"Thanks to Festival Dance and Performing Arts, McDonald Elementary School
students increase their cultural awareness and appreciation through real-life
demonstrations that we could not otherwise offer through traditional classroom
instruction. These exceptional programs make a critical difference in the
educational experience of our students."
- Cindy Bechinski, Principal at McDonald Elementary School
"Manding Jata delivered on all fronts--performance, education, professionalism,
and authenticity. It was an absolute delight to be part of this extraordinary
event and I can't say enough good about what Festival Dance is bringing to the
UI/WSU/Palouse community. I commend the efforts of the Festival Dance
coordinators for bringing such performances to a community that is in desperate
need of exposure to art and culture."
- Barry T. Bilderback, UI Professor of Music
"Lula Washington provided a program that had rich educational value. our
community has very little ethnic diversity, so our students are rarely exposed
to African-American culture. On behalf of the Troy students and staff, I want
to express our gratitude to Festival Dance for making this opportunity available
to us. Experiences like these expand our world and make us better citizens."
- Trish Bechtel, Principal at Troy Elementary School, 2011
Bringing Town and Gown Together
UI and Moscow have the unique advantage of a cooperative and vibrant relationship that benefits the University, UI students, and the community at large. Festival Dance is proud to be part of the dynamic that makes this relationship possible.
Like the UI Arboretum, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, the UI Auditorium Series, the Prichard Gallery, and Idaho Repertory Theatre, Festival Dance provides a link between town and gown with programs and outreach that benefit all parties. In addition, Festival Dance collaborates with the City of Moscow, Latah County, Washington State University, the Nez Perce Tribe, the State of Idaho, and the State of Washington.
We are proud to serve the University of Idaho in many innovative ways that maximize resources and enhance the teaching and service mission of the University by providing services and innumerable benefits in exchange for office and studio space. We look forward to continuing this very special and beneficial relationship for many years to come.