For 20 of those years, she proudly shared her passion as an instructor at Dance Connection in Rosemount, MN.
She brings a wealth of experience in multiple styles, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, acro for dancers, and musical theatre. As a competition team instructor, Jennifer has earned numerous accolades, including choreography awards, special judges' awards, overall high scores, and multiple first-place titles for her teams, solos, duets, and trios.
Jennifer continues to grow as a dancer and educator through ongoing training at prestigious events such as Jump, Nuvo, 24 Seven, Radix, The Dance Awards, DancerPalooza, The Pulse, West Coast Dance Alliance, The Dance Teachers Expo (Las Vegas), and The Dance Teacher Summit (New York). She has had the privilege of studying with renowned artists including Mia Michaels, Mandy Moore, Travis Wall, Denise Wall, Talia Favia, Teddy Forance, Lex Ishimoto, Mike Minery, Anthony Morigerato, and Katy Spreadbury.
In addition to her dance background, Jennifer holds an Associate of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Sociology, and a Master’s degree in Special Education. She currently works as a Special Education teacher in a local school district.
Jennifer continues to be deeply committed to her dance community and finds great joy in mentoring her students. She treasures the lasting relationships she has built with both dancers and their families and feels honored to be a part of their growth, both in and out of the studio.
Jennifer Hayes, Owner + Operations Director
Jennifer Hayes brings a dynamic blend of business acumen, marketing expertise, and community-driven passion to IMDC. With an MBA in Marketing and over 25 years of experience in marketing strategy, brand development, digital marketing and business operations, Jennifer has built a career helping organizations grow, connect with their audiences, and achieve sustainable success.
Her professional background spans both corporate and small business sectors, giving her a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to launch and manage a successful enterprise. She has managed both large and small teams and is a natural motivator. Jennifer’s proven leadership, strategic insight, and creative problem-solving have made her a trusted leader and collaborator throughout her career.
In addition to her business achievements, Jennifer is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW), deepening her commitment to serving individuals and families through community-based support. Her passion for dance and dedication to youth development fuel her mission to create a welcoming, empowering space where students of all ages can thrive -- physically, emotionally, and artistically.
Jennifer’s vision for IMDC is rooted in more than just motion; it is a place where discipline meets joy, where creativity builds confidence, and where community and connection are central to every class. Her unique combination of business expertise and compassionate leadership positions her to create a studio that is not only artistically excellent but socially impactful.
