Collaborators
Directors
Yurek Hansen
Executive Artistic Director
Yurek was born into the dancing family of Alfred and Marla Hansen and raised on tour and backstage of the American Festival Ballet. He began receiving training with his parents, but continued more formally with IDT and Boise State University’s Summer DanceFest workshop, in addition to study in Suzuki actor training and Viewpoints with Anne Bogart's SITI Co. and multiple martial arts and dance forms. Yurek has danced 22 plus seasons with IDT, during which time he performed in approximately 150 original works and choreographed over 15 works. He spent a month in Guinea with his friend and West African dance/drum teacher, Manimou Camara, training in the traditional rhythms and dances of the peoples of West Africa. He has performed in many diverse events including the Boise Creative and Improvised Music Festival, RawArtists, Ballet Bellevue, Little School of Dance in Kodiak AK, Ballet Idaho, EPAC, with Manimou Camera for the Seattle International Dance Festival, Treefort music festival, Boise’s Tour de Fat and Boise Dance Co-op. He has been an adjunct instructor at BSU for approximately 15 years teaching ballet, modern, men's class and repertory dance in addition to choreographing for Theatre and Music department productions, most recently in spring 2022 "Sponge Bob, the Musical". Yurek has also taught for Treasure Valley Institute for Children’s Arts, Ballet Idaho, Eagle Arts Charter School, BSU Summer DanceFest workshop, Methods of Movement, Footlight, Columbia Dance, Cornish University, and Grand Valley State University. Yurek has performed with the SunValley Summer Symphonies in L'Histoire du Soldat, and with LED (Lauren Edson+Dancers) performing her works in Boise, NYC, NY, and across the nation.
Libby Straw
Associate Artistic Director
Libby Straw (Schmoeger) is a Boise native. She took her first dance classes at Dance Pros, Ballet Idaho, and was a company member with Balance Dance Company, under the direction of Leah Stevens, for nine seasons before attending the University of Utah as a dance major. Libby attended her first Summer Dancefest in 2001 and was lucky enough to be in one of Yurek Hansen’s first pieces. Marla, Yurek, and Idaho Dance Theatre have been an integral part in shaping the dancer, performer, choreographer, friend, and person that Libby is today. She has been an IDT company member since Spring of 2022 and is honored to be the Associate Artistic Director.
Nicole Ferguson
Managing Director
Nicole was raised in Eugene, OR where she was introduced to theatre, stage performance and tech, which she remained heavily involved with through school. After studying business and restaurant management in college, she spent time taking advantage of the art/music scene in Portland where she lived a short time before moving to Boise in 2013. Originally intending only to be here for a year or two, she fell in love with the gorgeous state of Idaho’s expansive outdoor playground and pursued rock climbing and trail exploring for a number of years. Now primarily training in martial arts, Nicole has supplemented her athletic lifestyle with a long background in service industry and a myriad of odd jobs that has built an adaptable skillset for many challenges. Inspired by IDT’s valuable artistic and educational impact in our community, she was thrilled to be invited to join the Board of Directors by Marla Hansen in 2022. Excited to help IDT grow and succeed in any way she can, she honors this valuable learning experience and trust of the company to help manage daily operations and continue the company’s mission.
Our 36th Season Company dancers
Lacey Bernhardt
Lacey Bernhardt has lived in Meridian, Idaho for practically her whole life. She began her dance training at age 4 and discovered a lifelong passion. Lacey attended various dance studios across Meridian and Boise and furthered her technique during the summer by attending dance intensives. After she obtained her Associate’s in History through CWI, Lacey sought to continue dancing and decided to join IDT in 2021 while she completed her Bachelor's degree at BSU. She graduated with honors in 2023 and is now teaching dance. Lacey is excited to continue performing with IDT and deeply appreciates being part of such a wonderful community!
Sophie Dalbratt
Sophie Dalbratt grew up in San Diego, California where she began her dance training at Neisha’s Dance and Music Academy when she was 3 years old. She competed in all styles of dance such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip hop from the ages of 7 to 15. While competing Sophie received scholarships from conventions such as Adrenaline Dance, Jump Dance and Nuvo Dance Convention. Sophie was a member of Chula Vista Ballet Company from 2012-2015 and performed excerpts from Coppelia, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, as well as short story ballets such as, Snow White, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland. From the ages of 6 to 11, she was accepted to perform in the Nutcracker with Moscow Ballet. Sophie attended Kirov Academy of Ballet Summer Intensive in 2012 on scholarship as well as Radford University Ruby Program Summer Intensive in 2015. Sophie began teaching and choreographing at her home studio at the age of 17 and continues to choreograph for Bonita Vista High School, Get to The Pointe Dance Company. She began her professional dance career at age 18 in 2019 where she dedicated her first year out of high school to focus on training and auditioning in San Diego and Los Angeles. Sophie moved to Boise, Idaho in 2020 to begin her first year as an apprentice with Idaho Dance Theatre. She is very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this company that allows her to expand her knowledge in dance in a new environment.
