About us.
Dance Tech Academy is an education-focused dance school. Our mission is to provide our students with quality dance training with emphasis in education and artistry in a safe and caring environment. We strive to teach our dancers that beyond skills and technique, dance is a beautiful art form, a creative outlet, and a means of expression. Dance education also teaches important life skills such as goal-setting, work ethic, teamwork, and more.
Our Story
A little about About Dance Tech Academy
Dance Tech Academy is a premier dance school serving the Idaho Falls, ID area. In its 31st year of instruction, DTA specializes in various styles of dance including ballet/pointe, modern, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, tap, aerial and fitness classes. Students at Dance Tech range from ages 2 – adult, and instruction is offered for beginning through advanced level dancers. In 2008, DTA moved into a beautiful new location with 4 large studios, allowing them to offer more classes and times. Dance Tech instructors are highly qualified and have received training from university programs and dance companies all over the U.S. Dance Tech Academy focuses on giving its students a well-rounded dance education to prepare them for university programs, dance companies, or wherever else their dance careers may take them.
Facility
Dance Tech Academy’s state-of-the-art facility features four large professional teaching studios, each one equipped with a high-quality sound system, one-way viewing windows, wall-to-wall mirrors, and sprung floors, which help cushion the joints and prevent injury for safe teaching practices. Our facility also features water fountains, Air Conditioning, lockers, a large parking lot, and a dancewear apparel store. Our friendly and knowledgeable office staff is always available at the front desk during business hours to answer questions and assist customers.
Our Teachers
Our amazing instructors are educated and experienced and love to share their passion for dance. Most of our teaching faculty have university-level dance training, professional experience, and/or many years of teaching experience.
Sarah Anderson
Instructor
Krystal Barnes
Asst. Creative Director/Instructor
I have 12 years of dance experience. With 4 years of teaching and assisting all styles of dance. I have 10 years of competitive dance experience including Ballroom and individual style dance. My favorite style of dance is Ballroom and Hip Hop.
Fun Facts:
I am also an owner of a successful Photography Business and Event Drink Trailer.
My favorite colors are pink and purple. And my favorite hobby is being outdoors with my husband and family.
Jayah Clyde
Instructor
Lydia Duncan
Instructor
Mary Fransen
Instructor
I have a BA in Dance from Brigham Young University-Idaho. I have 12 years teaching experience. I toured nationally and internationally with BYU-Idaho’s elite touring company Dance Alliance.
Fun Facts:
One of my childhood dance teachers was a choreographer to Shakira, Rihanna, and Mariah Carey (but I never got to meet them).
My favorite color is turquoise blue and my favorite hobbies are hand embroidery and playing games with my husband and kids.
Ruby Gorr
Instructor
I am experienced in coaching high school drill and studio dancers. I have experience teaching a wide range of ages. I danced at two studios in California for 10 years.
Fun Fact:
My favorite color is Olive green or pink.
Jessica Hopkins
Instructor
Brittany Jenks
Instructor
I have a Personal Training Certificate from NASM. I have over 20 years of experience coaching gymnastics + 8 years of personal training.
Fun Facts:
I am Mom to a son with special needs and a 4 year old future dancer. My favorite color is Gold and my favorite hobby is CrossFit.
Deidra Mecham
Instructor
Katie Nichols
Instructor
Karen Hassel
Instructor
I have danced with DTA for 15 years, both as a student and teacher for adult tap and ballet. I have been a dancer for over 50 years with experience in PA, CA and ID.
Fun Facts:
I am an elementary special education and communication disorders teacher by profession; however, stopped teaching 25 years ago to homeschool my 5 children, who all danced at DTA as well.
Two of my children are now ballroom instructors at DTA and I’m often weekend traveling to Utah with them, cheering at ballroom competitions.
I married my high school sweetheart. And my favorite color is Blue
Shayla Bateman
Instructor
I have been dancing since I was 5 years old and have no plans of stopping. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Pedagogy from BYU-I. I enjoyed the opportunity to explore and perform many different styles of dance during my time at BYU-I.
I am currently teaching Tap.
Fun Facts:
“Petting a Panda” is on my bucket list. My favorite color is Blue and my favorite hobby is spending time with family and friends.
Kayla Call
Creative Director/Instructor
I started dancing at age 3. I studied dance at University of Idaho, ARC school of Ballet in Seattle, Washington, and Idaho State University. I have taught, and continue to teach all ages, abilities, and many different styles of dance.
Fun Facts:
I have had almost every length of hair and lots of different colors.
My favorite color is Green and my favorite hobby is playing with my family and studying the Bible.
Sayla Maughan
Program Director/Instructor
I have been dancing for 18 years and teaching for 12. I have a BA in Dance from BYU-I with emphasis in Performance + Choreography. I love many dance styles including Ballet, Modern, Jazz + Hula.
Fun Facts:
I participated in Martial Arts growing up. I have 2 beautiful little girls. My favorite color is yellow or purple, depending on the day and my favorite hobby is trying new crafts and playing video games with my husband.
Vicki Martin
Artistic Director/Instructor
BS in Dance from Southern Utah University and over 15 years teaching experience.
Fun Facts:
I started dancing at age 2! I’m a mom to 4 active boys. My favorite color is green, and I love spending time with my family.
Lori Allred
Owner/Director