Youth Protection Advocates in Dance
Safer Studio
Texarkana Dance Academy 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.
Every staff and faculty member at TDA must pass a background check before they can be employed.
We follow the More Than Just Great Dancing Safer Studio Guidelines.
TDA is a proud More Than Just Great Dancing affiliated studio. Through MTJGD we provide professional development opportunities to our staff and faculty.
To learn more about Youth Protection Advocates in Dance visit