We want every dancer who walks through our doors to feel welcomed in with open arms — and to leave more confident than they came.
Ken & Nikki Merchut
Owners & Directors
Ken and Nikki Merchut, owners of Momentum Performing Arts, are a husband-and-wife team raising their three children right alongside the studio they love. Shortly after getting married in 2016, they took over MPA and began building a space centered on family, growth, and a true passion for dance.
Nikki grew up dancing and discovered early on that her heart was in teaching and inspiring children. She trained and taught at studios across the region—from Buffalo Grove to Crystal Lake—and even made the move from Ohio to pursue her dream of leading a dance program in the Crystal Lake community. Owning a studio had always been her goal, and today she brings that dream to life every day at MPA. In addition to the studio, Nikki is also the Director of the Maine South Orchesis Dance Company. Her experience spans teaching all ages and levels, coaching dance teams, judging competitions, and continuing her education to stay current and innovative in her craft.
Ken came from a service writing background and found his passion within the studio through customer service, leadership, and building strong relationships with families. He plays a key role in creating a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment for everyone who walks through the doors.
Together, Ken and Nikki truly live and breathe MPA—working, teaching, and raising their family within the same community they've built for so many others. Their goal is simple: to create a place where every dancer feels at home, grows in confidence, and is inspired to reach their full potential.
