The Festival Dance and Performing Arts program recently announced the appointment of two new directors — Katie Luna and Mia Seshiki — for the program.
Although new to the positions, both Luna and Seshiki have been a part of Festival Dance for years.
Luna is the former assistant director of Festival Dance and Seshiki has been teaching dance classes at University of Idaho for six years.
When the former executive director resigned, the program restructured some of the positions, and redistributed responsibilities. This left the academy director and executive director to balance responsibilities, rather than the executive and assistant director.
“My new role is basically to supervise over any and all studio aspects, overlooking and overseeing how teachers are teaching their classes, dealing with parents, setting up rehearsal times, and dealing with the costume closet. Anything that really has to do with the studio itself is my job,” Seshiki said.
Luna has a master’s in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in business. She will do most of the organization, human resources and office work for Festival Dance.
“The reason I got a business degree is because I wanted to start my own art’s non-profit. I decided if I got an accounting degree, then I would learn the business side of a non-profit,” Luna said. “I’m surprised I’m here now, but it’s great.”
According to Luna, the transition so far has been smooth because she is already familiar with the tasks required of her new position.
“Mia’s going to be in charge of the Academy, but I’ll be overseeing and giving her guidance. Some of the things she’ll be taking over, I did last year, so I’ll be helping her with that in this transition period,” Luna said.
Belle Baggs has been teaching a variety of dance classes at UI for three years. Although Baggs did not teach with Festival Dance, she has had a lot of experience with the company.
“Festival Dance has been a great supporter of the UI dance program. They have been the thriving force of dance here in rural Idaho,” Baggs said. “One thing I respect about the company is they provide a lot of opportunities to teach with internships. Students are able to apply what they learn with experiences.”
The first project this year is the Variety Show at the Latah County Fair, featuring the Sparklers and Junior Sparklers, on Sept. 14. As the academy director, Seshiki was mostly in charge of the organization and directing of the event.
“Festival Dance has a mission to bring the people to the arts and the arts to the people. We do that by opening up opportunities for dance education, not just in Moscow, but all around the Palouse area,” Seshiki said.
Although the Festival Dance program and the UI Dance program are separate organizations, they share a dance studio and some dance instructors on campus.
“I would really like to strengthen our organization and collaborate a lot with UI and their dance program. I think we have a strong relationship, and I’d like to continue our partnership,” Luna said.
Alexia Neal can be reached at [email protected]