About Us

Welcome to DTNW!

You’ll love Dance Theatre Northwest classes at our beautiful, three-studio facility in Rathdrum, Idaho.

We offer a wide variety of classes, including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, and much more!

Your child will thrive in our safe, fun, positive learning environment. We promote creativity and fitness while inspiring students to achieve their goals.

Our instructors have solid teaching backgrounds and offer fun yet rewarding classes.

Our staff is happy to help or answer any questions! You can call or text us at 208-687-3262. Or email us at dancetheatre.nw@gmail.com

Meet The Team

Mrs. Andrea Goad
Studio Owner & Director

Mrs. Andrea has been dancing since she could walk, and training in dance since age three.  She has trained extensively in all styles of dance, and earned a B.S. in Dance from the University of Idaho in 2001.  She has been teaching for over 25 years throughout Idaho and Washington. Her teaching experience includes dance studios, pre-professional ballet classes, and non-profit after-school and community programs.  Andrea is committed to bringing the joy of dance to the Rathdrum and Post Falls communities. She believes that teaching dance is not just about technique and skills, but most importantly about teaching our youth to be responsible, caring, giving, confident and wonderful young adults.

Miss Megan Kitts
Instructor, Competitive Team Director and Performance Team Director

Miss Megan joined the DTNW family in 2021, and has been teaching since the age of 14. She danced on her high school varsity dance team for four years and coached a middle school dance team for two years. The best thing about her job is the ability to bring the joy of dance to anyone and everyone.

Mrs. Mackenzie Knoles
Instructor

Mackenzie is a proud Rathdrum native, born and raised in Idaho. Growing up, she participated in studio dance as well as varsity cheerleading. She went on to cheer at North Idaho College, competing at a National Level on an all-girls team. One of her most fun experiences was dancing at a semi-professional level for the Spokane Shock Arena Football team for six seasons. She was also blessed to make the 2011 Seattle Seahawk Sea Gals team. For the past five years, she has been working with children with developmental disabilities at a local agency. She graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Elementary Education. She is excited to dance and grow with your little one!

Mrs. Becky Johnson
Member Experience Team Administrator, Costume Coordinator

Becky has an extensive background in office administration and costuming for dance, choir, and theater. She has even won costume awards for original costume pieces. She has three teenagers at home who keep her very busy and two adorable dogs who follow her everywhere. Becky loves to chat with friends, travel, and see live music and theater when she gets the chance.

Miss Audrey Parks
Instructor

Audrey Parks, originally from Bend, OR, relocated to Spokane, WA, where she earned her BA in Dance Education from Gonzaga University. With seven years of teaching experience, she finds joy in fostering the holistic growth of dancers while introducing new and challenging dance skills. Audrey is thrilled to be a part of the DTNW teaching team!

Miss Kelly Johnson
Instructor

Miss Kelly grew up in the dance world. She has been dancing since the age of 5 and competitively since the age of 6. She joined DTNW in 2021 and started teaching 1 ½ years later. Miss Kelly is currently going to school to become an elementary school teacher and enjoys her day job as assistant manager of an ice cream shop. She loves being able to help her students have a ton of fun while gaining confidence and becoming more comfortable with themselves.

Mrs. Heidi Wagner
Premier Dance Coach and STARS Competitive Team Coach

Heidi Wagner is a lifelong dancer, studio trained, University of Idaho Spirit Squad Alumni, and then went on to coach both high school and middle school teams. In addition to coaching, Heidi has her Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and has worked with autistic and special needs children. Heidi recently was awarded Idaho coach of the year at the state competition for the 2021-2022 school year. Heidi is very committed to teaching dance to the next generation of dancers. It will always be her passion.

Miss Ella Fode
Instructor and Premier Dance Coach

Meet Ella, a recent graduate with over seven years of dance experience and one year of teaching under her belt. Proficient in jazz, pom, and lyrical styles, Ella finds the art of dance to be liberating and rejuvenating for both performers and audiences. Beyond the dance floor, she indulges in hobbies such as listening to music, hiking, bowling, and embarking on long drives. Ella is excited about the chance to explore choreography at DTNW and considers it a great honor.

Miss Aeralyn Peterson
Instructor, Premier Dance Coach, Member Experience Team

Aeralyn is a creative and artistic individual who is always looking to learn and connect with others. Dance has not been in her life for long but the want to lift others up has. During the handful of years in the dance world, she has developed a passion for teaching young minds to grow in confidence through movement and self-expression. She wishes to teach people to love themselves and how capable they are of achieving impressive physical and mental skills. Being apart of DTNW is a wonderful opportunity and a great place for Aeralyn to continue to grow as a teacher and mentor.

Mrs. Mary Kemp
NWFAA Pre-School Director

Mary is our wonderful director for our sister school, Northwest Fine Arts Academy. She loves watching the wheels turn when kiddos learn something new and it clicks. She loves watching her students’ confidence grow and their personalities flourish. She also enjoys plants, coffee, dancing, and throw blankets. Learn more about our preschool program at NWFineArtsAcademy.com

Mrs. Helyce Struiksma
Instructor

Helyce, originally from Lynden, Washington, discovered her passion for dance at 16 with a ballet class. Despite trying various styles, ballet remained her favorite. Continuing her dance journey through college, she explored swing dancing and tap. Now a resident of North Idaho, Helyce aims to share her love of dance, especially with adults who may not have had the chance before. Beyond dance, she embraces her roles as a dog lover, arts and crafts enthusiast, and aspiring home-builder alongside her husband.

Welcome to DTNW!