Welcome to Atkinson Dance Academy!
At Atkinson Dance Academy, we believe that practice makes progress; and strength, self-awareness, and confidence are gained through the JOY and POWER of DANCE! We dance to EXPRESS, not impress ♥️
We offer recreational dance classes in Ballet, Creative, Jazz, Pom, and Tap. Each dancer is encouraged to progress at their own pace. Studying ballet may progress other dance forms more quickly, is a great starting place for beginners of all ages, and is a great supplemental class to all disciplines! Dance is a creative expression but also teaches self-discipline, determination, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
New dance seasons begin every fall (Aug/Sept), and we end the season with a spring recital for families, friends, and community members to attend. We can’t wait for you to join our dance family!
Extra Extra, Read All About It!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/26/2020
Contact:
Karlee Schrunk, Studio Owner
303-947-1305
atkinsondanceacademy@gmail.com
Atkinson Dance Academy becomes first area dance studio
to earn safety certification
Atkinson Dance Academy has become the first dance studio in Nebraska to achieve the 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 want to do more than just teach great dance at Atkinson Dance Academy,” said studio owner, Karlee Schrunk. “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.”
Atkinson Dance Academy is located in Atkinson, Nebraska and has served nearly 100 area families since 2017. Atkinson Dance Academy currently offers Creative Movement, Ballet, Jazz, Pom, and Technique classes for ages three and up. Studio owner, Karlee Schrunk began taking ballet classes at age five, was a member of her high school dance teams, received a minor in dance from the University of Wyoming, and was a high school dance coach before moving to Nebraska in 2015.
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, and her More Than Just Great Dancing affiliation program became YPAD’s first certified organization. Lown’s studio, Misty’s Dance Unlimited, also became YPAD’s first certified dance studio. YPAD leadership transitioned to Lown in 2019. The Zanovitches today continue to serve on YPAD’s advisory panel.
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