Ballet Fantastique

November 29th, 2022

Ballet Fantastique returned for the second time in 2022 bringing their holiday spectacular “Babes in Toyland”. There was one outreach program held in the International Ballroom on the University of Idaho campus. This program focused on the history of ballet, the storyline of their show “Babes in Toyland”, and ballet vocabulary. Students learned simple ballet movements and a few lucky students got invited to demonstrate these movements on stage! 

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble

September 22nd-23rd, 2022

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble (CPRDE) brought an educational experience rich in the arts to three separate outreach programs. The first program at the Hartung Theatre on the University of Idaho campus had a sold-out audience of elementary students and educators from across the Palouse. Later that day, CPRDE traveled to Lapwai Elementary on the New Perce reservation where the entire school K-5 had the opportunity to witness these professional dancers. A few students from the school dressed in their native regalia and demonstrated a ‘Jingle’ dance for CPRDE- it was a wonderful exchange of culture and dance! 

The final outreach program was a McDonald Elementary in Moscow, ID. Students were split into groups and worked closely with the professional dancers learning short choreography phrases and movement. All three outreach programs were focused around modern dance concepts as well as the cultural and historical roots in this dance genre. The level of professionalism and dedication to the arts CPRDE brought to the Palouse community was highlighted over the course of their residency. 

BalFan brought storybook ballet to the Palouse with engaging Youthreach opportunities. First to the Hartung Theatre for students bused from throughout the Palouse, and then directly to the Nez Perce at Lapwai Elementary. Students learned basic Ballet moves and vocabulary and then enjoyed engaging excerpts from the Beauty & the Beast storyline.

Collision of Rhyt​hm 

November 12, 2021

As part of Festival Dance's commitment to providing outstanding artistic experiences for our area youth, Collision of Rhythm presented a free educational program for area students. 

A duo of two unique artists performed at the Gladish Community and Cultural Center.  The Team performed, danced, and play​ed 19 different instruments while giving the audience a sense of hope and joy mixed with inspiration and humor.   

Aaron Williams and Bronker Lee fill the stage as a 12 person ensemble would, amazing students, providing humor, and inspiring all 130 in-person/200 virtual participants with their message of hope!

“I love how students that don’t usually get exposed to dance experiences and education, get the chance to see and learn.”

“Loved it! Keep offering these wonderful programs!”

--Mrs. Patera, Jefferson Elementary, 4th Grade.

“I especially liked the part when the students went on stage and did some dance moves. I thought you did a great job of explaining how to position your body to make those really cool actions!”

– Student,

St. Mary’s School, 4th Grade

This opportunity helped students understand how music and dance allows us to communicate across time and cultures.” Julie Lippay, 5th Grade Teacher, Franklin Elementary, Pullman WA.