Over 150 Just For Kix youth program directors from Minnesota, North Dakota, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Colorado and South Dakota attended the 2011 Directors Convention held at the Just For Kix Baxter Dance Studios and The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes from Aug. 7 to 9.

“This year our Directors Convention paid tribute to how the teaching and talents of our directors allow youth to achieve and create life stories,” said Clough. “Our directors give so much of their time to teaching, we needed to remind them how their teaching empowers others and inspires youth to work towards outstanding performance,” she explained.

The convention also highlighted the 30th anniversary of Just For Kix and offered multiple educational and programming classes to assist in furthering the director’s dance curriculum knowledge and sessions on resources for program development. The convention also showcased a fashion show, including over 40 local youth, who model the upcoming Just For Kix season’s uniforms. This year’s show included 70 uniform options.

Julie Davidge, the Just For Kix youth programs manager said the overall experience allows for the directors to come to Brainerd to collaborate and engage with the Just For Kix home office staff. “Bringing all of our directors to Brainerd is a highlight of our year. Not only do we take care of business for the upcoming season, but I know many love to come to enjoy the beautiful lakes area,” Davidge said.

For 27 years, Just For Kix has held a Directors Convention. Just For Kix orchestrates youth dance programs in 10 states at nearly 200 locations engaging over 20,000 youth dancers. Specific to Minnesota, 10,730 metro and out-state Minnesota youth are enrolled in Just For Kix Programs, which employ 105 Minnesota-based Just For Kix directors alone who teach and orchestrate the programs.

Aimee Struck is the local Just For Kix Director. She was recognized and awarded a gift at this years’ banquet for 15 years of service with the Albert Lea program. “I am so thankful to have a job that allows me to do what I love and teach so many wonderful kids,” Struck said.