Nonprofit Spotlight: Benefits of Learning Dance (BOLD)

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

Mission Statement:

To provide physical and recreational therapy, social interaction, and music engagement to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or impairments through: 1) instruction in ballroom dance movements and techniques, 2) engagement in regular opportunities to practice dance through organized social dancing sessions, and 3) performances of choreographed group dance formations at dance workshops and events. This approach has the potential to improve the health and wellness of BOLD participants.

Benefits of Learning Dance Inc. (BOLD) is a nonprofit organization that welcomes all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience the therapeutic benefits of ballroom dance. Through learning partner dancing, BOLD empowers participants to discover the abilities they truly possess, maximizing their potential for wellness and contributing to their quality of life.

“Many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities do not get enough physical activity, mental stimulation, or social interaction. BOLD seeks to address these needs in the Central Indiana special-needs and disabilities community through the modality of ballroom dance. Dance is easily adapted for all people across the spectrum of physical and cognitive ability. Numerous studies have shown that, in addition to improving cognitive performance and emotional well-being, dance significantly improves muscular strength, endurance, balance, and other aspects of functional fitness. Dance also fosters social connections, boosts confidence, and provides a creative outlet for selfexpression. Additionally, ballroom dancing can be a fun and enjoyable way to relieve stress and engage in a form of artistic and rhythmic expression,” shares President and CEO Sean Gehlhausen.

BOLD serves the special-needs and disabilities community of Central Indiana. “Our current participants and volunteers live in Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, and Putnam counties. Our special-needs participants range from ages 14 to 44, and our volunteers up to age 86.”

BOLD currently offers group dance classes at Carmel Ballroom Dance Studio (111 Medical Drive, Carmel) three times per week and is working to expand these offerings in 2025. New dance participants and volunteers are always welcome. No experience is needed. Contact us at www.bolddance.org, www.facebook. com/5678bolddance.

TESTIMONIALS:

Alden has been a BOLD dancer for over four years. His favorite dance styles are rumba and tango. According to his mom, Kiersten: “BOLD is one of my son’s favorite activities. As for myself, it has become my ‘third place.’ A third place is a familiar public spot where you regularly connect with others, known and unknown, over a shared interest or activity. I feel comforted here, understood, and supported. I love that BOLD keeps my special-needs adult in good shape. His posture has improved, his overall stature—walking, awareness of his surroundings, thought processes—everything has improved due to BOLD. It is the best physical activity because he isn’t sitting on the bench or standing around. He dances and concentrates almost the entire time.”

Erin and her mom, Theresa, have been involved with BOLD for a year. Theresa not only helps as Erin’s dance partner, but she also volunteers to dance with other BOLD dancers at classes, performances, and parties. Theresa shares: “Erin and I love music and dance. First, this experience has been fun and is something we can enjoy together. There are many benefits, socially, intellectually, and physically. Erin enjoys performing, and she loves meeting new people. She must learn and memorize the steps for all the ballroom dances and for the performances. We sometimes practice together at home, but she also practices in her room with the BOLD videos on Facebook. Her posture and balance have improved since joining the group, and she has made new friends. My favorite part of being involved with BOLD is, of course, the dancing. However, I also like being involved with a community that gives my daughter and others with special needs the opportunity to socialize and have fun.”

Taylor has been a BOLD dancer for three years. Her favorite dance styles are salsa and tango. In her time with BOLD, Taylor has taken on the challenge of learning both the lead and the follow roles on the dance floor. According to Taylor: “The biggest impact that BOLD has made in my life is my mental health. I have noticed a huge change in my mood since joining BOLD. I have gained a lot more confidence. My favorite part about being involved with BOLD is the friends that I’ve made over the years. Sean is amazing and has helped me a lot with feeling accepted.”