Rutledge, Verdoes attend JFK annual convention

Melissa Rutledge and Mallory Verdoes attended the 2018 Just For Kix Annual Convention with more than 170 Just For Kix Youth program directors from Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Florida and South Dakota. The 2018 Directors Convention was June 24-26 at Forestview Middle School and The Legacy at Cragun’s Resort.

Rutledge has been the Marshall Just For Kix director for three years and will start her fourth season Sept. 4.

“This year’s convention was full of great information on culture, dancer specific workouts, fun choreography, and a sneak peek at digital dance! I can’t wait for the dance season to start to be able to share all of it with the Marshall area dancers! The next season we have added some new classes to include tap, ballet for younger and older dancers, strength/technique/stretching, jazz class for kindergarten and first-graders, and some special session classes,” Rutledge said.

The convention offered multiple educational and programming classes to assist in furthering the director’s dance curriculum and sessions on resources for program development. One of the director favorites is learning choreography for the upcoming performance season. Classes offered included: hip hop, jazz, kick, lyrical, and ballet.

Julie Davidge, the Just For Kix Youth programs manager, said that “Directors Convention is a highlight of our year. The collaboration that happens between our directors over the days we spend together is inspiring. Our directors immerse themselves in dance and focus on improving technique, new choreography, motivational skills and ideas for curriculum enrichment. At the end of the day everyone leaves inspired and ready to take on the new season.”