By Leo Berry

I believe that we each have a responsibility to help each other. Especially those that can’t always help themselves, or have the means to do so. Helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience the therapeutic benefits of ballroom dance is the mission behind local non profit: Benefits of Learning Dance Inc (BOLD). That coupled with volunteer opportunities for others to help too -aligns with the mission of Helping Ninjas to inspire others to help others and our planet, and provide others with opportunities to do so. 

In efforts to help and provide an opportunity for others to help BOLD too, I have joined with six fellow friends and classmates to start a fundraiser: TEENS FOR BOLD 

TEENS FOR BOLD is a fundraiser for BOLD. 

What is BOLD?

BOLD is a Carmel nonprofit that turns that joy into something real, giving the IDD community the chance to learn ballroom dance, build confidence, and connect through movement.

BOLD FOR TEENS goal is to raise ten thousand dollars by the end of AUGUST 2026. Our team will donate the $10,000 to BOLD and sponsor a table at the BOLD Dance Gala on November 6th.

BOLD, inc

Based in Camel, BOLD, Inc. is a  registered nonprofit organization that teaches ballroom dance to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and it provides physical and recreational therapy, social interaction, and music engagement through:

• Instruction in ballroom dance movements and techniques
• Engagement in regular opportunities to practice dance through organized social dancing sessions
• Performances of choreographed group dance formations at dance workshops and events
• All of which has the potential to improve the health and wellness of BOLD participants.

Teens For Bold was founded by 16 year old Remy Hollingsworth to raise money for a cause he grew up with. Remi’s friend growing up had had down syndrome. Remy is joined by five friends from Carmel High School, HC Wang, Leo Berry, Ethan Morgel, Benny Winger, and Knox Leimer -collectively working together to raise funds for BOLD.

“Some of the people closest to us have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The first time we watched a BOLD Dance session, you could just see it on their faces. Pure joy. Like nothing else in the world mattered.”

Remy Hollingsworth

How Can I Donate?

LINK TO FUDNRAISER: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/teens-for-bold

Also, for only 99 cents — you can help! Purchase our Helping Ninja emoji now thru the end of May and all sales wi be donated towards TEEN FOR BOLDS fundraiser.

HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP BOLD:

Donations to BOLD are used in a variety of ways including:

Maintaining therapeutic ballroom dance instruction at low or no cost to participants.

Opportunities for BOLD participants to perform locally and around the state.

Subsidize the cost of performance attire for BOLD participants and volunteers.

Development and implementation of a volunteer training program focused both on ballroom dance instruction and on providing awareness and understanding of our population.

Development of a therapeutic ballroom dance curriculum designed specifically for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dance studio rental for group classes, dance parties, new choreography development, and events.

Operational costs such as supplies, technology fees, and insurance costs.

Celebration

“It is my passion to share the joy, hope, and healing that comes from learning to dance.”

~ Sean Gehlhausen, BOLD Founder and President

BOLD IN THE NEWS

“Gehlhausen says his goal is to make ballroom dancing a state funded physical therapy program, like equestrian riding.” 

Multiplying Good in Central Indiana through Ballroom Dance Article: https://www.wrtv.com/entertainment/inside-indy/multiplying-good-in-central-indiana-through-ballroom-dance

https://www.facebook.com/5678bolddance

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXmm7PakZ1i/?igsh=MXd5dTh0dHppNDExbg%3D%3D

MORE ABOUT BOLD

 

BOLD Dancers: Why & Who 

BOLD serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), because we believe in them and their vast potential.

Many individuals with IDD do not get enough physical activity, mental stimulation, or social interaction, all of which can lead to problems such as depression, mental decline, dementia, cardiovascular disease, pain, decreased mobility, and increased risk of falls.

When learning to dance, students learn more than just dance steps. They are learning to listen, comprehend, respond, and maintain focus.

This combination of intellectual stimulation and physical motion is the basis for BOLD and is the means by which participants develop skills that carry over into many aspects of their lives.

Benefits of Learning Dance

Numerous studies have demonstrated the many benefits of dance. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

Cognitive Benefits: Improved focus, attention, memory, and problem solving.

Physical Benefit: Improved mobility, range of motion, posture, balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and strength.

Emotional Benefits: Improved mood, self-expression, and self-esteem.

Social Benefits: Improved interpersonal interactions, teamwork, communication, and awareness of boundaries.

BOLD Approach to Learning

• Multiple Learning Opportunities: BOLD offers group classes, private lessons, and performance opportunities.
• Multiple Dance Styles: BOLD participants learn 8 styles of ballroom dance: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Swing, Hustle, and Salsa.
• Multiple Dance Steps: Participants learn at least 3 patterns within each dance style.
• Multiple Perspectives: Ballroom dance is unique in that it is a partnership style of dance. This requires participants to think about and cooperate with someone outside of themselves. Every dancer is encouraged to learn both the lead and follow roles.
• Multi-sensory Learning: Say it, see it, hear it, read it, write it, do it, repeat!