Scripps Performing Arts Academy
DA:NCE advocates for healthy dance and has selected Scripps Performing Arts Academy (Scripps) to feature as our healthy dance studio of the month. Scripps was founded in San Diego, California in 1987. They focus on creating beauty and meaning in dance and musical theatre to enrich the lives of their students. Scripps fosters a love […]
The Danger of “Stranger Danger” – How to Holistically Protect Your Kids Online
My first in-depth experience with the internet began at 13 years old. For years I would watch my friends play online games and I was annoyed with my parents for not allowing it until I was mature enough. But finally, they said yes to a free game online and sat me down to lay some […]
I was Broken by John-Michael Lander
As a producer for the Miss Ohio Outstanding Teen Program and judge for other child pageants and dance contests, I have seen how “harmful dance” hypersexualizes and exploits children by wearing adult costumes, choreography, and music. I have also noticed how these imposed dance methods have affected young people later in life. Once a child […]
Purpose Driven Dance
From my earliest memories, dance has been a source of great joy and delight for me. My parents enjoyed ballroom dancing and so they were happy to encourage my interest. I began to dance at about 5 years of age and continued taking ballet, jazz and tap classes through college. Besides being enjoyable, dance became […]
Texarkana Dance Academy
This month DA:NCE wants to introduce healthy dance studio Texarkana Dance Academy. They are located in Wake Village, Texas, a suburb of Texarkana, Texas. All of their dance instructors are certified by the Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD) program. They aspire to imbue their students with a love of dance plus self-confidence, perseverance, discipline […]
Unregulated VS Educated
Training dancers is a responsibility and a privilege. Our industry is an unregulated one at the moment, but that doesn’t mean we have to be uneducated. Dance is magical and as teachers we are entrusted with the huge responsibility to nurture and train a wide range of vulnerable children. Just because we don’t physically harm […]
Voices Against Trafficking Releases First Book
Impeccable Research, Moving Testimonials, A Powerful Call for Collective Action Washington, DC. Voices Against Trafficking – The Strength of Many Voices Speaking As One compiles insights, stories, and frontline knowledge from trafficking survivors, human rights advocates, and journalists. Every chapter provides essential truths and advice that affirm a collective community can defeat the rising tide […]
From Tap Dance to Lap Dance – My Story of Exploitative Dance
From a very young age, I wanted to be a performer – a singer, a ballerina, a dancer, a star. I began at 4 years old in a tap-dancing class – we wore adorable little chickadee costumes and I remember feeling so special because my mom let me wear blush and red lipstick. My dad […]
A Dance Educator Speaks…
I have been coaching youth and young adults in the areas of Gymnastics, Cheerleading and Dance for the past 20 years. I have a degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Pedagogy, and Masters in Teacher Leadership and Development. I have worked in various different socioeconomic groups as well as a variety of inner-city youth […]
Boca Dance Studio
DA:NCE promotes safe, healthy children’s dance. This month we are highlighting Boca Dance Studio, located in Boca Raton, Florida. It is a healthy, thriving children’s dance studio It ensures child safety by training their teachers to follow the Safer StudioTM Policy Guidelines and are Safety and Wellness Certified by Youth Protection Advocates in Dance. It […]