Bringing People Together Through Dance
If you have not attended the popular Virtual Dance – LaBlast, you should sign up right now! High energy Robert Wallop, a 26-year-old from Annapolis, Maryland, shares his love for dance and passion to perform as our Dance – LaBlast program leader (for both GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse and GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis since 2021). As a certified LaBlast® Fitness instructor, Robert gets us moving in this fitness program based on the ballroom dances you see on Dancing with the Stars.
Robert, who has Down syndrome, has been dancing and entertaining since the age of 8. After years of determination, commitment, and practice, he is now a decorated dancer including being a two-time gold medal Special Olympics World DanceSport Champion (watch the video!!) and a two-time bronze Pro/Am Rhythm and Smooth USA Dance National Champion. In 2017, he was a contestant on Season 16 of “So You Think You Can Dance”!
Robert uses his talents to support not only GiGi’s but also serves as an Ambassador for Special Olympics USA DanceSport. As a competitor, instructor, and performer, Robert travels and interacts with people around the world. In a previous interview Robert shared, “I know that I can help bring people together through dance,” Robert says. “I want to make the world a better place through dance.”
Robert’s family shares, “Volunteering for GiGi’s has been so rewarding. It is amazing to see participants led by one of their peers and a joyful experience to witness the freedom of expression through dance during these classes by Robert and the participants that are both physically and emotionally engaged.”
When he is not dancing, Robert loves singing, spending time with his family and dogs, going to movies and eating steak and potatoes. He works at the Annapolis Town Center in the Santa Photography Shop and the La Marmotta Gelato Cart. Robert aspires to continue his fitness leadership with GiGi’s national and global community through the Virtual Playhouse and wants to create on-demand program videos and classes that students can access around their personal schedules.
We are so thankful for Robert’s volunteer service and sharing his talents with the GiGi’s community! We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Robert.
A Note of Gratitude: Galen’s Growth and Milestones with GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse
“Dear GiGi’s Virtual Team, We want you to know how much we love your programs and teachers. You have made a profound difference in our lives, and it’s hard to believe how much growth has happened for Galen since he started attending programs in September!” New Signs of Communication: The Impact of LMNOP “Galen signed…
Forming friendships through volunteering
“Every program I go to makes me smile. After a few weeks, the regular attendees knew me, and I know them, so it feels like we are forming meaningful friendships through the programs.” Annika got involved in GiGi’s Virtual Playhouse programs, as well as physical programs at the San Diego playhouse, in hopes to gain…
Celebrating Team Jade: Leading the Charge for Acceptance in the Virtual GiGiFIT Challenge
We are so thrilled to highlight our first team to reach $1,000 in our GiGiFIT Acceptance Virtual Movement Challenge this year! This incredible team is using our peer-to-peer fundraising event to raise funds to support the virtual free programming offered to families worldwide. They believe in acceptance for ALL and are changing the way the…
2 Comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Would love for this to be available at the Playhouse! Looks like a lot of fun!
Hi Marie! Robert and Dance – LaBlast are amazing and fun! What local playhouse is closest to you? Robert teaches this class in-person at GiGi’s Playhouse Annapolis. We invite you to join us virtually. We’d love to see you. You can register on the Virtual Playhouse calendar or on your local playhouses’ calendar. The class is held weekly on Wednesdays. https://gigisplayhouse.org/virtual/sfcalendar/