LAPLACE — More than 17 years of experience in dance taught Nytoga Henderson of LaPlace that movement and music command attention and spread a message in ways words can’t.

Henderson serves as the instructor for the ReBirth Center’s inaugural Push Dance Camp, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. June 25-29 at 625 Woodland Drive in LaPlace.

Free and open to the public, the camp teaches the fundamentals of dance to girls ages 5 to 17, focusing on dance styles and technique ranging from liturgical to ballet and hip-hop. No formal dance experience is required.

A performance will be held for family members on the last day of camp.

Much of Henderson’s dance background is within the church, and she said liturgical dance is powerful and encouraging.

“From my experience, I’ve learned that a person might not necessarily listen to a pastor’s preaching, but they will pay attention to a person who’s dancing,” Henderson said.

“This year, our theme is ‘We’re Going In’ to represent going in-depth into what dance is and how dance can change the mindset of a person by bringing a story to life.”

Each child will be served a hot meal daily to continue a tradition that started in Vacation Bible School last summer.

“We’ve come to realize that during the summer, parents work, so children aren’t necessarily getting a hot meal,” Henderson said. “A lot of children who came to our Vacation Bible School came for the meal, and they were very grateful for that.”

The ReBirth Center reaches out to local youth whenever possible, and Henderson said part of the church’s mission is to organize community events each month.

Dance is the theme for June, inspired by Henderson’s skill set.

July signals the second annual vacation bible school and youth rally, highlighted by a school supply giveaway and a prayer for children embarking on the next academic year. A back-to-school dance takes place in August, and September marks a family Fall Fest.

“We know that our youth are our future and our ‘now,’ so it’s very important to us to keep them occupied,” Henderson said. “Every chance we get, we try to impact them.”

To register for Camp Push, text or call Henderson at 985-210-1312 or email teamrebirth@gmail.com.