Jennifer started her dance training at the age of 6, at 2 different local studios. She completed her BS in Management from the University of Minnesota. After college, she danced 2 years as a Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader, serving as captain in her final year. She then pursued her dream of owning a dance studio, and in 1999, opened The Dance Factory. With her dance and business training, she has made The Dance Factory a successful studio with a great reputation in the Forest Lake area. Jennifer continues to train at master classes and business seminars. She has a true passion for teaching and instilling a love for dance in her students. In her personal life, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children. Jennifer is a founding member of "More Than Just Great Dancing," an organization of like-minded dance studio owners, committed to teaching not only dance technique, but to serve as mentors to their students, teaching kindness, confidence, and the importance of giving back to the community.

Leadership Team / Competition Program Manager

Zina began dancing at the age of 4 and danced competitively starting at age 12.  She danced at several different studios locally, including Larkin and Metro Dance.  She was also a gymnast and figure skater for several years.

Zina teaches tap, jazz, lyrical and musical theater classes to both recreational and competitive dancers.  She also works as a secretary and scheduler at Fairview Lakes Hospital in the Cardiac Rehab and Physical Therapy departments.  Zina absolutely loves teaching the younger dancers and feels this is her specialty.  In her personal life she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.  Her daughter is starting her senior year in college and also danced at the Dance Factory for 14 years competitively and continues to dance in college.

Cathy spent 16 years as Artistic Director of Keane Sense of Rhythm Tap Company, performing at venues such as the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Millennium Park Theater, the Beijing International Dance Festival, and the Chicago Human Rhythm Project. She has collaborated with Disney’s Marilyn Magness on large-scale productions, including Carlson Companies’ 70th Anniversary in Las Vegas and Mayo Clinic’s 150th Anniversary. Cathy has also choreographed and taught internationally in Poland and has served as an instructor for the Dance Factory, St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts, St. Cloud State University, and the University of Minnesota.

Kayla grew up dancing at the Dance Factory. She has been teaching at the studio for five years. She joined competitive dance at the age of 12 and had 6 years of experience as a dance assistant. Kayla received her LPN license in 2013, and is currently working at a pediatric clinic in Fridley, MN. Kayla loves spending time with family, being outdoors, and shopping. 

Sydney has been apart of The Dance Factory since the age of 3, growing up in the studio and developing a lifelong passion for dance. Over the years, she has trained in a variety of styles and has earned numerous awards.

She strives to inspire young dancers the way she was once inspired — helping them grow not only as performers but as confident individuals. Teaching at the very place where her journey began makes it all the more meaningful and such a full-circle moment. 

Sara started dancing at the age of 3, following in her sister's footsteps. At the age of 6 she joined the competition world; competing both regionally and nationally. Through these years she trained in tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, and musical theater. In high school she was a member of the dance team, and also assisted with teaching dance until graduating. After graduation, she started to spread her love of dance by teaching both recreational and competitive levels. Her love of dance has done nothing but grow stronger by watching the her students become stronger, more confident and beautiful dancers. 

Along with teaching she is a Special Education Paraprofessional at North Lakes Academy. Sara has a son, Evan (15) and daughter, Jordana (7) who both attend charter and immersion schools in the Forest Lake area. She also has 2 step daughters, Audra (17) and Margaux (14).

Angela began dancing since the age of 2 and started dancing competitively by the age of 5. She danced at The Dance Factory for 15 years and was on the Forest Lake Dance Team throughout high school. She continued to take classes throughout her time in college and performed in/choreographed for shows every semester.

Since college she has taught camps and assisted various classes at The Dance Factory while she was living in Kansas City. She just recently moved back and has loved it this past year! She loves teaching kids of all ages and a variety of styles; jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and musical theater.

Outside of dance Angela has a job as Facilities Project Coordinator with North Memorial Hospital where she helps facilitate and design remodels and new builds for their hospital and all the clinics. Apart from work she loves to bake for friends and family, spend time with her family and take her dog Graham on walks.

Miss Kylie grew up dancing at DF, where she was an active member of the competition program. She is excited to share her passion for dance through teaching and choreography, including solos, duets, and contributions to the Nutcracker. Kylie especially enjoys teaching lyrical and jazz and loves inspiring dancers of all ages!

Stephanie started her cheerleading career in high school.  She cheered a wide variety of sports including football, basketball, soccer, wrestling, and hockey.  As part of the competitive cheer team, her squad took home a state championship and even competed nationally in Disney World two years in a row. 

After high school, Stephanie was invited to be a part of UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association). As a UCA staff member, she traveled around the Midwest teaching high school teams cheers, dances, tumbling, and the newest stunting techniques.

Stephanie is excited to be a part of the Dance Factory staff, as well as have the opportunity to share her passion with the wonderful Dance Factory community! 

I began dancing at 18 months and began competition dance by 5. I moved from Lake Area Dance Center to The Dance Factory at the age of 3, I’ve been dancing for 17 years now.

I began teaching dance in my sophomore year as a Trainee with the studio. After graduating from high school in 2025, I became a full-time teacher. I teach several of the Recreational classes, along with competition solos, duets, trios, and small groups. I enjoy teaching tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and lyrical. I absolutely love working with young dancers to both help guide them, but as well as learn from them. When I’m not teaching I am dancing with Collide Theatrical Dance Company, finding more personal growth in dance and continuing to work on my technique and myself. I hope to one day be a dancer with the Timberwolves Dancers, or continue working professionally.

Macy has been teaching dance for six years and grew up training at the Dance Factory. She also danced with the Forest Lake Dance Team, where she was captain her senior year, and trained at Larkin Dance Studio. Macy graduated from UW–Eau Claire in 2022 with a degree in Elementary Education, a TESOL minor, and a Dance Activities certificate. She has choreographed award-winning routines and loves teaching Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theater, and Lyrical. Macy is excited to be back at the Dance Factory to share her love of dance!