CBI Spends 10 Minutes on the Line with Louis Van Amstel
Wed, November 30, 2011 at 12:33 | Mia Coen What has your experience been like as a dancer, choreographer, and coach on Dancing with the Stars? How would you characterize the dance fitness movement in the U.S? How did you develop your new dance fitness program, LaBlast?
I was the first dancer hired on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve combined my lifelong passion and training in dance with being on one of the most popular TV shows in the world. Ballroom dancing has a huge global fan base, and DWTS has been able to introduce it to millions of viewers, and deliver it in an entertaining way that appeals to a broad audience. Being a dancer, choreographer, and coach on the show has allowed me to share my passion with others and introduce the joys of ballroom dancing to the world.
I think the show has had a significant impact on American culture, too. There’s the dance aspect, but also the assortment of cast members—mixed professionals and celebrities with different body types and personalities. It’s definitely inspired a trend. In fact, after Season Two, we saw a 20% increase in the number of people going to dance studios. I think it’s because dancing is such a fun workout—and before you know it, you’re dripping sweat. My most memorable experience was Season Nine with Kelly Osbourne. Not only did she lose weight from training and dancing with me, but she completely changed her lifestyle. She’s living proof that anyone can dance, and that anyone can change their life.
Dance fitness is a unique concept because it has universal appeal to both young and old, and it’s accessible to anyone, regardless of what physical condition they’re in. It’s a comprehensive form of movement, and one of the best ways to stay in shape, lose weight, and stay healthy in both mind and body. Dance—specifically ballroom dance—brings out a sexiness and romance that has been missing from our culture for decades. I think that dance is also timeless—it’s been part of cultural trends around the world for centuries. And, because it provides such pleasure to those who indulge in it, I would expect it will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.
After Season Two of DWTS, my partner, actress Lisa Rinna, asked me to create a dance program that she could do on tour, so that she could continue her progress and improve her skill. This also came at a time when obesity was named our society’s No. 1 disease. So, a dance fitness program that was accessible to the masses was in high demand. After Season 13, it was only logical to tap into this market to launch LaBlast—a routine that’s both fun and effective, but also a workout in disguise.
LaBlast is a one-hour cardio dance fitness session incorporating elements from several dance forms, including Latin dance, disco, jive, and quickstep. Sometimes, you can use light weights for additional muscle tone. But it doesn’t just have physical benefits—it has emotional benefits as well. It allows you to take a break from reality and lose your inhibitions in movement.
I’m very excited about my partnership with Crunch Fitness, whose parent company, New Evolution Ventures (NeV), is rolling out LaBlast to fitness facilities domestically and internationally. LaBlast offers select teacher-training classes for any location that carries the program, and includes a comprehensive training guide and original music to fit the dance styles I teach. I’m pleased to announce that over 40 clubs are currently offering LaBlast, and we expect over 100 clubs to have rolled out the program by next month.
Louis van Amstel, a three-time world dance champion and Emmy-nominated choreographer, is best known for his role on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. He’s the creator of the LaBlast fitness program, which was recently introduced by Crunch.
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