Our Story

Established as the most respected non-profit dance company in our region, the Ellensburg Dance Ensemble (EDE) plays a pivotal role in nurturing and enlivening the local arts scene.

For nearly two decades, we've been fortunate to collaborate with some of the finest artists and educators, delivering top-tier dance instruction and captivating performances to our community.

In 2021, we proudly unveiled the Studio by EDE, our educational outreach hub. Here, we offer a diverse range of dance and movement classes catering to individuals of all ages, from Pre-K to Adult learners, with a significant focus on students in the K-12 age group. With over 200 dance families currently dancing with us, we anticipate a substantial growth as we seek to expand into multiple studio spaces.

Our commitment extends beyond dance; we're dedicated to revitalizing downtown Ellensburg, forging meaningful connections within our community, and fostering a dynamic business environment. Through our passion for dance and community engagement, we continue to breathe life into our city, ensuring a vibrant and thriving future for all.

Meet Our Board

Kim Rivera, President

Kim brings over 25 years of extensive experience in customer service to her role as the current President. With a solid background spanning 13 years in the dynamic hospitality industry and a decade in management, she has honed her skills in leadership, strategy, and enhancing communication. She currently works for Choice Hotels international on their brand operations (and implementation) team.

Beyond her professional achievements, Kim is a dedicated wife and mother to three daughters, ages 20, 17, and 9. She serves on her local school board (Thorp Schools), is a 4-H leader, the President for the Thorp Community Day non-profit as well as serves on her schools Booster Club as the Treasurer.

Her youngest daughter's love for dance has not only enriched their family life but has also inspired Kim to play a larger role in serving the community. This new opportunity within Ellensburg Dance Ensebmle aligns perfectly with her passion for making a meaningful impact and fostering positive change.

Jill Scheffer, Treasurer

Jill is President of KEEN (Kittitas Environmental Education Network) a non-profit focused on nature-based lifelong learning. KEEN's big project is to establish the Yakima Canyon Interpretive Center at the mouth of the Yakima River Canyon Scenic Byway. Her day job is as an environmental planner for the WA Department of Ecology.

Her two loves are her son and daughter who together explore the outdoors and also share a love of music and dance. Her son, Nathaniel Arango is lead singer and founder of Wavesons, and her daughter, Serena Scheffer-Arango, dances with love and passion and has been performing on stage since she was 3.

Jill has been performing on stage for years with supporting roles in EDE shows. Jill also performed in Valley Theater Company's (VTC) Mamma Mia in 2022 as the unforgettable Chorus Member Number 13, and in 2023 as Margaret in 9-5. Jill was just cast as an ensemble member in VTC's 2024 summer musical, Anastasia.

Daniele Ray, Member at Large/Fundraising chair

Daniele is the chairperson of the fundraising committee. She has successfully organized and executed numerous fundraising campaigns, generating significant funds for various causes. She has a strong passion for dance and firmly believes it should be accessible to everyone. With two kids who fell in love with dance, she joined the board to help support our non-profit dance studio.