Katie is the Owner and Director of Jeté Dance Centre. She started dancing as a toddler and has continued dancing every single year of her life. Katie started teaching in middle school and has continued her teaching including both in studio and as a dance team coach along the way. JDC has been serving the Rogers area for the past 19 years. Katie and her students have been extraordinarily successful, winning choreography awards, studio awards and National Championships. Katie loves teaching every age from our youngest dancers at 14 months through our adults. She is honored to watch her dancers grow up before her eyes and loves watching their love for dance flourish.

Brittany started dancing at age 3, and continued dancing all throughout her childhood studying tap, jazz and ballet. In high school she added kick line and dance team to the mix, as well as dancing in the high school musical theater programs.

Brittany’s love for working with children led to a degree in psychology and human development, a masters degree in family therapy and a 7-year career in an Autism day treatment center working with preschool children. After having children of her own, Brittany transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom. When her children were old enough to start dancing in their own dance classes, Brittany’s passion for dance was sparked once again. She absolutely loves teaching in the recreation program at Jete Dance Centre, and is so happy her love for dance has come full-circle!

Colbi started dancing at 2 years old! She grew up as a competitive dancer at studios in the twin cities area as well as being a part of Maple Grove Dance Team in high school. When she graduated high school she went to the University of Minnesota Duluth for college. Through college she found many ways to keep dance apart of her life as she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to something so special to her. She was apart of the university’s dance association as well as teaching at a studio in Duluth and coaching one of the high school dance teams. As a recent graduate moving home she is excited to bring her passion and love for dance to Jeté!

Sarah has been with JDC since the very beginning, welcoming dancers and guests from the front desk as they enter the lobby. During the day, she is a K-4 Music teacher at Otsego elementary school. She is a very proud Leap Year baby, and when that day rolls around, she will let you know it. She has a passion for everything Disney and is always finding ways to grow that passion. Once a week you will find her taking the adults dance class sharpening her skills.

Be sure to say Hi to Sarah when you see her!

Katelyn is a 2023 JDC Alumni, she joined our staff in 2025. Katelyn learned early on while appreciating classes that she had a passion for teaching. She loves making connections with the dancers and enjoys supporting their dance journey along the way. She comes from a dance-loving family, with her mom teaching and her siblings dancing at this very studio. Aside from teaching dance, Katelyn is a full-time college student. She is currently studying radiology. She’s so excited to be back to her second family!

Maddie began dancing with Jeté Dance Centre at 10 years old, starting in the Recreational program and progressing into Competition soon after. Throughout her years as a JDC dancer, Maddie participated in groups, solos, and duets/trios and earned numerous overall placements, judges awards, and scholarships to renowned training facilities such as Steps on Broadway and Joffrey Ballet in New York City. Throughout college, Maddie continued to teach dance, pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, all in correspondence with competing on the nationally ranked CSB competition dance team. Post graduation, Maddie taught 5th grade and continued to work with JDC dancers each week. She is beyond grateful to still play a part in the amazing culture and community at Jeté Dance Centre after all these years!

Born in Boston and raised in Long Island, NY, Amparo began dancing at the age of 2 at a local studio, where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and modern. Her early years laid a strong foundation and ignited a lifelong passion for movement and music.

At 12, Amparo moved to Orlando, Florida, and continued her training with Orlando Ballet. By 15, her dedication earned her a scholarship to study at Nashville Ballet for a year. Upon returning to Orlando, she joined a contemporary dance school where she was introduced to Horton technique. Its structure, musicality, and emphasis on strength and form deeply resonated with her and helped shape her approach to both movement and teaching.

After high school, Amparo was accepted into the highly respected New World School of the Arts in Miami, a conservatory program affiliated with the University of Florida. There, she studied under world-class faculty and choreographers, graduating summa cum laude in 2016 with a BFA in Dance.

After a personal injury post-college, Amparo became a passionate advocate for injury prevention and proper body mechanics. She now incorporates Pilates and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) into her teaching to help dancers develop strength, control, and healthy movement patterns from the very beginning.

Amparo began teaching ballet and contemporary at local studios in Orlando, quickly discovering a deep love for teaching young dancers. For eight years, she taught at SongBirds’ MAD Center, where she became known for her nurturing spirit, attention to detail, and ability to bring out the very best in each student. She creates a classroom environment where dancers feel safe, supported, and challenged—where technique meets artistry and joy is at the heart of the learning process.

