By Aubree Rutter

REXBURG —The lights dim as a group of dancers emerge from behind the curtain, their sequined costumes glittering. Their slippered shoes keep pace with the rhythm of the music as they smile. This is Ballet Etude, a 501(c)(3) non-profit ballet company where the magic of ballet comes to life. Founded in 2022 by co-artistic directors Kiersten Lewis and Madissen Fujimoto, Ballet Etude’s mission is to bring the joy and beauty of ballet to the Rexburg residents.    

Whether you’re a child eager to learn your first plié or an adult looking for a new way to express yourself, Ballet Etude is all about making dance fun and accessible for everyone with classes for children and adults. The youngest group taught is age three, with a special program focused on fostering creativity. Each class is designed with the intent to build confidence in dancers.   

The studio’s mission is to teach ballet to people of all abilities.  Lewis and Fujimoto found inspiration for teaching dance from attending the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet school. Together they have developed a unique, step-by-step program anyone can understand.

“We teach using level by level progressions,” said Lewis. “Each dancer can come in and learn digestible, simple material and build upon what they know.” Her concern as a teacher is to ensure students have a good time.   

One of the goals of Ballet Etude is to create an environment where the audience can be a part of the ballet experience as much as the dancers. In January 2024, Ballet Etude received a grant from the Idaho Humanities Council, and with this grant they performed a show with pantomime gestures.

Lewis explained, “Before our show we had a short lecture explaining pantomime gestures so our audience would feel welcome. We didn’t want them to feel like outsiders.”

In addition to the pantomime show, Ballet Etude has performed the classic story of Snow White and is turning its attention to the world of Peter Pan.   

There’s no better time than now to get involved in Rexburg’s local ballet scene and experience the excitement of the arts firsthand. Members of the community can get involved at Ballet Etude through building props for shows, volunteering to work on costume designs, and becoming sponsors.

“We would love to hear from you.” Lewis added. “Whether it’s to come and dance with us, help us with a donation, or volunteer to help with a show, please let us know!”   

For those curious about the studio, Ballet Etude is located at 67 E Main St, Rexburg, ID. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram, too. Come see what makes this vibrant company special—you won’t want to miss it!