by Daniela Rodriguez, DA:NCE Exhibit Staff
DA:NCE is not just bringing awareness to the topic of the hypersexualization of children in dance using adult costumes, choreography & music but it is providing ways for parents and any concerned adult to take action. February 17th-21st, 2026 DA:NCE participated as exhibitors at the National Religious Broadcasters Association (NRB) Convention in Nashville, TN. We educated, shared resources, and brought awareness regarding the hypersexualization of children in dance, backed by research, to the thousands of NRB attendees. Ranging from service organizations, ministries, podcasters, broadcasters, technology companies, it was an honor to attend and advocate for children in dance alongside DA:NCE founder Mary Bawden, Richard Bawden, and Melissa Croushorn, DA:NCE Development Associate.
Anyone can Advocate for Safety of Children in Dance
Each of us could speak to different aspects of this issue: Mary and Melissa received graduate degrees in dance, worked in dance education, and administration. Richard’s legal background supports strategic management for organizations such as DA:NCE. My experience includes working with children of all ages as a childcare provider and educator – watching them grow and helping them learn. At NRB I spoke to many parents, teachers, and adults saying they have never seen an organization like DA:NCE. Generally, there was deep concern among NRB attendees with the unhealthy cultural shift in dance. Many shared stories demonstrating the harm caused to young children through hypersexualization in dance.
One parent shared a story about his own daughters in dance. He talked about the costumes, music, and the hypersexualization that he saw, even making him want to walk out during their dance performance. This parent put his foot down to not let this happen to his children because he recognized the true danger hypersexualization causes on a child’s brain development, including long term effects such as low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, among others.
Recognizing danger of Hypersexualization leads to Action
At NRB it was a privilege to share many meaningful conversations that led to action whether signing up for DA:NCE’s newsletter, nominating a studio for the Healthy Dance Directory, or sharing DA:NCE with friends. I heard both positive and negative stories about dance experiences. Dance is a beautiful expression. It helps the brain develop, strengthens the body, and promotes health. One woman shared how helpful dance was for her. Dance was a place where she got to be herself and express herself in the way she deeply loved.
I also heard the negative effects that unhealthy dance can have on some people. The effects included being exposed to pornography, to being hypersexualized as a child, and the fallout of being in a harmful environment accompanied by lifelong trauma. Some conference attendees were still trying to pick up the pieces from the psychological mess caused by hypersexualization. DA:NCE offered an avenue to understand their experience by bringing awareness with action. People do not know what they do not know. DA:NCE informed them on the full impact of healthy and/or harmful dance and how to move forward in a better way.
DA:NCE impacted attendees of all ages and backgrounds at NRB 2026. First, recognizing that the hypersexualization of children in dance robs them of being free, and enjoying the fun of dance. Many were ecstatic to take meaningful action. Dance can change the world; movement is powerful. Let’s bring back the positive power of healthy dance. We at DA:NCE, thank NRB for the space to bring not just awareness but action.
Daniela Rodriguez is a DA:NCE exhibit staff member. She works with children both in at-home daycare and her local church. She is completing undergraduate studies in Social Work. Daniela has a deep passion child advocacy – especially in dance – and for children to be protected from hypersexualization.
