Instructors:

Isabelle Cook brings a 30 year background of training and experience:  While in High School, she performed solos, choreographed and was a  teacher’s assistant.  Upon graduation, she was presented with a certificate of achievement and a scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas.  While in college, Isabelle performed in “Peter and the Wolf” with the Dallas Dance Ensemble, “Saul” with the Dallas Symphony/Opera, and  as guest performer for the Wichita Falls Ballet.  In addition she performed on televised dance programs for PBS.  In 1979, Isabelle moved to the Spokane area and took an active roll in many Spokane dance activities including performer, choreographer and instructor for Namaste, Spokane Dance Ensemble, Whitworth College, Gonzaga University, The Dance Center, The Dance Emporium and Ballet Arts.  Currently, Isabelle is an active member of the "Inland Northwest Dance Teacher’s Association" and the proprietor of  Isabelle’s Dance Time.

Joe Hofer brings a unique, on-beat, intense and humorous approach to dance.  Originally a musician, Joe gravitated towards square and round dancing.  In 1989 he was asked to feature a square dance exhibition with Gonzaga University’s “Hyper-Formance Jazz Dance Club”.  Later he landed a lead roll as “The Lion” in their production of “The Wiz”.  Joe formalized his training in Jazz, Modern and Ballet with instructors Cynthia Hamilton and Isabelle Cook.  Joe has danced in many productions around the Spokane community, some of which include: “Curtain Call” and “Correspondents”.  Joe’s commitment to dance has taken him throughout the Spokane area where he taught dance at community centers around Spokane, the C.V. Dance Team, and the “Creative Arts in The Summer Time Program”.  Joe is an active member of the I.N.D.A. and works as a Special Education Assistant with the C.V. School District.

Gail Bongiovanni is back teaching tap with her Wednesday Class at 8:15 - 9:15 pm.  In addition she owns and operates her own school, "Gail's School of Dance".  She established her school in 1980 as a small private studio dedicated to giving personal attention to each student and also to assist in their overall personal development.  Her training started at in 1956 in San Jose, where she eventually became head instructor and manager of two studios.  She studied and continues to study with several dance masters.  Gail is an active member of the "Inland Northwest Dance Association", she serves as the performing Arts Chairperson for the "Spokane Valley Arts Council" and is a board member for "ValleyFest".