Dance Outside The Box

Empowering Communities Through Dance

Communities Serving

Experience the healing power of LaBlast dance fitness to relieve stress and PTSD.

ACTIVE AGING

When talking about the active aging community, we refer to seniors (or the 50+) population. Many within this population have fear of losing their mental abilities to Alzheimers and/or Dementia. Many doctors, therapists and medical specialists have promoted and supported dancing, particularly social Ballroom dancing, as one of the best ways to retain an active lifestyle while engaging the brain and physical body to stay healthy. When Louis van Amstel appeared on Doctor Oz’s nationally syndicated daytime talk show to promote his Dance fitness company LaBlast(r), Dr Oz explained to him why he is such an advocate for dance fitness. The directional changes employed while dancing trigger activity in parts of the brain that help prevent Alzheimers and Dementia. Another benefit is that social Ballroom dance fitness is one of the safest dance fitness formats, since it is done in a vertical manner. After certifying people in Ballroom dance fitness it is our goal to have these certified instructors teach daily dance fitness classes within the active aging communities. Funding for the active aging community will help having and enjoying a full, and active, life at any age.

FOSTER CARE

Louis Van Amstel has adopted two, 10-year old children from the foster care system in Colorado and Nevada.. It comes as no surprise to see him advocate for foster children. Many kids from foster care are not as lucky to be adopted and will sadly age out of the system when they turn 18. It is our mission to help and guide these former foster care teenagers into successful young adults earning a livable wage. DOTB has multiple intentions to use funding to help this community. First and foremost, our assigned dance fitness specialists will certify former foster care teenagers as dance fitness instructors who, under guidance of the fitness specialist, will start teaching dance fitness to kids within the foster care system and in local community centers, gyms, or dance fitness studios. Since the suicide rate among teenagers who age out of the foster care system is extremely high, it is our every intention to help these teens build meaningful careers in the fitness industry. We will also certify people who are not affiliated with the foster care system, but are passionate about, and would like to teach, kids within the foster care system.

Dance Outside the Box (DOTB) supports police officers and firefighters in managing and recovering from the intense stress and trauma they face in their line of duty. Through a partnerless ballroom dance format, DOTB provides a constructive, therapeutic space for first responders to physically and emotionally release the strain of high-stakes environments. These rhythmic movements strengthen body awareness and rebuild the mind-body connection, offering a path toward alleviating trauma's effects on both body and mind. DOTB classes bring together first responders in a community setting where they can find kinship and mutual support among those who understand their unique challenges. Dance sessions are specifically structured to release endorphins, lowering symptoms of PTSD, reducing anxiety, and promoting emotional stability. Through dance, police officers and firefighters can manage stress in a restorative way, gaining renewed mental and physical strength for both their professional responsibilities and personal lives. DOTB is dedicated to helping first responders find peace, resilience, and balance, making movement a core part of their well-being.

FIRE & POLICE

VETERANS

PHYSICAL DISABILITY

VIOLENCE SURVIVORS

SPECIAL NEEDS

For veterans, Dance Outside the Box (DOTB) introduces a unique approach to processing and alleviating the effects of service-related trauma through ballroom dance fitness. The partnerless format provides a safe, structured way to reconnect with the body, helping veterans release tension and regain emotional balance. This rhythmic movement encourages veterans to re-establish coordination, focus, and mental resilience, which are essential for counteracting the impacts of combat stress. DOTB classes also offer a supportive space for camaraderie, connecting veterans with others who understand the unique challenges of service. These dance-based exercises foster a sense of control and self-assurance, relieving symptoms of PTSD, such as hyper-vigilance, through natural endorphin release. Beyond physical benefits, DOTB equips veterans with a valuable tool for managing stress, restoring mental clarity, and building resilience. DOTB is committed to helping veterans find joy, strength, and healing on their journey toward reintegration and recovery..

DOTB would like to support those living with physical disabilities by focusing on their abilities. Social Ballroom dance fitness can be taught to chair-bound populations and adapted to make anyone feel able and successful at a form of physical activity. And, the tremendous social and mental health benefits of a community-based fitness program are also worth mentioning. DOTB commits to finding and certifying group fitness instructors interested and dedicated to teaching this population.

Dance Outside the Box (DOTB) provides a compassionate and empowering space for violence survivors to heal through the art of ballroom dance fitness. This partnerless approach encourages survivors to re-establish a sense of control and comfort in their bodies, releasing the built-up tension and trauma that may linger after traumatic experiences. With each movement, participants regain physical strength, balance, and a deeper connection to themselves, crucial steps in rebuilding confidence. In DOTB, survivors find a community of peers who share similar journeys, offering mutual support and understanding. The rhythmic, structured exercise helps lower anxiety and PTSD symptoms, as dance routines naturally release endorphins that aid in reducing stress. These sessions offer a restorative outlet, promoting clarity and resilience for moving forward. DOTB is dedicated to empowering survivors to reclaim joy, peace, and personal strength, making movement a foundation for recovery.

As the Dance Ambassador for the Special Olympics, Louis van Amstel is very passionate about developing opportunities for those with an intellectual disability, such as Autism, Down Syndrome, or any other mental limitation. Aligned with the mission of Special Olympics International, DOTB also believes in inclusivity and opportunity for all. Through funding, our goal dance fitness, who will then teach the class to those with intellectual disabilities on a weekly basis. While this is a huge benefit for the participants’ social and mental health, it can also earn them the opportunity to qualify and participate as DanceSport athlete during local, regional, and national competitions… and potentially the Special Olympics World Games!

People with a chronic illness have a long-lasting disease or condition that requires ongoing care. Chronic illnesses can impact your physical health, mental well-being, and daily life. Whether it is c Cancer, Diabetes, Cystic Fibrosis, HIV and Aids, COPD, Heart Disease, or any other chronic illness, those affected by the above- mentioned chronic illnesses are all in need of more activity in their daily lives to control their illness, diminish symptoms and side effects, or work towards curing their conditions. The joy of dancing to music, with the workout being in disguise, offers people in this target group physical, mental and emotional benefits.

CHRONIC ILLNESS

Empowerment Gallery

Explore the transformative power of LaBlast dance fitness in our gallery.

Dance Outside the Box has truly changed my life. I feel more confident and happy.

Sara S.

I never knew dancing could have such a positive impact on my mental health. Thank you!

John D.

★★★★★

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