Jon Swarthout — Founding/Artistic Director
A native of Boise, Jon started acting in local theater productions at age 13. He discovered dance at age 15 and received a full scholarship to study at the Houston Ballet Academy. He danced professionally with Joffrey Ballet, Feld Ballets/NY and Oregon Ballet Theater. In 1996 he returned to Idaho and began teaching dance, acting as the director of educational outreach for the Idaho Dance Theater, and launching an interactive school program for local elementary schools.  In 1999, Jon established Dance Rascals (known as Children’s Dance Institute), a children’s dance enrichment program designed to teach a love and appreciation for the art of dance. Jon received the 2007 Mayor’s Arts Award for Arts Education in Boise and serves as a Guest Instructor for the National Dance Institute (NDI).

Teaching Artists

Leta Neustaedter — Full-Time Teaching Artist
Leta brings an eclectic mix of creative talents to TRICA. She completed the intensive Teaching Excellence training at the National Dance Institute of New Mexico and has decades of performance experience in singing, acting, and dance. She has performed with numerous theater companies in the Treasure Valley and currently sings with the Boise Master Chorale. For the past 15 years, Leta has worked with respected child development programs such as the YMCA and Head Start, and maintains a private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker using creative therapies to empower children and families. She believes that all children should be inspired and encouraged to celebrate life with laughter and creative expression.

Nikki Wilson — Teaching Artist (Apprentice)
While attending Boise State University, Nikki found her calling in serving society- teaching! She graduated from Boise State University this last spring with a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Education and ESL. Nikki has experience in teaching and assisting in public elementary school curriculums, an after-school program, summer school, and tutoring. She believes in combining the teaching of regular academic subjects with important life issues such as human rights, diversity, community building and conflict resolution to help children become their best "whole" self and become influential, contributing members of society.

Associate Teaching Artists

Tracy Straus
Tracy Straus  has directed residencies for children all across America. In 2000, she founded "Celebrate The Beat," a Colorado-based affiliate of NDI which she continues to direct. She is also Co-Founder of the California Dance Institute. Her experience as an arts educator includes joining The After School Corporation, started by international philanthropist George Soros to bring high quality after-school programs into the public school system. As an arts consultant, Ms. Straus has worked to develop multicultural arts programs for schools in the five boroughs of New York City and has trained dance instructors. Ms. Straus began her performing career at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. An actress as well as a dancer, she trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and performed in various off-Broadway venues. She holds a Master's Degree from Bank Street College of Education in early childhood education, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan in dance and literature. She has taught as an adjunct dance professor at New York University and the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Corrine Nagata
Corrine Nagata was born and raised in San Francisco and was inspired through the public education system to pursue dance as a career. She graduated in the Advanced Placement Program from the North Carolina School of the Arts and has danced professionally in California and New York. For the last six years she has taught for Jacques D’Amboise’s National Dance Institute choreographing and leading teacher training workshops. Ms. Nagata has taught at Dance Theatre of Harlem and currently teaches Horton technique at The Ailey School. In addition to the private sector, she runs her own dance program in the public schools. "Nagata Dance" is servicing students in Harlem, Washington Heights and Jamaica Queens.

Jessica Dean — Musician and Composer
Having received her BA in Music from BSU, Jessica is a well-rounded musician teaching private lessons in clarinet, piano, and western & Indian flute. A native of Greenleaf, ID she has resided in Boise since 1999 working as a massage therapist and children’s yoga instructor. In addition to pursuing her musical interests, Jessica avidly enjoys backpacking and rocking climbing in the Boise foothills. She currently plays in Riverwinds Quintet and is the Musical Director for Prairie Dog Productions.

 

Thomas Paul

Lynn Knickrehm-Fisher -- AmeriCorps Intern

Lynn Knickrehm-Fisher, a Boise native, is TRICA's Summer intern through AmeriCorps. She has an AS in Child Development and she is the founder of Boise Hoopla. Lynn enjoys spending time with her family and scottish terriers, teaching Hoop Fitness classes, fire hooping, meeting friends, and playing in the sun. Lynn believes that you can't not have fun while inside a hula hoop.