Discography

Liz Kimball (also know as EliZa) I began my dancing journey at a very young age. You could always find me Dancing to the Music that my Father would play at home, until I would just fall asleep by the speakers. Or you would often find me making up dance routines with my friends. I begged for dance lessons relentlessly and after my parents couldn't stand it any more, they finally gave in.

I studied Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz and a little bit of Tap (for over 10 years) at Julie's Danceworks in Burley, Idaho with Julie Goodfellow. Before I was an adult I also joined West Minico Jr. High and Minico High School's Dance/Drill Teams. I went on to get a scholarship and become a member of the Blue Thunder Marching Bands Flag Corp. at Boise State University under the direction of Keith Stein.

It was in Boise, in 1998, that I began studying the art of Oriental Dance otherwise known as "Belly Dance" from "Nejwah" of Boise and later from "Ozell" of Caldwell. I still proudly study and perform with both of these amazing ladies, who are truly masters of their art. I found a true love and freedom in this style of dance and continue to study it, attending all the master workshops that I can. I have studied with Caroleena Nerioccio, Rachel Brice, Mardi Love, Zoe Jakes, Unmata, Hadia, Sherri Wheatley, Sabeya, Oreet, Rachel George, Ruby Beh, Michelle Joyce, Thia, Sabine and many more.

I have also coached and choreographed for Drill and Dance Teams all over Idaho.

I have taught Dance at TVCC for over 5 years in their Theatre Department and Continuing Education Depatment. I have also Choreographed 4 Musicals for TVCC (Once Upon A Mattress, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Cinderella and a 60's version of The Imaginary Invalid).

My dream of owning a Dance Academy came true in 2007 when I opened "Nyssa Artistic Dance Academy" starting off by teaching 2 Belly Dance classes. I am constantly in awe at how the studio continues to grow and blossom with help from my Beloved Family, Supportive Friends, Top Notch Teachers and the Amazing Community of Nyssa and the Treasure Valley..

I am currently the Full Time Dance Teacher at Four Rivers Community School, a K-8th grade Charter School in Ontario, Oregon. I am also a Licensed Zumba, Zumbatomic Instructor and ZIN member.

I am happily Married and the proud Mother of two beautiful children. I feel immensely blessed

Fabulous Instructors

Amy Mardock

I am happily Married to Jamie Mardock with 4 children (2 boys & 2 girls) and have lived in wonderful City of Nyssa for 10+ years. I adore Children, Music & Dancing and love even more to share my passion with others. I grew up along the Northern Oregon Coast and attended Dance Classes & Pageants as a Child. My oldest Boys proudly attend Nyssa Elementary. I am very proud to be part of the Community of Nyssa and love to watch it grow. I have been Instructing Teeny Tot classes and been assisting Liz Kimball in all of her Ballet classes for the past 3 years. I am also Assistant Director at Nyssa Artistic Dance Academy.

Gwen Peterson

I grew up in Dunedin, Florida where I began gymnastics at 6 years old. I loved floor so much that I actually specialized on floor for 8 years. I found cheerleading when I was 12 and cheered for a small football city league. A competitive cheer coach asked me if I would come try out for her county all-star team where they only cheer at competitions, not sporting events. I made her team and cheered with Pinellas County Allstars for 6 years. After high school, I got married to my husband Jeremy Peterson, and moved to Nyssa and added three beautiful children to our family. I now get the chance to share my love of cheerleading at Nyssa Artistic Dance Academy. I am also excited to say that I am a Licensed Zumba and Zumbatomic Instructor. I am the Lead Instructor for Zumba & Cheer at Nyssa Artistic Dance Academy.

Amber Howell

I was born and raised in Emmett Idaho and have been dancing since I could walk. I began formal training at 7 years old when I joined the Little Angels Dance Team. When I entered Jr. High I tried out for our school dance team where I made the Varsity squad. I continued to dance with them until I was in 9th grade when I made it onto our high school team the Royal Blues. While on the team I served one year as the secretary/treasure and three years as captain. Every summer we attended USA Dance Camps where I have had the opportunity to study under many different instructors. Our dance team also competed in many different competitions all around the Treasure Valley. After high school I moved to Ogden UT where I attended Weber State University. While there I studied the history of dance and African dance. I currently continue learning Belly Dance from Liz at Nyssa Artistic Dance Academy. I have had the opportunity to choreograph many dances and even the musical West Side Story for the Emmett Community Playhouse. Along with that I have had the opportunity to perform in musicals as TVCC and also California and the Capitol One Bowl in Orlando FL. I have studied many styles of dance including; Jazz, Hip-hop, Modern, Salsa, Jitter Bug, Lyrical, Swing, African, Belly dance, Ballet, Waltz, Kick and Character to name a few. I have been instructing dance at this studio for a year now and have loved every minute of it.

I do not have any kids of my own yet but have an extensive background of working with kids of all ages and abilities while working at Community Partnerships for five years. I am so happy to be part of the Nyssa Artistic Dance Academy family

Alexandra Burley

I studied Jazz, Tap, and Ballet for 6 years at the Dance Spot as a young girl in Reno, Nevada. I kept up my dancing throughout my life. I have performed in many musicals and plays and help choreograph a few also. I have choreographed a lot of the dancing in show choir in high school as well. I got the opportunity about two years ago to teach tap and it was the most rewarding opportunity. I am glad to be back teaching and especially to bring those happy feet to life again.