In 2022, Amparo married her husband John and soon after welcomed two beautiful daughters—born in 2023 and 2024. Becoming a mother has only strengthened her calling to teach, offering her a new perspective on patience, empathy, and connection.

Amparo believes that dance has the power to shape lives beyond the studio. Her goal is not only to teach strong technique but to pour love, wisdom, and confidence into every student she meets. She is honored to be part of her dancers’ journeys and finds immense joy in watching them grow—on stage, in the classroom, and in life.

Brittney Schmidt has been with Jeté Dance Centre since 2009. She keeps the studio running smoothly at the front desk. You’ll see her bright smile as you enter JDC and she will be quick to help you with all of your needs. She can also be found at all the shows and competitions, cheering on JDC's dancers. Brittney and her husband Tyler have five wonderful kids. Brittney enjoys seeing her children's love for dance grow at JDC and is grateful for the relationships they've created while dancing at JDC.

Ayumi Shafer is an educator, choreographer, and mover currently active in the Twin Cities and greater area. Originally from California, Ayumi has been teaching in both public and private institutions since 2006 in various cities including: Los Angeles (CA), San Francisco (CA), Eugene (OR), and Minneapolis (MN). She earned a BA in Dance and Choreography from San Francisco State University (2009), as well as a MFA in Dance from the University of Oregon (2013). In 2014, she co-founded DanceBARN Collective, a nonprofit organization committed to creating dance opportunities for artists, performers, educators and audience members in rural communities. Ayumi strives to build community, create innovative dance through collaboration, and nurture the creative minds and bodies of our communities. Recently, Ayumi had the opportunity to dance with Mary Willmeng Dance (MN Fringe) and Jagged Moves (Red Eye Theatre), as well as present some of her own work through Inbox@Artbox, The Cowles Center’s Generating Room, 6x6 Solos, and Candy Box Festival. Ayumi has been an instructor at JDC since 2013, working with dancers of all ages and in all styles. When Ayumi is not teaching or working, she enjoys her days with her husband and 2 kids - often catching a movie, crafting, cooking, or romping at the playground.

Michelle Began her dancing career at age 3 with tap and ballet. From ages 11-18 moved to competitive dance winning many high-point and over-all awards in jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop and musical theatre. This included both regional and national competitions.

Michelle has been teaching professionally for 20 years. Accomplishments include many awards in the area of high-score and over-all placements. Styles of dance include jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary hip-hop and musical theatre. Additionally, have won numerous awards for entertainment and choreography.

Outside industrial work includes travelling with Rocco Altobelli, dancing for Polaris and appearing on Broadway in the Gershwin musical "Crazy For You".

Hannah started dancing at Jete at 3 years old and joined the competition program at 11 years old competing in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theatre. She is very passionate about dance and the arts and working with kids. She is currently attending North Hennepin Community College and plans to major in psychology. Hannah is very excited to continue teaching!

At the age of 3, Kara began dancing at a studio in Plymouth, Minnesota . While there, she studied ballet, tap, lyrical and jazz. She continued dancing at the studio until she graduated from high school. Kara attended Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona, and graduated with B.A.s in Accounting and in Management – Entrepreneurship. During college, Kara was a part of the Saint Mary’s University Performance and Competition Dance Teams. After college, Kara returned to her original dance studio for two years until Jeté Dance Centre opened in 2007. She is very happy to call Jeté Dance Centre her new “dance home”.

Rhi began dancing in elementary school, south of the twin cities. She started her dance career at DanceWorks Performing Arts in Lakeville before transferring to Premiere Dance Academy in Prior Lake, where she stayed through the duration of her high school years. While at PDA, she trained in jazz, tap and hip hop styles. In addition to studio dance, Rhi was also a four year member of her high school’s dance team. During her time on the PLHS Laker Dance Team, she trained in jazz and high kick styles, received many student athlete awards, and was awarded captain her senior year.

Rhi attended college at St. Cloud State University where she majored in Business Marketing. While attending college, Rhi was a part of a semi pro dance team in the St. Cloud area for three seasons, training in pom, hip hop and sideline styles. Her studio teaching career began in 2011, when she started working at a studio in the Monticello area. She stayed with Lucille Murray’s Studio of Dance for the next 12 seasons, teaching both recreational and competition classes for varying ages ranging from pre-k to high school.

