Deborah Bean has a diverse dance background that includes training from leading teachers Natasha Grishin of Ballet Arts, Michael Simms of Stephens College, Harriette Ann Gray (formerly of Humphrey Weidman), and Bella Lewitsky. Deborah danced professionally with the Harriette Ann Gray Dance Company and Ballet Oregon. After retiring, Deborah became known for her teaching skills at programs including Reed College Dance Workshop, School of Ballet Omaha, Minnesota Dance Theatre School, the Academy of Professional Ballet in Portland, and she is frequently invited to guest teach. After moving to Idaho Falls, she founded Idaho Falls School of Ballet, which has a record of producing dancers who receive college dance scholarships and positions in preeminent summer intensive programs. Idaho Falls School of Ballet has been involved in collaborations with professional musicians as well as the Idaho Falls Symphony. The school has an ongoing relationship with Eugene Ballet and Ballet Idaho. Students have participated in YAGP, the Northwest Dance Festival, community events in Sun Valley, Idaho as well as local productions with the Idaho Falls Arts Council. Her credentials also include a BFA in Dance.
Arynne Belger began dancing at age three and has continued dancing ever since. She received extensive training in classical ballet with esteemed professionals including Janice James and Becky Gili. She performed multiple solo and principle roles in several dance productions, including regional competitions and full length ballets. After high school, Arynne was the recipient of several talent and academic scholarships that allowed her to continue her education at the University of Utah, Department of Ballet. Arynne received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and graduated with honors. While at the University of Utah, Arynne completed course work in the following aspects: classical ballet technique, variations, pas de deux, jazz and modern dance techniques, choreography, teaching principles and philosophy, musicality, injury prevention, and nutrition. She was also involved in the majority of departmental productions. Arynne was a member of the internationally recognized Utah Character Dance Ensemble. Arynne has enjoyed dancing and teaching in Utah, but is excited to be returning to her hometown of Idaho Falls, sharing her love of ballet.
Mariko Downs is a Southeast Idaho native who has been dancing since the age of five, training primarily in advanced gymnastics and ballet. She studied under Janice James of the Ballet Society for three years, and then moved to Boise to pursue an education and dance career. In Boise Mariko studied ballet with Marla Hansen, Co-Artistic Director of Idaho Dance Theatre. She later joined the company and performed contemporary ballet for three years in the Boise valley and on tour. She has been featured as a soloist in many of Idaho Dance Theatre's original works, and also worked with young children in the Leaps and Bounds Educational Outreach program. While dancing with the company, she did receive a BA in Communication and hopes to continue on to receiving a Master's Degree in Dance. Mariko teaches contemporary dance at the Idaho Falls School of Ballet and has received recognition for her innovative choreography. In addition, she is a certified Pilates and yoga instructor.
Nic Gili began his dance training in his mother’s studio, Studio One, in Idaho Falls. At the age of 17, he began training at the Kirov Academy and at summer intensive programs with Ballet West and Boston Ballet. Nic’s professional experience includes solo and principal roles with Teatrul de Balet Sibiu in Romania and New Jersey Ballet. Most recently Nic danced professionally with Ballet Idaho, and he frequently performs as a guest artist throughout the Northwest. Nic’s repertoire includes several roles in The Nutcracker, Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet, Esmerelda Pas de Deux and Pas de Dix, and Trilogy. Nic’s most recent repertoire role was the prince in Idaho Falls School of Ballet’s Cinderella. Nic teaches regular men’s classes as well as pa de deux classes for IFSB’s advanced-level dancers.
Rachel Manley studied at IF School of Ballet with Deborah Bean and Mariko Downs. She also received instruction from Phyllis Affrunti, Jennifer Martin, Liuba Kozireva Paterson, and Edward Villella. Rachel danced in Eugene Ballet’s Nutcracker and Swan Lake with the Idaho Falls Symphony. In 2015 and 2016, she attended Ballet Magnificat’s summer dance intensive in Jackson, MS as a scholarship student. In 2018 she joined Ballet Magnificat’s Events Company and performed in Mexico, Cuba, South America, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, and the United States. Rachel is currently on faculty with Idaho Falls School of Ballet. She was instrumental in creating a choreographic vision for IF School of Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland in May 2022.rence.
Diedre Sakota is a dance educator, choreographer, and performer. In her youth, she danced with two pre-professional dance companies, Dance in Flight and Ricochet Modern Dance Company. She received ballet training from Barbara Wilson and was awarded Distinction in her Royal Academy of Dance examinations. While pursuing her undergrad at BYU-Idaho, Diedre had the opportunity to perform with Dance Alliance and toured Ecuador, Peru, Russia, Canada, and the United States. After graduating in 2009, she married the love of her life and became the mother of four beautiful children. In 2014, Diedre founded Aspire Dance Company in Meridian, Idaho, and collaborated on a benefit concert for Mountain States Tumor Institute. In 2016, she joined The Dance Collaborative of Idaho Falls and became co-Artistic Director. Diedre has taught for several dance studios and universities, namely the University of Idaho, Clark College, and BYU-Idaho. She is passionate about health education and teaches PE for the Oneida school district. In 2021, she graduated from Middlesex University with a Master of Arts in dance technique pedagogy. Her thesis research included ethnographic and phenomenological perspectives in dance pedagogy. She is a Ph.D. candidate in Kinesiology from Concordia University, St. Paul. Her dissertation research focuses on strength and conditioning practices for ballet dancers.
Sadie Smart began dancing when she was six with the Idaho Falls School of Ballet. She loved expressing herself through movement and continued dancing, studying ballet with Kristen Clayton, Deborah Bean, and Mariko Downs. She additionally studied ballroom with Teri Hamelin, as well as Staci and Tim Huston and Becci Christensen with Extreme Ballroom on the Show Team and Blue and Gold Medley Teams. She furthered her studies in ballet at BYU-Idaho with Diedre Sakota and Kiersten Lewis. Sadie has worked for the Idaho Falls School of Ballet as both ballet and PBT instructor for five years and has taught students of all ages. Sadie has additionally choreographed recital scenes and designed and created costumes for the school. She is a wife and mother of two boys who help her dance at more than just the studio.