Kali Dey
Kali Dey is a multitalented performer and choreographer from Anchorage, Alaska. She began her dance training at Alaska Dance Theatre, studying a wide range of styles including ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, tap, and Broadway. At 17, Kali toured China as a Ballet Ambassador, performing in the "Aladdin" ballet with Long Beach Ballet. Over the years, Kali has participated in prestigious summer intensives with companies such as Alonzo King Lines Ballet, Eugene Ballet, Ballet West, Ballet Austin, Chinese National Ballet, and Etute Ballet. Her hard work has paid off with multiple awards and scholarships from competitions like YAGP and NUVO. Kali joined Idaho Dance Theatre in 2020 and is currently in her fifth season with the company. She began to debut her own choreographic works with IDT in 2022, showcasing her creativity and artistry. She received praise for pieces "Sirens" and "Daylight." Kali's passion for dance and choreography shines through in her performances. In 2024, Kali earned her Bachelor's degree in Finance along with Associate degrees in Dance and Marketing, receiving the Marla Hansen Scholarship to support her education from 2021 to 2024. She now works as a Client Services and Communications Assistant at Figure 8 Investment Strategies. Kali's mentors, including Danielle Tolmie, Mark Tucker, Farah Zoetmulder, Melissa Jabaay, Kristen Vierthaler, and Blair Robinson, have played a significant role in her development as a dancer, choreographer, and person. Whether she's performing on stage or crafting new pieces, Kali's love for dance is evident. She looks forward to continuing to share her talent and passion with IDT and the Treasure Valley community.
Talla Gass
Talla is from Missoula, MT, and began her dance journey at age 3 with OnCenter Performing Arts. Excelling in various styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and musical theater, she performed with OnCenter for eight years in local productions. Talla also danced in the Garden City Ballet’s Nutcracker for a decade, taking on leading roles. She trained with Ballet West, Ballet Austin, and Alonzo King Lines Ballet during summer programs. After graduating high school in 2018, she earned her BFA in Dance with a Business minor from George Mason University, collaborating with renowned artists like Hope Boykin, David Parsons, and the Mark Morris Dance Group. In addition to performing, Talla has created contemporary works showcased at GMU. Currently, she teaches at Dance Arts Academy and is excited to continue her passion for dance with Idaho Dance Theatre.
Piper hammond
Piper Hammond is from Long Beach, California and began her classical ballet training with Long Beach Ballet at the age of four. She had the opportunity to attend multiple summer intensives including American Ballet Theatre and Joffrey San Francisco. In 2019 Piper was selected and hired by the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra to perform The Dying Swan at the Terrace Theatre for their annual concert and gala. She has been a company member of Idaho Dance Theatre since spring of 2022. Spring of 2024, Piper graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and is currently working as a Flexologist at StretchLab.
leora jones
Leora Jones was born in Liberia and grew up in Boise Idaho, graduating from Timberline High School in 2023. Her love for dance started early, beginning dance classes at the age of four. Leora has danced with Boise Ballet Academy, being trained classically in American Ballet Theater technique and graduated from their academy in 2023. She has also trained at Ballet Idaho Academy, Long Beach Ballet, and Idaho Dance Theatre. She has participated and danced many roles including the Nutcracker and Ballet Idaho’s professional production of Midsummer Nights Dream. She competed in Las Vegas Youth American Grand Prix in 2023, and finished in the top 24 for the Classical Solo Senior Division. She also competed in a Ballet Contemporary ensemble piece Choreographed by Mads Eriksen at the 2023 YAGP Finals in Florida. She is so excited to pursue dance as a profession and grateful for the opportunity to continue dancing for Idaho Dance Theatre for their 2024/2025 season.
Alia Kelley
Born in Idaho, Alia began her training with Eagle Performing Arts Center and Ballet Idaho. She continued her studies with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet School’s Professional Division, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, Ballet Adratico, Usdan (Dennis Nahat) and the IDT/BSU Summer DanceFest in Boise. Alia has been featured in many IDT works including: Of This Time, Rorschach, Why Wait?, Home Spun, Journey Home, and Catch to name a few.