In 2016 she began coaching the fall performance team for the Monticello Starettes Dance Team. She was their coach for four seasons, before starting as a winter coach for Becker High School. Rhi is now heading into her sixth season with the team as one of the Varsity Assistant coaches. Since joining the Becker Dance Team program, the team has broken multiple school records, have won five consecutive conference championships, and have had three consecutive state appearances in both the high kick and jazz categories. Most recently, Rhi and her team became the 2024 section 4AA champions for both high kick and jazz and finaled at the 2024 state tournament. The team ended the season in 6th place in the jazz category, and 7th in high kick out of all the teams in Class AA. Dancers from her team have gone on to dance at the collegiate level on teams including but not limited to the University of Minnesota, Mankato State University, College of St. Benedict, St. Catherine’s University, Bemidji State University, and the University of Tampa.

In addition to teaching and coaching dance, Rhi is also a certified fitness instructor for Pure Barre. She is certified in multiple class formats and has been teaching for the last four years at various locations within the twin cities. Heading into her second season with the studio, Rhi is excited to continue her teaching journey at JDC!

Since she began dancing at age two, Steph has loved the artistry and beauty of dance. She began competition dance at 6 years old and began assisting classes when she was 8. She has trained with Minnesota Dance Collaborative in their professional company and has been a part of multiple musical videos and dance movies through their program, as well as additional training in Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Ballet, and Hip Hop. At the age of 16 she was diagnosed with a disability called Spina Bifida with a pseudoarticulation of the L5-S1 joint. She was forced to take some time off of dance to learn how to navigate the world of dance while disabled and is very happy to have found her love for dance again through teaching. Her favorite styles are Tap and Lyrical, but she loves teaching everything!

Born and raised in Minnesota, Anne started dancing at Hopkins Dance Center being trained in modern, contemporary, tap, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, ballet, and pointe. As well as competing, Anne joined the Hopkins Youth Ballet for 8 years where she performed productions of Swan Lake, Giselle, Dracula, and the Nutcracker. Anne went on to attend the University of Minnesota where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and minored in Sociology. She has performed works for Joannie Smith, Pramila Vasudevan, and Michel Kouakou as well as being trained at TU dance, Daara dance, Zenon, Arena dances and interned at Ballet Co.Laboratory. She is passionate about watching her students grow both technically and artistically. She strives to create a positive and safe dance environment for all her students. She is happy to be a part of the JDC family.

Alyssa is a passionate and highly skilled dance instructor with over a decade of experience in teaching various styles such as tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballet, and lyrical. Since childhood, she has trained extensively while at competitive studios, on high school and college dance teams, and in other college dance programs. Graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Dance, and Sociology/Anthropology. Since then, Alyssa has worked with countless students of all ages and skill levels, helping them to develop their technique, confidence, and love for dance.

Kristen is our wonderful Office Manager who keeps the studio running smoothly. She has been part of the JDC Office Staff since 2017. Kristen has a Bachelor’s in Business Management as well as a background in Customer Service and Business Administration. She loves working getting to know all of the wonderful JDC families and seeing the excitement and joy on our dancers’ faces as they learn and grow! Kristen lives in Otsego with her husband and three children. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, going on adventures together, and being involved in her children's many activities. 

Andrea Brovold began dancing at the age of 3 with Leslie Daly and Hopkins Dance Center winning numerous awards both locally and nationally.

She was accepted with accolades to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Ballet Aspen summer intensives and went on to study at the Ballet Iowa, Milwaukee Ballet, Andahazy, Ballet Arts Minnesota and was a scholarship recipient into the prestigious Meadows School of the Arts Dance Department at Southern Methodist University, Dallas Texas where she earned her BFA in Dance Performance and Psychology.

Andrea feels fortunate to have been given the chance to study under some of the top industry professionals such as Ted Kivitt, Michelle Lucci, Joe Orlando, Karen Kriete, Jeremy Blanton, Myra Woodruff, among many others. Most recently, her dedication was recognized as the inaugural mentor for the new cohort of Meadows School of the Arts Dance Majors at her Alma Mater.

Andrea's teaching methodology is both an encouraging and comprehensive learning platform geared to the individual dancer to ensure technical and artistic mastery. Strong communication enables her to rise to meet the individual needs of Jete Dance Center's students and families.

