top of page

Tradition. Dedication. Artistry.

About Blackfoot School of Ballet and Theatrical Arts

Our Philosophy

Miss Nikkii’s instruction is well known for its quality and her discipline and hard work ethic.  She strives to keep classes small and powerful as she dedicates time to inspiring young artists. She is grateful for the opportunities she is able to provide for Blackfoot’s youth every year. 

 

Miss Nikkii believes quality professional training creates a spark of magic within a dancer.  She strives to preserve the cherished 500 year old art form of Classical Ballet.

​

- Blackfoot School of Ballet and Theatrical Arts

Founder & Artistic Director

BeautyPlus_20190904094911493_save.jpg

Miss Nikkii

"Everyone single one of my instructors, my own students and their families have given me opportunities to become the instructor I am today."

Pasted Graphic.png

Nikkii Peery Riley

Owner, Instructor

Training: 

​

  • Early studies with her grandmother Marilyn Peery, founder of The Idaho Falls Ballet Society and the Idaho Junior Ballet Theatre of Idaho Falls

  • Marius Zirra School of Ballet (full scholarship at the age of 14)​

  • BSU, Marla Hansen BSU Dance Director & Idaho Dance Theater Director

  • ​Ballet West Academy’s ArtEmotion, Salt Lake City, Utah 2017 through 2019

  • Del Sol, Institute Ballroom Performance Team

  • Continuing studies with Cheryl Crouch, former admin/instructor at Ballet Idaho, Eagle Performing Arts Center and author of Teaching Dance; Finite Adjustment series

  • Syllabus mentorship with Tiffin Bennett; owner of Miss Tiffin's Ballet & former Lower level instructor for ballet Idaho, for age 3 through Introduction levels

  • Dance Teacher Web courses in Las Vegas in Ballet Variations, Kelley Method Beg - Adv,  Partnering, RAD Syllabus, Ballet Fundamentals, Ballet Chorography, Modern, Contemporary Jazz, Broadway Musical, Turn Prep

  • Classes with Joffrey Ballet in New York City 

  • Full Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet Syllabus at teaching workshop for Pre-Ballet - Pre Professional Level 5 

 

Education:

​

  • State drama and vocal champion soloist several years

  • BSU in dancing and theater degree

  • Trained and worked in accredited state programs for children's development

  • Certified/Licensed Instructor: Progressing Ballet Technique levels 1 -3,​ Barre Fitness, Flexibility, Stretch & Tone

  • Certified in Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet curriculum Pre-ballet - Pre Professional Level 5

  • Program won Grand Champion overall in 2023, 2nd place in 2021 and Honorable Mention 2018 & 2008 for production of ballet studio float in Eastern Idaho State Fair over 200 other float entries.

 

Teaching Experience:

​

  • Choreographer, Del Sol, Institute Ballroom Performance Team

  • Artistic Director, The Conservatory of Ballet and Theatrical Arts, 2006-2016 (renamed in 2015 to Blackfoot School of Ballet and Theatrical Arts)

  • Head Ballet Instructor, Eagle Rock Dance Studios, 2008-2011

  • Theater/Ballet Instructor, Deborah Bean Idaho Falls School of Ballet 2007 -2021

  • Head Ballet Instructor, Vogue Dance Studios, 2014-2017

  • Dance Instructor, Youth Cultural Celebration, 2017 (involving 12,000+ youth)

  • Director of Blackfoot Ballet Scholarship Program 2015 - present & Community Outreach 2021 - Present

bottom of page