https://www.ypadnow.com

YPAD™ was initially created as an instructional and certification program, as part of a non-profit called EDIFY Movement, and its acronym stood for Youth Protection Advocates in Dance®. The program was founded by professional dancer, Leslie Scott Zanovitch, and a group of passionate advocates, in 2012. In 2018, the founder and board asked longtime supporter and original YPAD™ Certified Studio owner Misty Lown to acquire the program as it was not sustainable in the non-profit model. Misty acquired and updated the course in 2019 to create more accessible access to education and certification options.

By 2022, the needs of the industry had changed. It was time for a stronger standard and fresh direction for YPAD™. With the help of seasoned dance, health, and safety professionals, the existing business and original courses were retired. A brand new YPAD™ was created. Instructional designers, writers, and researchers were engaged, and a new company was formed along with a new identity:

Youth Protection Association for Dance™. This new name was chosen to reflect that YPAD™ is a group organized with a common purpose–safeguarding dancers and empowering confident adults.

• YPAD™ believes an education in safeguarding capacity-building should be available to everyone.

• YPAD™ engages in research to develop best practices in dancer health and safety.

• YPAD™ certifies dance studios and events by offering an earned designation that requires specific standards.

• YPAD™ connects like-minded individuals who want to prioritize safeguarding students in dance.