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 Carmel, Indiana non profit: Benefits of Learning Dance Inc (BOLD).
That coupled with volunteer opportunities for youth of all ages to also have a chance to help others aligns with the mission of Helping Ninjas to inspire youth to help others and our planet, and provide opportunities to do so.
BOLD is a Carmel not-for-profit that turns joy into something real, giving the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community the chance to learn ballroom dance, build confidence, and connect through movement.
I have joined with six fellow friends and classmates to start a fundraising initiative: TEENS FOR BOLD. Myself, Leo Berry and founder, Remy Hollingsworth along with HC Wang, Ethan Morgel, Benny Winger, Knox Leimer.
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.
I’m supporting BOLD because I saw first hand how dance can bring joy, confidence, and connection to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I want to help raise money so more participants can experience the benefits of ballroom dance, therapy, social interaction, and performance opportunities.
BOLD’s founder, Sean Gehlhausen, has the long-term goal of getting ballroom dance officially recognized and state-funded as a therapeutic physical activity, like equestrian riding is for therapy. [1]
Remy Hollingsworth decided to start Teens For Bold to help being inspired upon volunteering at BOLD: “Some of the people closest to me have IDD. 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.”
As classmates and friends we are collectively working together to on a this fundraising initiative: TEENS FOR BOLD.
We invite you to help us help BOLD by donating!
Teens For Bold Leadership Team:
What is BOLD? 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.
Instruction in ballroom dance movements and techniques
Engagement in regular opportunities to practice dance through organized social dancing sessionsEngagement in regular opportunities to practice dance through organized social dancing sessions
Performances of choreographed group dance formations at dance workshops and events
Improves the health and wellness of BOLD participants.
How Can I Donate?
Donate any dollar amount and help us reach our goal of $10,000 to benefit BOLD, Inc.
100 % of your donation will go to BOLD.
Click here to donate on Zeffy.
Click to donate: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/teens-for-bold
Helping Ninjas joins efforts to help. For just $1.00 you can help us help others through BOLD. Purchase the Helping Ninja emoji sticker App now thru the end of May 2026 and all proceeds will be donated to TEEN FOR BOLD fundraiser.
ClicK Here TO BE DIRECTED TO THE APPLE APP Store to purchase Helping Ninja Sticker App and help TEENS FOR BOLD.
HOW YOUR DONATION WILL HELP BOLD:
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.
Teens For Bold Goal is to sponsor a table at the 2026 BOLD Dance Celebration!
Learn more about the celebration here.
MORE ABOUT BOLD
“It is my passion to share the joy, hope, and healing that comes from learning to dance.” ~ Sean Gehlhausen, BOLD Founder and President
FOLLOW BOLD FOR TEENS ON INSTAGRAM
CLICK HERE: BOLD FOR TEENS ON INSTAGRAM:
