Lawrence City Lifestyle Feature "Bloom Through Dance"

Exciting News: Sunflower State Dance Featured in Lawrence City Lifestyle Magazine!
We are thrilled to share that Sunflower State Dance has been featured in the January issue of Lawrence City Lifestyle magazine! This exclusive feature highlights our commitment to exceptional dance education and fostering a supportive dance community in Lawrence.

“Keeping kids happy, healthy and safe is the mission of Sunflower State Dance. The studio offers classes for students ages two and older and ensures everything is age-appropriate regarding music, costumes, and moves. It is also a non-competition studio, focusing on learning new skills in a supportive atmosphere rather than kids competing against each other.”

Check out the article below on page 18!

Featured Writer On TYKES About W-Sitting

Miss Rachel had the opportunity recently to write an article for Tiny Kansans Early Supports (TYKES) as a featured local expert. One area of dance Miss Rachel is hugely passionate about, is preschool aged dance. The preschool age group is so fascinating because they are developing such important skills and hitting such big milestones that are needed to progress on. Dance can help children develop those skills whether it is motor skill, sensory processing skill, emotional skills, and logical skills. One thing we see time and time again is w-sitting. In fact we have seen it become even more prevalent since the pandemic and in even older students, we can only guess this is due to staying home more, doing activities on the floor rather than a desk at school, and lack off being around early childhood teacher who could potentially change the behavior. In this blog for TYKES Miss Rachel dives into what w-sitting is, when it is a problem, and how to combat it.

https://www.tykesdc.org/learn/all-about-w-sitting

Summary

Rachel Weitekamp, owner and director of Sunflower State Dance, shares information about w-sitting and how caregivers can address it with their child if needed. 

What is W-sitting?

W-sitting is a seated position with knees rotated in and feet out to the side of the body. Essentially it is a collapsed version of sitting on the knees. It is called “w-sitting” because if you are looking down from above the legs are making a “W” letter.

When is this problematic?

W-sitting is extremely common in children during their crawling stage and is completely fine since children under two years old tend to switch positions often. However once children start spending a longer period of time in the same position is when the w-sit becomes more problematic.

Just because children can do something, doesn’t mean it is good for their developing bodies. RACHEL WEITEKAMP, SUNFLOWER STATE DANCE

Why shouldn’t my child sit in this position? 

Children’s bones are very malleable as they are growing and developing which allows them to be able to do this position and may actually find this position very comfortable because their muscles have very little to do. I bet if you, an adult, tried to do this position, it would be very difficult or not possible and it would hurt. This is because adult hips have fully developed and we do not have that hyper-flexibility that young children have. Just because children can do something, doesn’t mean it is good for their developing bodies. Here’s why:

• The w-sit hinders the core from working. Since the knees are stabilizing the upper body, the core gets to take a break and not do its job. It is also preventing the trunk from being able to rotate and the child to move across the midline.

  • Core development in early childhood is very important for balance, coordination, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and and even potty training.​

• Promotes internal rotation of the hips and plantar flexion (pointing of the toes).

  • Internal rotation of the hip joints can cause pigeon-toed walking which can lead to balance issues and problems with walking in general.

  • Plantar flexion for a long period of time can cause tightening of the leg muscles and tendons which leads to toe-walking.

What can you do?

Often if I see a student sitting in the W position, I remind them of what position they are supposed to be sitting. As a parent you can simply remind them to fix their legs. There are great alternative ways that help promote core development: 

• Criss-cross applesauce

• Elevate the surface to put the child in a high kneeling position with a lower table or an easel

• Straight leg sit

• Tummy position

• Mermaid sit or side sit with legs bent out to the side

• Using a chair and table instead of the floor

Other ways to promote motor skills and core strength for those kids who habitually like the w-sit:

• Any animal play- bear crawls, frog jumps, crab walks, bunny hops all promote balance and core strength.

• Get out and play at a playground- climbing is great at promoting trunk rotation and core strength.

• Get involved in a sport or dance that will help promote good posture, stretching, and help develop those muscles.

