Education
- Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Concordia University, St. Paul, 2025 Candidate
- MA Dance Technique Pedagogy, Middlesex University, London, 2021
- BS University Studies-Emphasis Health Science and Dance, BYU-I, 2009
Certifications
- K-12 Interim License, Health and Physical Education
- Yoga Alliance RYT 500
- TRX Qualified Instructor
- NASM CPT
- PBT Certified Instructor
Interests
- Ballet and Modern Technique
- Choreography
- Interdisciplinary motory learning across all platforms of dance
- Philosophy of education and learning
- Biomechanics and kinesiology
- Kinesthetic empathy
- Compassionate teaching practices in dance education
Bio
Diedre Sakota is a dance educator, choreographer, and performer. In her youth, she had the privilege of dancing with two pre-professional dance companies, Dance in Flight and Ricochet Modern Dance Company. She received her ballet training from Barbara Wilson and was awarded Distinction in her Royal Academy of Dance examinations. Her performing repertoire includes variations from Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast, and many modern/contemporary works. While pursuing her undergrad at BYU-Idaho, Diedre had the opportunity to perform with Dance Alliance and toured Ecuador, Peru, Russia, Canada, and the United States. After graduating in 2009, she married the love of her life and became the mother of four beautiful children. In 2014, Diedre founded Aspire Dance Company in Meridian, Idaho, and collaborated on a benefit concert for Mountain States Tumor Institute. In 2016, she joined The Dance Collaborative of Idaho Falls and became co-Artistic Director. Diedre has taught for several dance studios and universities, namely University of Idaho, Clark College, and BYU-Idaho. She has a passion for health education and teaches PE for the Oneida school district. In 2021, she graduated from Middlesex University with a Master of Arts in dance technique pedagogy. Her thesis research included ethnographic and phenomenological perspectives in dance pedagogy. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Kinesiology from Concordia University, St. Paul.