Seven Stettler and area dancers are headed to Palm Springs in July after they received a full tuition scholarship.
“The dancers will attend the YPAD 360° Dance Festival,” said dance instructor Rhonda Gillrie who owns Danceology in Stettler. “It is the first Certified Dance Convention.”
Gillrie added that the dancers will make new friends, create a community and enhance their dance skills.
“This will be an event to inspire the whole dancer.”
Danceology is on the leading edge of Youth Protection Advocates in Dance (YPAD) certification.
“All certified studios must adhere to a strict code of ethics,” said Gillrie. “Song and movement choices, along with costuming and the overall wellbeing of the dancer within the studio are at the forefront of all YPAD certified studios.”
According to YPAD’s website, certification is backed by specialists, facts and evidence-based research on the emotional, physical and sexual safety of youth in all dance environments, including competitions, conventions and social media.
YPAD studios aim to “empower their communities through education and advocacy to keep youth happy, healthy and safe in dance.”