With over 35 years of highly-specialized industry experience, Andrea infuses both joy and passion into instructing the next generation of dancers to highly coveted scholarships, awards, apprenticeships, summer intensives, professional ballet competitions and careers. Growing up a competition student, she feels fortunate to have come full circle to witness the growth, potential, poise and grace her students gain, and looks forward to the progressive upward trajectory and momentum of the year ahead with Jeté Dance Centre.

Lily Conforti is a performer, choreographer and dance teacher from the Twin Cities. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in dance and physiology in May 2021. Lily is the Artistic Director and choreographer for Corpus Dance Works. Corpus aims to fuse daring movement with bold storytelling through multi-media art—with just the right amount of satire and absurdity to keep things delightfully unhinged. Corpus has created and performed original evening-length works in 2019, 2022, 2024 and 2025. Along with her own dance choreographies, Lily has performed in work by Kjara Wurst, Gallim Dance, Berit Ahlgren, Black Label Movement, Alternative Motion Project, Threads Dance Project, and many other local dance artists. She has been teaching and coaching students for 7 years. She loves teaching Contemporary, Contemporary Partnering, Floorwork, Jazz and Musical Theater.

Dani joined our teaching staff in 2018, starting in the Recreation Program at Jeté Dance Centre. She is now the Lead Recreation Teacher, a Competition Teacher and Choreographer and some days you can even catch her filling in at the front desk. Passionate about her students, Dani often speaks of how she never knew what was missing from her life until she started teaching dance. Dani has had 2 kids complete their dancing career through Jeté while her youngest daughter continues dancing with us through high school. Dani’s oldest is currently in college for Speech Pathology and her son is in The Navy. Her husband is a global AI Engineer. They all continue to support Ms. Dani and Jeté, no matter what route life takes. JDC will always be home for Dani’s family. She looks forward to sharing her love of music and movement with you and your dancer this year and hopefully many years to come.

Anna works at our front desk and has been a part of the Jeté Dance Centre Dance Family since the summer of 2008 when her daughter took a 3 year old class and fell in love with dance. For 15 years Anna enjoyed being a JDC competition dance parent; watching practices at the studio, cheering at competitions, blinging costumes, volunteering at and watching recitals, traveling for nationals, and being an active member of the JDC Booster Club. Anna loves the dance life and is lucky to spend time with the fabulous JDC staff, watch and cheer on current JDC dancers, and travel to San Diego to watch her daughter dance.

Debbie is the most recent addition to our front desk staff. She relocated to Minnesota from Michigan in late 2024. Deb attended Oakland University in Rochester, MI, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Secondary Education. She comes to us with a diverse background, spanning decades, that includes experience as an educator, paralegal, and customer service specialist. It was, however, Debbie’s many years as a Dance Mom to her two (now adult) daughters that informed her decision to join the JDC office staff. She has said that the years spent with her daughters in countless recital venues, and traveling to numerous regional and national dance competitions, were among the most rewarding and fulfilling of her life. Debbie is looking forward to getting to know all the dancers and parents at Jeté. She considers herself very fortunate to have found a new home here in Minnesota and at JDC. For her, it is more than just a job…it is a labor of love.

Kristi started dancing at three years old. She continued dancing throughout school joining competition team in middle school, mainly studying jazz, tap, ballet, and acro classes. Her senior year of high school her friend opened a studio and she began teaching, and this began a 16 year teaching career. During this time she worked at several studios in Iowa teaching recreation and competition classes. Classes taught were a variety of tap, jazz, acro/tumbling, hip hop, ballet, and Pom/cheer classes ranging from three year olds to adults.

As a competition instructor she did groups, duets, and solos in a variety of styles. Her choreography has won high point and special judges awards.

She is excited to join Jete Dance Centre and resume her passion of teaching!

Nikki began dancing at the age of 2 and her passion for dance has kept her dancing for over 30 years. She has studied under amazing teachers like Teresa Rolf, Corrie Rolf, John Hallahan, Joe Lanteri, Suzi Taylor, Ray Leeper, and countless others. Nikki’s performance experience includes The Chorus Line, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and perfomances all around the US. Nikki’s choreography has won Top Scores and Choreography Awards all over the United States. Her students were exclusively invited and performed at the Olymipic Venues in Sydney, Australia at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Currently Nikki has students dancing professionally all over the world including Costa Rica, LA, New York, Orlando, Minneapolis, traveling with NYCDA, and several cruise lines. She is very excited to work with all the wonderful students here at JDC.