Lemuel Reagan
Lemuel Reagan started dancing when he was seventeen. He grew up in Fairfield Idaho, a 45- minute drive from the nearest dance studio. Lemuel trained at Footlight Dance Centre, directed by Hilarie Neely, where he studied a variety of styles ranging from modern dance to ballet. Lemuel also trained at BSU’s Summer Dancefest, which provided him training that advanced him further in his pursuit of dance. In addition, in 2016 Lemuel attend a three week Commedia Dell'arte workshop. At the workshop he found new ways to project stories with his gestures and body movements. For the last three years Lemuel has been training with IDT and pursuing a BA in Theater Arts at Boise State University. During his time at IDT he has grown as a dancer and a person. He is grateful for the support that his parents and sister have given him through the years and to his teachers who have had the patience to cultivate his potential.
Apprentices:
Kamryn Boykin
Kamryn Rose Boykin is based out of Boise Idaho. She was raised in Oklahoma where she started her dance journey at 4 years old at June Runion School of Ballet. She continued her dance training at The Dance and Performing Arts Academy where she studied ballet, modern, broadway, and jazz. In 2018 Kamryn took a break from dance to focus on her visual art development and academic career by attending Tulsa Community College for her Associates degree in Art. She then transferred to Boise State University in 2022 where she received her Bachelors of Fine Visual Art with an emphasis in Time-Based media in 2023. Experimenting with video, drawing, projection, and movement in her visual art led her back to the dance world reigniting her desire for movement. Outside of dance Kamryn enjoys connecting to her community by hosting art workshops, reading, and making beaded jewelry. Kamryn is thrilled to be with Idaho Dance Theatre for her first season!
Sydney Blood
Sydney Blood began her dance training at age three at Sandy’s Danceworks Studio and continued throughout high school, gaining proficiency in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary dance. She also danced with Boise Dance Alliance during her senior year, attending competitions and conventions across the valley and in Utah and going on to teach at the studio after graduation. She was also a member of the Borah High School dance team for four years, competing as a soloist and with her team. During her freshman year of college, Sydney attended Utah State University where she trained, performed, and choreographed with the USU Dance Company and taught at LaShars Dance Studio in Logan. Now attending Boise State University, Sydney is studying for a degree in English Literature and beginning her IDT journey as an apprentice Fall 2024.
Shaleyna Higgins
Shaleyna Higgins is a passionate dancer and educator. Early in her dance journey, she trained at Studio 1 Dance Academy in Sandpoint Idaho. She has trained in contemporary, jazz, hip hop, ballet, pointe, and modern styles. She continued her education at the University of Idaho, earning a Bachelor of Science in Dance in 2021. With guidance from educators like Belle Baggs and Melanie Meenan, Shaleyna refined her skills through courses related to pedagogy, technique and dance Performance. During her studies, she performed thirteen choreographic works and created choreography for seven pieces.
Following her undergraduate studies, Shaleyna pursued a Master’s in Physical Education while serving as a Dance Teacher's Assistant. In 2022, she became Adjunct Faculty at the University of Idaho, where she led courses in Performance, Hip Hop, and Contemporary, while co-choreographing the production of “Cabaret.” Currently, she works as a Yoga Instructor at Centennial High School, where she loves teaching movement and relaxation while encouraging overall well-being.
Linnea Mattson
Linnea Mattson grew up in Wenatchee, Washington, where she began her dance training at age 4. She was a member of competition teams at The Next Step Dance Studio and Fabulous Feet Dance Studio. She has had the opportunity to attend many summer and college dance team intensives to train and enjoyed performing in her local performance of The Nutcracker Ballet. Linnea has a passion for teaching, she has been teaching recreational dance and gymnastics for six years starting at her studios and gym in Washington and continuing in Boise at Artistic Dance Company. She is now attending school at Boise State University to receive a BS in Kinesiology and a minor in dance with the goal of attending medical school after she graduates. Linnea is grateful for this opportunity and excited to join IDT as an apprentice this fall!
Jordin Parks
Jordin Parks grew up in Portland, Oregon where she started dancing at age seven. She danced at Grande Finale Dance Studio for 11 years where she trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop and musical theatre. She was a member of their competition team for seven years, and has performed in their annual spring, summer and holiday productions. Currently, Jordin is a junior at Boise State University where she is working towards her BS in Kinesiology and a minor in dance. Jordin hopes to attend graduate school and become a physical therapist. Jordin also enjoys teaching dance, as she has been instructing kids ages 3-18 in all styles since she was 18. She began teaching at her home studio in Portland, as well as Instruments Ballet Academy, and now in Boise she continues to teach at Artistic Dance Company. Jordin is so excited and grateful to be dancing with IDT this season as an apprentice!