Kolissa Manchan was named the Head Coach of the Idaho State Dance Team in the summer of 2010! Before coaching Bengal Dancers, Kolissa grew up dancing and later teaching in American Falls, Idaho. She trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, pointe, drill, clog and hip-hop. Her training also included several camps and workshops such as IDAA Dance Camp in Twin Falls, Caravan, Showstopper, and STARS Conventions.
She got her B.A. in Communications while attending Idaho State University and dancing with Danson as one of the first members of the Bengal Dancers team. While attending school, she coached the South Eastern Idaho STARS and helped coach American Falls High School’s Cheer and Dance teams for several years.
In 2001 Kolissa moved to California where she worked for The Disneyland Resort. Over the years, she has worked in Characters, Parades, Guest Talent Programs, Stage Manger Departments, and Adventure Guide with Adventures by Disney. She was blessed to travel all along the U.S. Coast, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand performing and experiencing the world on the Mouse’s dime. Kolissa was a graduate of the prestigious Emerging Leaders Training Program at the Resort where she later Stage Managed Disney’s Electrical Parade and other shows in the Resort such as Club Buzz, Aladdin’s Oasis, Block Party Bash, and Pixar Play Parade. Kolissa also worked as a Head Auditioner and Trainer for the Character departments where she ran auditions and training sessions.
The Idaho State University Bengal Dancers have been nationally ranked in the top five since 2010 and just received 2nd place this last year in the Team Performance D1 NDA Collegiate Championships. She loves helping dancers push themselves to achieve their best while enjoying a family environment.
Kolissa got married in 2009 and has three children. Outside of work, Kolissa enjoys camping, traveling and family time!
