Lawrence Lady Boss | RACHEL WEITKAMP
LADY BOSS PROFILE
Meet Rachel Weitekamp, the owner and director of Sunflower State Dance. Located in Eudora, Sunflower State Dance is your local dance studio providing children's dance classes with classes starting at age 3 with preschool dance classes, school aged dance classes, and performing company classes.
Do you have any advice for those admiring your career field?
Make sure your heart is in it fully. Small businesses take time, dedication, and a whole lot of work.
What is the way to your heart?
Animals! I am a huge animal lover. I have a cat and recently rescued a little dog. I also enjoy helping my friends raise baby goats.
What is your favorite thing about Lawrence?
I love how Lawrence and Douglas County are so eclectic. There is truly something for everyone here. My favorites are all the local restaurants and all the different forms of art you can find here!
What sets your business apart from others in the same field?
My biggest goal is to create a family friendly environment for all ages in everything including costuming, music, and choreography. I am always asking myself "would grandparents in the audience feel that this is appropriate?". If the answer is no, then it needs to be changed.
In addition all of our instructors starting this year will be certified with Youth Protective Advocates in Dance (YPAD). This is an in depth training which covers injury prevention and response, developmentally appropriate artistry, risk management, bullying prevention and response, nutrition and body image, as well as required CPR and first aid certifications. We are the first studio in the area to be YPAD certified!
Has your business been impacted by COVID-19?
Absolutely. Even with transitioning to virtual classes the impact has been huge. The biggest thing we are doing now is providing the safest environment we can and offering different options to meet everyone's needs and making people feel as comfortable as possible with whatever they choose. We have in person classes as well as the option to Zoom into the class to attend virtually. We also do private lessons.
When does your next season start?
August 10 and we still have spots available! I'd love to answer any questions you have or give you a tour of the studio. Check out our website for more information and to send us a message.
To follow Rachel like Sunflower State Dance on Facebook and follow @sunflowerstatedance on Instagram. Visit Rachel on the web at www.sunflowerstatedance.com.