Local Mom Turns Passion Into Global Success

Fresh out of high school, Minnetonka mom-of-two Tessa Pfeifer launched a family entertainment company. It seemed like a good fit, combining her love of dance and music.

In order to finance the costumes and other expenses for her fledgling entertainment company, she began teaching dance classes on the side. Little did she know that her unique methods of dance instruction would eventually turn into the phenomenon now known as .

“It is real dance, including ballet, tap and jazz along with fitness, creative movements and tumbling,” Pfeifer said. “Changing the songs and dances each month keeps the lessons exciting, fun and engaging for boys and girls."

But the unique dance curriculum is just one part of the success for Minnetonka-based . Pfeifer also takes the learning on the road with her mobile program, teaching dance at local preschools and elementary schools.

“Teaching at a preschool is totally different from teaching at a dance studio,” Pfeifer said. “My knowledge is sought out by people all over the world that want to duplicate my success plan.”

So now Pfeifer shares her expertise and, as a result, is a global success. 

Dance teachers on four continents and in six countries use the program.

“My unique curriculum has piqued the interest of many teachers around the world, so we have made the curriculum available to people who want to license our material,” Pfeifer said.

One of those licensees is Anna Tilsen-Mogeni, owner of Dance N’ Magic in St. Paul.

“I just loved the curriculum. When I started my own studio, [] was the program I wanted to do for my early childhood classes,” Tilsen-Mogeni said.

Music is also a big part of the experience—Pfeifer created original music herself after she found commercially available music lacking. Pfeifer and her husband, Simon, have since produced 12 CD’s for use in  classes and performances. Pfeifer’s debut album, “Dance It!” even won a 2009 National Parenting Center "Seal of Approval." 

“I wanted to teach about saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and being kind, eating healthy foods, getting active and having fun, but the music just wasn’t out there,” said Pfeifer.

Minnetonka mom-of-two said the music is a hit with both kids and with parents.

“The songs that she writes are educational. [Pfeifer] has a song called ‘Lady Liberty’ about the Statue of Liberty that literally taught my 5-year-old about American history,” said.

On the horizon for Pfeifer is a new online venture she describes as a fee-based site to support dance studios, fitness centers, teachers and parents.

"I am [sharing my] experience through written articles, video and other media so that other teachers the world over can build a business like this," she said.

A business like this—meaning a business as successful as . That said, Pfeifer admits, she is still learning.

“Being the CEO of has never been boring,” she said. “Each time I think I have mastered all there is to know, a new adventure pops up and keeps the business so very interesting."