The University of New Mexico's Physical Education Activity program hosts a dance fitness clinic Tuesday and Wednesday, April 19-20 in the UNM Johnson Center Main Gym featuring special guest Louis Van Amstel from LaBlast Fitness.

Van Amstel is a seven-time national champion and three-time world dance champion. The first professional dancer recruited for Dancing with the Stars, Van Amstel is now the creator of LaBlast Fitness, a program that helps people from all corners of the world, regardless of fitness level, age, or backgrounds, get moving through the power of dance.

The UNM PE Activity Program offers a range of classes open to all UNM students each term, from yoga to martial arts and weight lifting to dance.  The PE-NP 124 “Beginning Ballroom” class with Megan Merchant integrated LaBlast into its curriculum in 2014 as a new method of teaching partner-free, skill-based dance.

Louis Van Amstel
Louis Van Amstel from LaBlast Fitness. Van Amstel is a seven-time national champion and three-time world dance champion.

On April 19, all participants will receive a class with Van Amstel from 2 to 3 p.m. and then select two of four additional classes from 3 to 5 p.m. such as “Introduction to Flamenco” with Eva Encinias Sandavol or “Introduction to Argentine Tango” with Eva Garlez and Pablo Rodriguez, plus access to fitness and dance exhibitors from the NM community ($15 HS/College students, $55 educators/public).

On April 20, Van Amstel will present an additional public LaBlast Fitness class from 7 to 8 p.m. ($25).

Each participant must bring a printed ticket and matching photo ID to enter the event. Ages 13-17 are welcome to register and attend if accompanied by a paid adult.

The UNM Dance Fitness Clinic invites students, educators, instructors, organizations, schools, and businesses to participate in the event. Tickets range from $15 to $55 and are available now at UNM Dance Fitness Clinic.

For more information regarding tickets and participation, email UNM PE-NP Manager Andy Mooneyhan at amooneyhan@unm.edu or email UNM HESS faculty member Megan Merchant at mamerch@unm.edu.

Participants are asked to park in the Cornell parking structure.