Creating Safer Dance Communities
Creating Safer Dance Communities
The mission of YPAD™ is to bring awareness to and provide resources for one essential priority: the safety and health of dance students. We believe dancer well-being is the cornerstone of the industry.
Personal Growth & Professional Development Opportunities for:
parents
educators
studio owners
events
YPAD™'s position as an educational association is intended to help leaders to build greater capacity for safeguarding. According to the U.N., capacity-building is defined as developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, abilities, processes, and resources organizations need to thrive in a fast-changing world.
In other words, we want to help you make room for learning and growth when it comes to developing a safer and healthier dance environment that protects kids from harm and empowers them with confidence.
Professionals Agree: Safeguarding Is Important
Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi, DPT, CFMT, CIDN
Director of Therapy Services
Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation
“We know we can have the biggest impact through educators because they are in the trenches of daily class, rehearsal, and performance with young dancers.”
Tricia Gomez
Rhythm Works Integrative Dance
The Intellidance Method
“If every educator had this information, we would be well on our way to setting self-guided, industry standards that are on par with schools and other child-centered activities. ”
Dr. Addie Briggs, MD
Founder
Fitness DAWGS
“As a pediatrician, I have long advocated for healthy kids. Safe movement is so important to their growing bodies and they need teachers who can show them the way forward patiently. ”
WHAT YPAD™ IS
YPAD™ exists to help create optimal environments in dance for all participants by bringing the foundations of health and safety topics to the dance community. Our extensive resources, including certification, were developed by educators and subject matter experts to support implementing best practices in all areas of dance education.
WHAT YPAD™ IS NOT
YPAD™ is not a regulatory body, nor is it a master-level training. YPAD™ is not a crisis or support group, nor does it offer its own emergency hotline or services. YPAD™ does not police individuals, studios, or events, nor is it in the scope of our practice to provide legal, medical, or therapeutic services.
IS YPAD™ RIGHT FOR YOU?
YPAD™ is right for you if you are a part of the dance industry and want to increase your safeguarding capacity-building, including best practices for training, classroom safety, emergency readiness, abuse prevention, injury reduction, dancer mental strength, communication, conflict resolution, and artistic integrity.
Awareness in education can help raise the standard of dancer well-being, and YPAD™ is here to help you pursue it.
Become a Member
Every Studio Membership includes a bundle of courses including the Studio Owner Certification Course, and unlimited Teacher and Admin Courses!
Become an Individual Member and gain access to our Educator Course and a variety of resources.
Erika Hogan, MS, Health & Physical Education
Dance Educator & Studio Owner
"I started with YPAD™ education, and now work with the association as a coach to help others to bring best practices to their classrooms."
The health and safety of dance students require a bold commitment to voluntarily raise your hand and say, "Yes, this is a priority."
Mark Yonally
Chicago Tap Theatre
"Chicago Tap Theatre believes that dance students deserve well-trained teachers who understand dance education is more than steps. Chicago Tap Theatre is proud to stand with YPAD™ in believing that the dance field is ready to take the next step and that a common set of standards is a great place to start!"
Brianna Chin Brown
Dance Educator, NJ
“As a dancer and dance teacher, I’ve taken a lot of training over the years for my role at the studio. Out of everything I've learned, I have to say that the information I have received from YPAD™ has been the most important. Because of what I've learned through YPAD™, I am confident I am making the best choices for my students."
Jill Williams
Studio Owner, Calgary
"YPAD™ is the leading industry education that all studio owners need to invest in. One of my greatest sources of pride as a studio owner is hearing my studio families talk about their pride in the distinction of our YPAD™ ethos, as it shows that it absolutely matters and forever will."
Kelly Peterson
guiDANCE Experience
“YPAD™ has brought so much value into the dance industry by helping kids stay safe, encouraging community, self-accountability, and awareness. YPAD™ gives anyone working in the dance industry clear priorities to develop this next generation of dancers. Through educational opportunities, YPAD™ is leading the way for the betterment of all involved in the dance industry. ”
"My research team has collaborated with YPAD™ on a number of research projects examining factors that contribute to injury among dancers. We’ve been lucky to partner with a group that’s so committed to generating new knowledge that will improve the health and safety of young dancers, not only now, but also in the future. As an organization, YPAD™ sets such a great example for what it means to be purpose-driven."
Thomas Gus Almonroeder, PT, DPT, PhD · Trine University
Professional Development & Research
YPAD™ is proud to work with the following organizations
YPAD™ is a proud member of IADMS
YPAD™ Certified Studio owner Misty Lown is a co-author of a pilot study on ballet safety published in the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science.
YPAD™ is based in the United States. Though the education presented here is built upon U.S. standards, YPAD™ recognizes that there may be different standards in other cultures and countries across the globe. It is important to refer to the governance of your home country, state, province, or city to ensure consistent, legal compliance with the appropriate local regulations.
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Youth Protection Association for Dance™ is a division of YPAD, LLC