Festival Dance Academy - University of Idaho

Festival Dance Academy operates as a professional dance education center on the University of Idaho campus, offering high-quality instruction in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre performance. Established in 1972, this community-based academy serves all ages—from pre-kindergarten through adult—providing both recreational and pre-professional training.

Classes are held in the university’s newly renovated studio, featuring a sprung Marley-covered floor ideal for technique, conditioning, and performance rehearsal. Instruction is led by professional faculty and University of Idaho dance majors, all of whom are certified in CPR and first aid. The academy emphasizes safety, proper technique, and joyful creative expression in small cohort studio settings.

Performance opportunities are integral to the Academy experience. Students participate in annual recitals and community events, with select performers joining the Motion Fever Performance Troupe—an ensemble built around teamwork, choreography collaboration, and community outreach. The Academy also hosts summer workshops and musical theatre intensives to develop performance and production skills.

Integration with the University of Idaho comes through educational partnerships: Dance Pedagogy and Children’s Dance students earn practicum hours teaching through Festival Dance in local schools. Each semester, these students gain hands-on teaching experience via the academy’s outreach programs—such as Discover Dance and YouthReach—which offer free arts access to thousands of regional youth.

Festival Dance plays a leading role in regional cultural life. As host of the Great Performance Series, it brings world-class dance, musical theatre, and global arts performances to Moscow and neighboring communities. Through its educational mission and performance programming, Festival Dance Academy inspires creativity, supports local youth, and deepens engagement in the performing arts throughout the Palous.