NICOLLET — Nicollet Just For Kix announced Karen (Powers) Moret as the new program director, effective May 15, 2026. Moret will be taking over for Brooke Mielke, who was with Nicollet Just For Kix for eight years. Moret will lead the Nicollet Just For Kix program for the upcoming 2026-2027 dance season.

For Moret, this new role represents a meaningful full-circle moment.

“My dance roots were planted right here in Nicollet at the young age of 5,” said Moret. “I was part of the very first season of Nicollet Just For Kix, and it has always held a special place in my heart.”

As one of the original Nicollet Just For Kix dancers, Moret also had the opportunity to attend the ReliaQuest Bowl Game Tour — formerly known as the Outback Bowl — during her years with the program. Over time, she continued her involvement by dancing, assisting, and teaching within the Nicollet program before continuing her dance career at Augsburg College.

After returning home, Moret realized how much she missed the dance community and the impact Just For Kix had made in her life. That passion inspired her to establish the Janesville Just For Kix program, which later evolved into the Waterville Area Just For Kix program.

Now finishing her 16th season as a director and celebrating 11 successful seasons in Waterville, Moret says her passion for dance education and youth development continues to grow every year.

“Becoming the director of Nicollet Just For Kix has been a dream of mine since I was a young dancer,” Moret shared. “To now have the opportunity to lead both Nicollet and Waterville feels incredibly full circle, and I feel so blessed. Nicollet is where it all began for me, and I can’t wait to reconnect with the community that helped shape who I am — while continuing to grow and build in Waterville as well.”

Under Moret’s leadership, families can expect a continued focus on positive youth experiences, strong technical training, community involvement and fostering a lifelong love of dance.

“I am so ready to dance and share my love for everything Just For Kix with all of you,” said Moret. “Thank you for your continued support — I truly can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”

Community members and dance families are encouraged to welcome Moret into her new role as Nicollet Just For Kix prepares for an exciting new season ahead.

Nicollet Just For Kix would like to welcome everyone to the program, whether you are from Nicollet or a surrounding community. All dancers are welcome to join.

Just for Kix offers various classes for ages 3 to seniors in high school.

Dancers must be enrolled in a Kick/Jazz Combo class prior to enrolling in Hip Hop, Lyrical, and/or Pom. Dancers in grades K-12 will compete throughout the season in all styles they are enrolled in.

For more information about Nicollet Just For Kix, please contact Karen Moret directly by phone or text at 507-469-4250, by email at waterville_mn@justforkix.com, or check out upcoming classes online at www.justforkix.com/danceclasses/nicollet-mn.