Dance yourself into shape
LaBlast program combines dancing with exercise for all ages
Participants rolled their shoulders, squatted low, then stretched to the sky as Celine Dion’s pulsating dance club anthem “Ashes” played in the background.
They were having fun and getting in shape at the same time.
The class, at Anytime Fitness in North Huntingdon, is officially called LaBlast, a unique exercise program developed by “Dancing With the Stars” professional dancer and three-time world ballroom dance grand champion Louis Van Amstel.
Instructor Laura Kretchek Johnson said Mr. Van Amstel developed the exercise program to make ballroom dancing accessible to everyone.
“LaBlast includes moves from every dance you see on “Dancing With the Stars,” except it’s partner-free,” she said. “Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional dancer, LaBlastis the class for you.”
LaBlast incorporates moves from the cha-cha, disco, tango, salsa, East and West Coast
swing, the rumba, the Charleston and ballroom jive, among others, Ms. Kretchek Johnson pointed out.
The moves can be adapted for those with with physical limitations.
The youngest in a class held Oct. 18 was 20 years old; the oldest, 75. The dancers who were in a separate senior citizen class of 55 people ranged in age from 65 to 91.
Dee and Gary Heckler of North Huntingdon have been coming since the classes started in March 2013.
“I’ve always liked to dance,’’ Mrs. Heckler said. But, she added, that while she never enjoyed exercise, LaBlast is “so much fun you don’t realize you’re exercising.”
“We participate on our own individual ability. It’s fun and beneficial to our health.”
Mr. Heckler said he actually prefers to dance alone.
“You don’t have to worry about your partner’s steps or stepping on their feet,” he said.
“Dancing With the Stars” is in its 27th season. Locally, it airs at 8 p.m. Mondays on WTAE Channel 4.
Ms. Kretchek Johnson said the show created a dance phenomenon, and greatly increased the number of people taking dance lessons and LaBlast. “It’s huge,” she said. Mr. Van Amstel, 46, has appeared on 10 seasons of “Dancing With the Stars,” partnering with such celebrities as Priscilla Presley, Kelly Osbourne, Margaret Cho and Paula Deen.
He said in a phone interview that one reason for the show’s lasting popularity is that millions of viewers identify with the celebrities on the show as they struggle, yet prevail.
He no longer is with the show because his LaBlast classes — now in 3,000 locations — keeps him too busy, he said.
Mr. Van Amstel said what he enjoys most about ballroom dancing is that it includes moves from many different cultures that help with the expression of many emotions.
While regular ballroom dancing lessons can run from $100 to $300 per lesson, LaBlast classes range in cost from $7 to $25, depending on where you live, he said.
Classes are open to all. The cost to take a class led by Mr. Van Amstel will be $20 for Anytime Fitness members and $25 for nonmembers.
Ms. Kretchek Johnson said Mr. Van Amstel is a very hands-on individual when it comes to his unique program. He keeps in touch with his instructors and strives to meet the people exercising with his program, she said.
A benefit featuring LaBlast dance moves will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Antonelli Event center in Irwin to raise money for Open Your Heart to a Senior. The charity, which serves southwestern Pennsylvania, provides trained volunteers to help seniors stay in their homes by helping them with repairs and help in shopping for groceries and getting to doctor visits, among other needs.
Tickets for the fundraiser are $85.
Details: www.anytimefitness.com for list of locations; to get tickets for the fundraiser, call 724-3825157. For details on Open Your Heart to a Senior visit www.unitedway4U.org.