Science says
Dance is
the answer.
The data is in. Dancing, more than any other physical activity, improves cognitive function, happiness and overall wellbeing. We bring it to the people who need it most.
Our mission
Fighting mental illness with the power of dance.
Dance Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps people of all ages, abilities and socio-economic levels improve their mental wellness through dance.
What we do
Free community dance classes
We train and compensate instructors to bring Dance for Wellness™ classes to community centers and retirement communities.
Science-based program design
Every class uses dual-tasking — movement combined with cognitive engagement.
Advocacy and awareness
Working toward insurance coverage of dance as a recognized therapeutic intervention.
Core beliefs
01
Dance is essential to wellness.
It offers unique benefits for brain health and mental wellbeing.
02
Dance should be for everyone.
Accessible and inclusive, regardless of financial means or physical ability.
03
Dance is science-backed.
A transformative tool for health, and we’re committed to raising awareness of its full potential.
The challenge
Kids and adults in our communities are struggling.
Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
1 in 5
adults live with a mental illness
1 in 6
16–17 year olds experience a mental health disorder each year
50%
of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14
46,000
people died by suicide in America in 2020
1 in 25
Americans live with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
40% higher
risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease for people with depression
Every 11 min
someone in America dies by suicide
2x
more likely to drop out: high school students with symptoms of depression
2nd
leading cause of death among 10–14 year olds is suicide
Give today
Make dance a go-to for mental wellness.
Your gift helps us:
Build classes rooted in science. Every session uses dual-tasking — movement combined with cognitive engagement.
Fund teachers in the community. Classes in community centers, retirement communities and local studios, where rates of depression, anxiety, dementia and Alzheimer’s are highest.
Advocate for coverage. Insurance coverage of dance lessons as a recognized therapeutic intervention.
Why dance
A studio is an oasis. The community is a safe haven.
Dopamine
Released when listening to joyful music.
Oxytocin
Released when dancing with others.
Serotonin
From a sense of meaning and connection.
Endorphins
From moving the body and breaking a sweat.
In their words
How has dance changed your life?
“Dance is escapism”
A way to express things I cannot put into words. A technical challenge, good exercise for my mind and body, and a wonderful way to connect with others.
Anonymous
“Happiest hours”
Some of the happiest hours my husband and I have spent together have been when we were dancing — and I discovered a whole group of friends because of it.
Anonymous
“Who I am”
Dance is my prayer in movement. It involves me as a whole person: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
Anonymous
Our reels
See classes in motion.
Where the body moves,
the soul heals.
A 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit, EIN 81-3929117. 100% of proceeds support the mission.