Miss Rachel Is Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Certified
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.
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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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Sunflower State Dance becomes first area dance studio to earn safety certification
Sunflower State Dance has become the first dance studio in the region to achieve Youth Protection Advocates in Dance certification. The certification marks its commitment to keeping kids happy, healthy and safe in dance.
Sunflower State Dance has become the first dance studio in the region to achieve Youth Protection Advocates in Dance certification. The certification marks its commitment to keeping kids happy, healthy and safe in dance.
YPAD is the nation’s only dance certification program focusing on both safety and wellness for dance students. To earn the designation, studios must complete two training tracks. The first track centers on dance safety and educational best practices. It focuses on background checks, CPR and First Aid, abuse awareness and prevention, injury prevention and response, and safety and emergency preparedness. The second focuses on the wellness and development of youth dancers and covers social media, social media safety, today’s dance culture, developmentally appropriate artistry, body image, nutrition, disordered eating, bullying, and conflict resolution. Only studios that complete both tracks are eligible for certification.
“We are so excited to become a YPAD certified studio. After completing the program myself earlier this year, I knew I wanted all of the staff at Sunflower State Dance to become certified because the modules are so informative and really exemplifies what vision I have for our studio. At Sunflower State Dance we already had a strong passion for providing dance that was always age appropriate in choreography, music, and costuming, but YPAD helped make our beliefs even more concrete and gave us all more knowledge and empowerment to put behind those beliefs,” said studio owner Rachel Weitekamp. “We want to help develop healthy, happy dancers with an environment that focuses on the well-being of kids. Of course, this also helps us contribute to a sustainable, safe future for dance overall.”
Sunflower State Dance was founded in 2015, after serving the community as Amanda’s Dance Academy for many years prior. Sunflower State Dance teaches dance to children from preschool all the way through high school. Sunflower State Dance has teachers passionate about sharing their love of dance through many different styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hiphop, and pointe.
YPAD was founded in Los Angeles in 2012 by hip hop professional Leslie Scott Zanovitch and her husband Joseph Zanovitch as a response to negative trends toward commodifying and exploiting youth and adults in performing arts. In 2014, industry professional Misty Lown became its visionary sponsor. YPAD leadership transitioned to Lown in 2019. The Zanovitches today continue to serve on YPAD’s advisory panel.