Miss Rachel can be found in Lawrence, Kansas at Sunflower State Dance. Additional reading and resources used for this article include:

• When to worry about w-sitting

• What is w-sitting

• The brilliance of w-sitting

Miss Rachel Is Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Certified

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Dance Studio Goes Above & Beyond to Help Those With Special Needs

Lawrence, KS – (January 2022) – Sunflower State Dance, announced plans to expand their program for people with special needs and individual learning differences. “We’ve noticed a lack of opportunity for those with special needs in our community to experience the benefits of dance. ,” said studio owner, Rachel Weitekamp

In January 2022, Miss Rachel, became a certified instructor through Rhythm Works Integrative Dance. Rhythm Works Integrative Dance is a clinically based hip hop dance program that utilizes sensory processing, kinesiology, and behavioral analysis as a foundation to build customizable classes for the students. “The purpose of such a comprehensive program is to provide our certified teachers with the tools and education necessary to effectively make a difference in their student’s lives,” said Tricia Gomez, Global Director of Rhythm Works Integrative Dance.  “Emerging research is showing that movement, music, and rhythm, when combined, light up the brain in ways that create new neuropathways. Dance is a powerful modality that offers an opportunity to build social, emotional, cognitive, and motor skills. Plus it’s tons of fun!”

“We’re excited about the opportunities this program will offer our community,” said Weitekamp. “Right now we are looking for students who are interested in participating in this program, before we announce a start date. If you are interested in this program please reach out to us through our contact information below.”

About Sunflower State Dance

Sunflower State Dance believes that dance can empower students in and outside the studio. We proudly offer the best in performing arts education in a state of the art facility.  Serving children ages 2 and up in Lawrence Kansas and the surrounding areas. We believe that dance for kids should always be age appropriate and family friendly in costuming, music, and choreography. We are the only Youth Protective Advocates in Dance certified studio in area. 

http://www.sunflowerstatedance.com            www.facebook.com/sunflowerstatedance

About Rhythm Works Integrative Dance  

Global Director Tricia Gomez is the creator of Rhythm Works Integrative Dance, Hip Hop In a Box, and the Hip Hop Made Easy programs offered in over 2100 studios and schools worldwide. Gomez is considered a pioneer in the youth hip hop dance field.  Her unique hip hop teaching methods have landed her on the “Dr. Phil Show,” and as the head judge of the TV show “Dance Revolution.” Tricia is now a consultant for the Disney Performing Arts Program where she has the honor of working with dancers from around the world.  Previously, Gomez has worked in the studio setting as a teacher and studio owner for over 20 years.

http://www.rhythmworksid.com       www.facebook.com/danceinaboxrhythmworks

Contact: Miss Rachel Weitekamp owner and director of Sunflower State Dance

Phone: 785-690-7200

Email: admin@sunflowerstatedance.com

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In the news!

In the LJWorld

Sunflower State Dance was highlighted in the TownTalk section of the LJWorld!

“I’ve had many dancing partners who I am sure would have enthusiastically endorsed the idea of a “virtual dance.” While their feet may love the idea, it is not an ideal arrangement for a dance studio, yet many studios found themselves in such a situation during the height of the pandemic. 

“It was very rough,” Rachel Weitekamp, owner and director of Sunflower State Dance, said of the pandemic business environment for her studio. “We did online classes during the quarantine period. We are seeing a slow increase in students coming back. 

“I’m hoping that increases as younger students are able to get vaccinated. I think a lot of younger families are ready to get out and find some normalcy again.” 

Sunflower State, in fact, is betting on it. The business has recently moved and expanded. The company in recent weeks moved from its longtime home in Eudora to 2004 E. 23rd St. in Lawrence. The space — it occupies a building that for a short time was a funeral home and before that was a spa store — is about 800 square feet bigger than the business’ former location. 

The reason for the move also is related to a pandemic lesson learned: “I just kept finding that businesses that own their own space are doing a little bit better,” Weitekamp said. “My goal was really to own my own space.” 

Weitekamp did strike a deal to purchase the building, and she plans to use the extra space to accommodate more dance students and to create a new arts program that she hopes to offer to children. 

The business focuses on teaching students 2 to 18 years old a variety of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop and others. The studio teaches students ranging from those who are just looking for a fun activity to those who want to dance competitively. Plus, the studio hosts an annual performance where every student gets a chance to dance in a presentation of “The Nutcracker.”

With a strong base of clients in Eudora, Weitekamp said she is hoping she can keep those customers and draw from a larger region in Lawrence, which she said will be one of the drawing cards of the studio. 

“We want to be kind of a melting pot for the surrounding area,” she said. “We want students to have a chance to meet people outside of their normal niche and make some lifelong friends.” 

••• Article by Chad Lawhorn

https://www2.ljworld.com/weblogs/town_talk/2021/oct/19/dance-studio-opens-along-23rd-street-lawrences-middling-ranking-in-small-cities-report-art-gallery-reopens-downtown/

Let's Give Back Together This Holiday Season!

