With a growing number of children in dance being exposed to inappropriate music, dance attire, and sexualized dance movements, Dance Innovations is taking a stand against these emerging negative trends in the dance industry. Recent research show that youth in dance are routinely exposed to inappropriate music, costume attire, and sexualized dance movements which can be detrimental to their mental and emotional health. These dangerous trends also often lead to anorexia, bulimia, and sexual abuse.
Y.P.A.D. (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance) is coalition of concerned parents, industry leaders, dancers, choreographers, and studio owners who started this movement in the dance world as a response to the repeated and increased amount of sexual abuse, hyper-sexualization, and inappropriate physical exertion that leads to unnecessary injuries.
As of July 17, Dance Innovations Dance Center became the first (and only) Y.P.A.D. Certified Dance Studio in the state of New Hampshire.
As a Y.P.A.D. Certified Dance Studio, Dance Innovations Dance Center classes, music, choreography, and costume dance attire are in line with the guidelines set forth by Y.P.A.D. (Youth Protection Advocates in Dance). Faculty and staff are trained in emotional health, physical safety, psychology of injury, and healthy relationships to food for dancers. They are committed to age-appropriate artistic choices and are positive role models in body image, behavior, and social media. Additionally, all DIDC faculty and staff members are background checked, CPR certified, and are trained and mandated reporters in prevention of abuse.
To view DIDC’s official Y.P.A.D. certification document, please click here
For more information Y.P.A.D., please visit www.YPAD4change.org
