Not long ago, I was in the rehearsal process for a dance called the Limón Etude. This dance is difficult, technically, but you can't dance it like a technician. If you do, it will lose its fluid movement quality and look forced.
So I made a decision. Perform it at 70%. Only use 70% of the energy I normally would to dance it. That one decision changed me forever. It placed my skill underneath the flow of the movement and allowed me to perform with an ease on stage that I'd never felt before.
After that performance, I knew this was a principle I could build upon — to allow other founders to access the same ease I had during that dance.
I made a decision.
Instead of working from my skill, I let my skill work for me.
I know what it's like to be on stage and still be hiding.
I hid behind my technique and certifications because I was afraid my depth wouldn't be received.
Now I know how to access it — and bring it out in others.
Creative & Movement Director
Hayley Kenney
Picture it, Tallahassee, Florida, 1999. I was finishing my Associates Degree at community college and I needed one last elective. I enrolled in Intro to Modern Dance. I was clueless, but I will never forget the feeling I had after the first few classes. Some would suspect I was filled with passion, but I was actually filled with responsibility. It was like something was placed on me and it said, "This is you. This is what you're going to do with your life."
So I set out on a journey of becoming a dancer — taking on the identity before I was ever officially a BFA candidate. The costs were high and many people questioned if I had the talent and the will to succeed.
I didn't really care what anybody thought. I was given a responsibility and I had to carry it out.
So that's what I did. Technique classes, performances, Pilates certification, teaching — day after day — until I found myself at a crossroads. I felt called to take my creative skills beyond the stage and beyond just working with dancers.
It all started with an elective…
When you tense up, I slow down so you have space to breathe and reconnect to your depth.
Graceful
When you're uncertain in your body, I put you at ease so you can be rooted and shine like a diamond.
Confident
I notice subtleties in your body and communicate the smallest adjustments to make your postures and gestures more refined.
Intelligent
Let's get
moving!
This is what the stage looks like…
Will you be cast in my next project?
Expanded into Creative and Movement Direction.
2026
Took a leap of faith and started HDK Creative.
2023
Got hired to manage two Pilates brands.
2022
Earned a Brand Management Graduate Certificate from Cornell.
2021
Raised three kids while performing, teaching, and sharpening the one skill that matters most — reading and directing bodies to express their full potential.
2006–2020
Graduated from FSU and moved to New York City.
2004
here's how I got here:
the backstory
-Ali at AKB&Co
“Working with Hayley helped me see possibilities.”
- Maria at Mind 2 Body Fitness
“My brand is very clear. Hayley is able to step into my shoes and be my voice. Hire her now!”
-Nicole at Beyond Pilates
“The best!”