Bring hygiene items to the front desk on or before December 14 to be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to be used in January! Items will be donated to the Eudora Bird’s Nest and Lawrence School Foundation Community Closet.

Featured in Dance Teacher magazine

After receiving a business award in 2018 from the Kansas Department of Commerce we were contacted by Dance Teacher magazine to be featured in their upcoming edition of their magazine. Miss Rachel jumped at this opportunity as she loves reading their articles since becoming a studio owner in 2014. The article we asked to contribute to was all around community engagement. Three different studios and studio owners, including Sunflower State Dance and Miss Rachel, were featured and all studios are of varying sizes from 500 to 75 students. We shared about how the studio is involved with community activities such as the annual Eudora Trunk or Treat and Miss Rachel being active in the Eudora Chamber of Commerce serving as a board member. Miss Rachel and Sunflower State Dance are always excited to form new partnerships with local business and love to continue be engaged in our community.

Check out the article here:

https://www.dance-teacher.com/what-community-recognition-can-do-for-your-studio-2629623614.html

Congrats on being awarded 2018 Business Appreciation Month Award of Merit by the Kansas Department of Commerce

Congratulations to Sunflower State Dance!

On behalf of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Sunflower State Dance has been awarded a 2018 Business Appreciation Month Award of Merit. 

"Every year, Business Appreciation Month gives us a chance to recognize businesses and entrepreneurs for their leadership which keeps our state and local economies strong. Thanks to businesses like your, Kansas continues to be a land of opportunity for both businesses and our citizens. For that, we cannot thank you enough." - Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. 

We are honored to be recognized during the 2018 Business Appreciation Month by the Kansas Department of Commerce. Small businesses are extremely important part of helping communities thrive. When you support local small businesses, not only are you supporting your community, but you are supporting someones dream and passion. You help make that dream and passion continue to be a reality. Here at Sunflower State Dance our dream continues to be to provide high quality dance instruction in a family environment. With passion we strive to make art education apart of our community and are thrilled to be recognized for creating those opportunities. Remember to shop local!

Halloween Celebration With Sunflower State Dance

See Sunflower State Dance at multiple local events this week! We will be giving out lots of treat and dance class passes!

Eudora Trunk or Treat- Sponsored by the Eudora Chamber of Commerce and Eudora Parks and Recreation- October 28, 2017 3:00-5:00pm- Main Street Downtown Eudora

Family of Faith Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat- October 29, 2017 4:00-6:00pm- 2295 N 1300 Rd Eudora, KS 66025

Bringing Art To The Community

Join Sunflower State Dance and Pinot's Palette- Lawrence For Kid's Painting Parties! 

My goal this year as director of Sunflower State Dance is to create more opportunities for area children to take part in making art. Whether that be through participating in a full scale ballet production such as our production of Clara and the Land of Sweets: A Nutcracker Story, taking dance classes, through music, or painting. Together with Pinot's Palette-Lawrence, we will be putting on our first ever kid's painting party right here at Sunflower State Dance! We will also be celebrating fall and Halloween with these fun and festive paintings that instructors from Pinot's Palette will guide everyone through to create their very own masterpiece to take home!

Check out the paintings we will be doing below. Click the picture to sign up! Spots are limited so don't delay in signing up. 

Both classes will be at Sunflower State Dance on Saturday, October 21. All supplies are included!

Rain-bow Jack-o-lantern

Ages 5-10 years old

@1:00-2:30pm 

Fairy-tale Harvest

Ages 11+

@3:00-5:00pm

All area children are invited to participate. You need not be a student at Sunflower State Dance to participate.

We hope to continue to partner with Pinot's Palette-Lawrence more throughout the year if there is more interest! 

Sunflower State Dance     104 W 20th Street Suite 4 Eudora, KS 66025   785-690-7200

Eudora Trunk Or Treat

Hope to see you there!

Sunflower State Dance in the Discover Eudora Magazine

Discover Eudora Magazine 

Sunflower State Dance was featured in the Discover Eudora summer/fall 2016 magazine! Community is a huge part of why we teach dance to area youth. Check out this article that features dancers from Sunflower State Dance.

The arts bring together people from all different backgrounds to share and enjoy each others creativity. Even if you are not an artist, you can always be an art supporter!

check it out online at https://issuu.com/sunflower_publishing/docs/de16sufa