About Dance for the Beat
Our Mission
At Dance for the Beat, our primary mission is to provide financial assistance to the self-employed who have been affected by Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Strokes. We aim to help survivors and their families cover living expenses & medical expenses during such crisis's when other sources are unavailable to them.
Through the process we aim to promote awareness and provide education about SCAD and strokes.
In the future, we want to provide funding for specific research and alternative treatments for both of these conditions.
Our Founders
Dance for the Beat, Inc. was founded in July of 2025 by Ryan and Summer Duvall. Ryan and Summer have been self-employed for 20+ years owning and operating Ballroom dance studios across four states and the entire nation. Starting in Florida and ending up in Montana, their dream destination. On October 19, 2019, Ryan suffered a SCAD in his Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD) which resulted in a massive heart attack. The result was catastrophic. Ryan underwent Fifteen minutes of CPR and three cardiac shocks were necessary to establish a heart rhythm. This was followed by an induced 11-day coma. The next four months incorporated paralyzed vocal cords, a cordotomy, open heart surgery, and finally a stroke. Only through God's grace, family, friends, and the greater dance community of the world were we able to survive and not end up homeless. Fortunately, The Veteran's Association stepped in to cover the majority of the medical expenses, but nothing to assist with everyday living expenses. Dance for the Beat was started to help those who are living the American Dream and have to deal with such a catastrophe.
Our Team
Our team is made up of dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the world. From our volunteers to our board members, everyone at Dance for the Beat, Inc. is committed to our mission and the individuals we serve.
Our board currently consists of four members:
Ryan Duvall - Professional DanceSport Instructor, Air Force Veteran, and Owner of Evolutions DanceSport
Summer Duvall - Professional DanceSport Instructor and Owner of Evolutions DanceSport
Cinda Kraus - Local Amateur Dancer and Banking Professional
Mary D. Gaddy, MD - Local Amateur Dancer and ABPN Certified Neurologist
Dance for the Beat, Inc. was founded July 17, 2025 in the state of Montana & is a federally recognized nonprofit charitable 501(c)(3) organization.