Jeni Kemper of Colorado Springs on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jeni Kemper. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Jeni, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is waking up in the morning, doing a 15 minute yoga or workout session, brew some coffee and then open my computer. Checking emails and planning out my day always get the day started right. Waking up my son is next to get ready for school and then off we go for drop off. Once he is dropped off at school, I either head to the dance studio to work on back of the house admin or re-organize and get the studio ready for all the little feet about to head in after they are done with school. My husband picks up my son from school so I start planning my teaching day. 4 hours of dance classes and then head home to have dinner with my family and get ready for bed.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jeni Kemper, the proud owner and founder of Kemper Dance Academy in Colorado Springs. Dance has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and opening KDA back in 2010 was truly a dream come true.

What makes our studio special isn’t just the dancing, it’s the culture we’ve built. We focus on more than steps and technique; we’re teaching kids confidence, accountability, and how to be leaders both in and out of the studio. We’ve created a place where families feel supported, friendships grow, and dancers push themselves while making lifelong memories.

Now in our 16th season, I couldn’t be more grateful for the community around KDA and excited to keep inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me the most about work. He was one of the hardest workers I know and was always happy to help others solve their problems, coming up with amazing solutions. When he wasn’t working, he supported and encouraged us to be the best we could be in any sport we were playing.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The one thing I would say to my younger self is: “You can’t please everyone, and everyone can’t please you.”

Owning a dance studio has been filled with ups and downs; celebrating the joys of helping dancers chase their dreams, and also facing the disappointments that naturally come along the way. For a long time, I wanted so badly to make everyone’s dreams come true, but I’ve learned that sometimes I can’t and that’s okay. What matters is that each dancer is on their own journey, and my role may be to guide them, to be a missing piece of their path, or simply to cheer them on from the sidelines.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is people and connections, whether it’s my family, my dancers, or my friends. I care deeply about lifting others up, creating a positive environment, and making sure the people around me feel supported and valued. They’d probably also say I’m passionate about hard work, honesty, and staying true to who I am, no matter what.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m surrounded by my family, just enjoying the little everyday moments together. I also find peace in the studio, watching my dancers lost in the music, giving their all, and seeing the joy dance brings them. Those quiet moments where I can step back, breathe, and realize how lucky I am to be living this life are when I feel the most grounded and content.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
JCM Photography – Headshots and Dance action shots

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