Dance Vision Foundation
Our mission is to create a world where everyone has a chance to dance. As a charitable non-profit recognized by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3) and EIN: 81-3929117, 100% of our profits are returned to the foundation.
The Challenge
There are kids and adults in our communities who are struggling
Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Center 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
46,000 people
Nearly 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
50%
Of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14
Every 11 minutes
There is a death by suicide every 11 minutes
40% higher risk
People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases
2x drop out rate
High school students with symptoms of depression are 2x more likely to drop out compared to their peers
2nd leading cause
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 10-14 year olds
A personal connection
The Dance Vision Team is personally motivated to give the gift of dance, especially to those who might need it most.
Founder & CEO
Wayne Eng
In 1981, I lost my brother to suicide after his battle with Schizophrenia. I can remember seeing him struggle, taking him to the behavioral health hospital, and feeling hopeless in my attempts to help him. It is not until recently that I have unpacked this traumatic period in my life, and made it a mission to help those whose struggling with poor mental health or diagnosed mental illness.
I always joke that I walked into a dance studio after watching Saturday Night Fever. It's half true—though what I was really doing was searching for an escape from a painful time. Dance changed my life for the better, and I am determined to let that happen for others, too.
Brand Director
Morgan Wissel
In 2019, I hit rock bottom. I felt an emptiness that grew and green into a bottomless pit. Happiness had never felt so far removed. I hadn't showered in weeks, I slept morning, noon, and night. I considered taking my own life. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
I made a change; I started dancing again. And to no surprise, dance welcomed me with open arms. Dance lessons feel like trips to Disneyland. Waking up to a performance or dance competition on my calendar makes every morning feel like Christmas morning.
With dance, life has joy and meaning that I forgot existed. It is my life's purpose to share this with others.
Lead Researcher
Maria Hansen
I had always wanted to become a nurse, finding deep purpose and satisfaction in helping others. However, in 1987, while attending nursing school, I walked into a dance studio and, within weeks, realized I wanted to be a dance teacher for life.
Over my 35+ years of teaching dance, I've seen its transformative power. Dance gave me confidence and helped me overcome extreme shyness, opening up a world rich in human connection. While I've enjoyed success as a competitive ballroom dancer, nothing compares to witnessing the profound benefits of dance in others' lives. Dance not only enhances physical health but also boosts brain health and mental well-being.
Joining the Dance Vision Foundation to create Wellness Programs has brought my life full circle, merging my interests in the Medical and Health Industry with my passion for dance. I believe dance heals physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I witness this daily and am grateful to share the incredible gifts dance offers.
Dancing
We are an inclusive and educational ecosystem of dance studios, focused on connecting more people to the copious benefits and transformative power of dance.
What we know
Dance is a refuge
A studio is an oasis. The community is a safe haven. What opportunities does dance give to improve mental health in adults and children?
Benefits of dance
What are the proven and perceived benefits of dance?
Dance releases Dopamine when listening to joyful music, Oxytocin when dancing with others, Serotonin from feeling a sense of meaning and connectedness with others, and Endorphins from moving the body & sweating.
We ask you
How has dance changed your life?
We'd love to hear your story. Email us how dance has changed your life at [email protected]
"Dance is escapism"
Dance is escapism from the normal/usual world. It is a way to express things I cannot put into words. A way to express my feelings to music. A technical challenge to accomplish; good exercise for my mind and body! A wonderful way to connect with others.
"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 as well.
"Who I am"
Dance is an expression of myself. Dance is is my spirituality, my prayer in movement. It involves me as a whole person: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritual. Dance is a physical expression of the beauty of who I am as human.
