Some of the best things start with a single conversation and a bold idea.
In 2021, world-renowned dance professional Louis Van Amstel approached Special Olympics Utah with a vision — what if dance could be more than performance? What if it could be a sport? That conversation sparked something that would forever change the landscape of Special Olympics Utah and leave a mark on the entire country.
It didn't happen overnight. There were discussions, planning sessions, and a lot of groundwork laid before the first dancer ever took the floor in competition. But in true Special Olympics fashion, the people behind this program believed in the vision and got to work.
The first step was an exhibition — an invitation to the community to come see what dance as a sport could look like, and to begin building the guidelines that would shape a brand new competitive program. The excitement was undeniable.
By 2022, coach and program developer Brooke Maxwell stepped up to lead the creation of the coaches guide and curriculum — the backbone of everything that would follow. And then, in November 2022, history was made. Special Olympics Utah hosted the very first Special Olympics DanceSport Championship, laying the foundation not just for Utah, but for the entire country.
That's not a small thing. That's a legacy.
The program has grown every single year since — in numbers, in skill, and in heart. Then came 2025, when four Special Olympics Utah athletes earned their spot on the world stage and traveled to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy. They competed in the highest divisions against the best in the world — and came home with hardware. Nora Shultz and Andy Melville each brought home Gold Medals, while the duo of Natalie Green and Trey Garrett earned a Bronze Medal. Not only that, but Special Olympics Utah was the only state representing the United States at the 2025 World Games.
Let that sink in for a moment.
And now, here we are. The 2026 DanceSport Championship — our fifth competition — with ten teams and 274 dancers ready to take the floor at Cottonwood High School in Murray, UT on Saturday, April 25th from 11 AM to 4 PM.
From a single idea to a championship stage. From one exhibition to 274 dancers. From Utah to the world. This is what happens when you believe in people and give them a place to shine.
Come cheer them on. You won't want to miss it!
Want to learn more about DanceSport? Reach out to Michelle Wolfenbarger at — she would love to hear from you!
Learn more about Special Olympics Utah here: www.sout.org
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