AUGUST we are proud to put in the spotlight:

INTERNATIONAL DANCE ARTS COLLECTIVE

At first glance, it may seem like just another local dance and music studio—but behind the lively rhythms and graceful movements lies a powerful mission. This unique organization is actually a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching peace through dance and music. Through vibrant classes, captivating performances, and meaningful outreach in schools and communities, the group is building bridges across cultures and generations.


What sets this organization apart is its focus on cultural diversity. It’s the only studio in Placer County—and perhaps all of California—that offers such a wide-ranging repertoire of traditional dance and music from around the world, engaging participants from age 4 to 104. Their performances go beyond entertainment, offering audiences rich cultural context and stories behind every dance and song. The result is a shared experience that is as educational as it is inspiring, both for performers and viewers.


The organization is also a proud member of CIOFF USA, the American division of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Popular Arts. As an official UNESCO partner, CIOFF works globally to preserve intangible cultural heritage through traditional music and dance.

This summer, the studio had the honor of representing the United States as performing ambassadors at a CIOFF International Folk Dance and Music Festival in Romania. Performing American folk music and dance, the group joined artists from across the globe, each sharing traditions from their homelands. Remarkably, they were the first American group ever to attend this prestigious festival. On the final day, they received unexpected accolades and a special recognition from festival organizers.



Yet for the students, the most lasting impact came not from the applause, but from the friendships formed with fellow young dancers from different countries and cultures. Through their shared love of movement and music, they lived the nonprofit’s mission firsthand: spreading peace through dance.


Creating Understanding Through Dance

Alexandra Shadle started the organization in 2021 with the dream of creating intercultural understanding and peace in the community through her favorite medium- cultural dance! She began with just five students and now IDAC does outreach at multiple elementary schools in Placer County teaching over one thousand students each year, and boasts a close knit studio community of over 100 performers. 



"At IDAC, we literally bring the world to Placer County through our programming and performances," said Alexandra. 

In the past 5 years, IDAC brought professional guest teachers/performers from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Quebec, Romania, Ukraine, India, Afghanistan, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Ghana, Denmark, and Spain.


"As members of CIOFF, we take our role of promoting and preserving cultural arts very seriously. We want to share these beautiful arts with our community," shared founder Alexandra Shadle.

Be a part of it!

Join fall classes launching the week of August 18! Dance and more for 

ages 4-104.


See the variety offered, and sign up today at:

peacethroughdance.org  


How can the community get involved?

Donors and volunteers are the backbone of our community! If you are passionate about peace, diversity, and cultural arts, support IDAC by making a tax deductible donation: peacethroughdance.org


If you would like to support us by volunteering your time and talents, please email us at idacoperations@gmail.com




Thank you to Alexandra Shadle, IDAC founder and Placer County arts advocate, the IDAC Board of Directors, along with all the supporters.

To inquire about school performances contact: idacoperations@gmail.com

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Arts Council of Placer County is proud to be the state and local partner of California Arts Council and Placer County Economic Development