Meridian, ID – April 27, 2026 — The Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) invites the community to experience Ripples of Her Words, an evening of original dance and live music highlighting the creativity of its students. The performance will take place Monday, April 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Meridian Middle School Auditorium.
The concert features IFAA’s middle school dance majors and high school classical music majors performing a program inspired by stories from Idaho women’s history. The interdisciplinary performance blends spoken word, contemporary dance, and live piano music created and performed by students.
The program also includes a professional contemporary dance work, Gasp!, choreographed by Leslie Kraus, Artistic Director of the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company.
Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for general admission and may be purchased online, from IFAA dance performers, or at the theater on the day of the performance.
The Idaho Fine Arts Academy is a West Ada School District school of choice serving students in grades 6–12 who pursue intensive training in the performing and fine arts.
Sierra Bedford
Lindenwood University
Offered scholarship for HSDD and admission into BA program
Ruth Page School of Dance
30% summer intensive scholarship
Collage of Western Washington
Recommendation for dance program
Pacific university
Recommendation for scholarship application
Vincent Flack
Bennington College
Offered a scholarship for BFA dance lab and school admission
Western Washington University
Admission letter to Western Washington
University BFA Dance Program
Sienna Francel
Lindenwood University
Offered scholarship for HSDD and admission into BA program
Central Washington University
Accepted into CWU Dance Company
Collage of Western Washington
Recommendation for dance program
Pacific University
Recommendation for scholarship application
Dean College
Scholarship for 25% off Summer Intensive
AMDA College of the Preforming Arts
Recommendation for dance program
Cynthia Anderson exemplifies what it means to serve, support, and lead with professionalism and excellence. Her 22 years in West Ada have been essential to the success and growth of our school. Her office skillset sets the benchmark for administrative professionals districtwide, and her ability to manage countless responsibilities while keeping students and people at the center of her work is unmatched. Cynthia embodies integrity, positivity, and empathy in all she does and has elevated IFAA through her outstanding communication and community relations. She is respected and loved by staff, students, and families, and we are honored to recognize her again as Certified Employee of the Month on this final day of her remarkable career.
Jenny Valenzuela, our Visual Arts Department Chair and a founding teacher of IFAA, has shaped the visual arts program into the remarkable, rigorous, and inspiring pathway it is today. Her exceptional skill as an artist and educator has guided countless students in developing their craft, confidence, and creative voice. Most recently, her leadership and vision earned our school the honor of creating artwork to be displayed at the Kennedy Center as part of the national Scrollathon project. While her artistic expertise is extraordinary, it is Jenny’s compassion for her students and her unwavering commitment to their growth that truly define her impact and legacy at IFAA.
After 22 years of dedicated service in the West Ada School District, we celebrate the retirement of Mrs. Cynthia Anderson. Cynthia has been a steady, compassionate, and indispensable presence at the Idaho Fine Arts Academy, supporting students, families, and staff with professionalism, warmth, and unwavering commitment. Her impact on IFAA reaches far beyond her daily work and will continue to be felt in the culture and community she helped build. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and wish her joy, fulfillment, and new adventures in this well-earned next chapter. Cynthia, you will be greatly missed, and your contributions to IFAA will always be remembered.
For all students going in 9th-11th. All experience levels welcome.
Date: December 4th, 2025.
Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm.
Location: IFAA Room #224 (915 E Central Dr, Meridian, ID 83642.
You Will:
Learn what it means to be a Film Major at IFAA.
Learn about the audition process.
Learn about screenwriting, camera angles, and directing.
Steps to Apply:
Fill out the application at https://www.westada.org/ifaa
Select a time slot to audition at the same website.
Questions? Email mcnall.shannon@westada.org
What: Momentum & Memory – Dance, Music, and Theatre Collaboration
Who: IFAA Middle School Dance, Theatre, and Vocal Majors
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Where: Meridian Middle School Auditorium, 1507 8th St NW, Meridian, ID
Tickets: $5 Students | $10 General Admission.
Available online ($5 student, $10 general/adult), from IFAA dance performers, or at the theater on the day of the show
Lighting & Sound Sponsored by: Elevate Show Services
The Idaho Fine Arts Academy (IFAA) proudly presents Momentum & Memory, an evening of original dance, live music, and theatrical performance featuring IFAA’s middle school dance, theatre, and vocal majors. The concert will take place at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Meridian Middle School Auditorium, located at 1507 8th St NW, Meridian, ID.
Momentum & Memory explores the intersection of movement, sound, and story through a blend of contemporary dance and live instrumental performance. The concert weaves together vintage and cinematic music styles with 1930s-inspired radio show vignettes created and performed by IFAA’s eighth-grade theatre majors.
The program will feature original modern and contemporary ballet choreography by IFAA students, alongside a professional contemporary modern dance work titled Gasp!, choreographed by Leslie Kraus, Artistic Director of the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company.
Professional lighting and sound design for the concert are generously sponsored by Elevate Show Services, enhancing the visual and auditory experience for audiences.
This immersive, multi-disciplinary performance invites audiences to experience the artistry, collaboration, and innovation that define IFAA’s dance, music, and theatre programs.
What: Unravel – Dance & Music Concert
Who: IFAA High School Dance Majors with Guest Artists Monica Palmer & Riley Johnson
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Where: Meridian Middle School Auditorium, 1507 8th St NW, Meridian, ID
Tickets: $5 Students | $10 General Admission
Available online , from IFAA dance performers, or at the theater on the day of the show.
Lighting & Sound Sponsored by: Elevate Show Services
Visit the Toby Gad Artist in Residency page for photos: https://www.westada.org/o/ifaa/page/toby-gad-artist-in-residency-2025
November 7th (Friday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
November 8th (Saturday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
November 14th (Friday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
November 15th (Saturday) Performance! Doors open at 6:30, performance at 7:00 pm.
Location: IFAA Blackbox.
Buy your tickets online! Try a totally different perspective/seats on a different night!
TICKET LINKS: https://ifaadrama.seatyourself.biz
How it Works:
Read 10 books: Choose a stress-relieving fidget or a wristlet key fob.
Read 20 books: Pick a T-shirt (Navy or Turquoise) or a crossbody bag.
Read 30 books: Earn a crewneck sweatshirt, hoodie (Navy or Turquoise), or a blanket.
Keep a short journal of your reads (categories available in the journal and on a library poster). Janna Davis, IFAA Librarian, has paper journals available, but she also has a digital journal on Canva.
Last year, several teachers and students won prizes, and I’d love to see even more participate this time!
