About Us
Our Approach
We teach every class with the belief that each student has the potential to dance at their personal best. While not all will pursue dance professionally, every dancer gains respect for the art form, an appreciation for hard work, and the joy of movement. Our training emphasizes fun, poise, grace, strength, and skill through a graduated curriculum that connects each dance form to its historical roots.
At Footlight, we value artistry, creativity, and aesthetics alongside educational growth. Our goal is to open the door to the transformative world of dance—and keep it open for a lifetime.
Founded in 1984 by Hilarie Neely, Footlight Dance Centre has been a cornerstone of dance education in the Wood River Valley for over four decades. In August 2025, Mackenzie King became the new director, continuing Footlight’s tradition of excellence while bringing a fresh, contemporary vision for the future.
We provide a professional conservatory environment where students—ages 4 through high school—can grow as dancers, artists, and individuals. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality dance education, blending technical training, historical context, and analytical thinking skills. We believe in nurturing every student’s potential, offering age-appropriate performance opportunities, including our annual full-length May production. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we thrive on (and welcome!) community support to help dancers reach their dreams.
Services
Explore our range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.
Clients
We’re honored to have our work recognized in a range of publications, platforms, and press features.