A man in a patterned blazer with black lapels, a blue shirt, and a black tie stands outdoors in a grassy field with trees in the background, smiling at the camera.

Matthew Ames: A Story of Resilience, Empowerment, and Movement

Transforming Lives Through Dance, Fitness, and Community Wellness

Matthew Ames, born in 1982 in Pennsylvania, has built an inspiring career in the performing arts and wellness industries. Now based in Middletown, Connecticut, Matthew’s journey from a young ballet enthusiast to a renowned ballroom instructor, competitive dancer, and certified personal trainer is a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to empowering others through movement.

Early Passion for Dance and Performance

Matthew’s love for dance began early, leading him to classical ballet training at the prestigious Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Academy in the late 1990s. This rigorous program instilled discipline, technical excellence, and artistic expression, forming the foundation for his lifelong pursuit of movement arts. His talents extended to musical theater, where he performed twice off-Broadway at New York City’s renowned Orpheum Theatre. As a guest dancer with the New York City Ballet in Saratoga Springs, he refined his craft among elite performers, gaining invaluable experience in both dance and acting.

However, Matthew’s journey was not without adversity. At just 16, a severe knee injury during a performance threatened his future in dance. Facing a dire prognosis, he spent years teaching and walking with a cane. Instead of giving up, he turned to ballroom dancing to rebuild his strength, launching a remarkable professional career that has spanned over two decades.

Recognition and Competitive Success

In the early 2000s, Matthew showcased his talent at the International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) conventions in New York and Los Angeles, earning awards and expanding his professional network. His ballet technique and expressive style captured the attention of industry leaders, reinforcing his potential in the performing arts.

Matthew went on to excel in ballroom dance, becoming a director, choreographer, and instructor at leading studios, including Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Brookfield, Connecticut. Specializing in Smooth, Rhythm, Latin, Theater Arts, and Show Dance, he also incorporated cardio elements into community classes. His competitive highlights include winning the North American Champion title in Luck of the Draw West Coast Swing (2011) and placing second at the NASSPDA Championships for American Show Dance and American Smooth.

As a top-ranked teacher with Arthur Murray International, Matthew earned the prestigious Winners Circle Award for three consecutive years—an honor reserved for the top three instructors worldwide. Beyond competitions, he brought dance to senior centers in Fairfield County, Connecticut, offering classes like “Ballroom Variations” and “Dancing Through the Decades” to promote physical coordination, joy, and social connection.

Championing Charitable Causes and Community Wellness

Matthew’s dedication extends far beyond the dance floor. Through his company, Ames Active, he champions accessible wellness by partnering with senior centers and nonprofits. He provides affordable and even pro bono classes for seniors, those recovering from injury, and underserved communities. Notably, his contributions have helped shape the Fred Astaire Greenwich and Brookfields Dancing Stars Program, raising over a million dollars for charities such as Danbury Women’s Center, Family and Children’s Aid, and for the past seven years, Abilis.

Matthew also initiated the Turkey Tango food drive, supporting Hillside Food Outreach by providing holiday meals for food-insecure families. His work exemplifies how dance and fitness can be powerful tools for positive community impact.

Personal Transformation and Expertise in Fitness

In recent years, Matthew has expanded into personal training and group fitness, earning certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), with specializations in stretching, flexibility, senior fitness, and dance-based exercise. He focuses on clients over 50, delivering one-on-one sessions in homes or private studios throughout Fairfield County. His group classes—such as Zumba, Cardio Dance Party, and Balance By Design—take place at venues like the Newtown Senior Center, with virtual options available nationwide. Matthew’s holistic approach incorporates breathwork, visualization, and nutritional guidance to support total wellness.

Matthew’s commitment to health is deeply personal. After struggling with autoimmune issues and reaching nearly 300 pounds, he transformed his own life by losing 140 pounds and regaining his vitality. This personal triumph fuels his passion for helping others overcome similar challenges and realize their potential at any age.

Connect with Matthew Ames

Now at 42, Matthew continues his mission to inspire, educate, and empower through Ames Active. His journey demonstrates that perseverance and movement can redefine lives. To learn more about his programs or to connect, visit matthewames.net, facebook.com/AmesActive, or check out MatthewAmes.TV.

Why Choose Matthew Ames?

·       Expertise: Over 20 years of experience in dance and fitness, with prestigious awards and certifications.

·       Resilience: A personal story of overcoming injury and health challenges to achieve lasting wellness.

·       Community Focus: Dedicated to making movement accessible and impactful for all ages and abilities.

·       Holistic Approach: Integrates dance, fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness for comprehensive well-being.

For those seeking a leader in dance, wellness, and community empowerment, Matthew Ames offers a proven path to a healthier, more vibrant life—one step at a time.

A group of ten diverse people standing together in a room with light green walls, smiling and interacting, with some holding hands and one person speaking into a microphone.

Matthew In Media

Black and white logo of a bee with the text 'The Newtown Bee' and website 'NewtownBee.com' on the left, and a color photograph of a man with dark hair wearing a dark sweater over a blue collared shirt, standing outdoors with autumn leaves in the background on the right.

Snap Shot of Matthew in the Newtown Bee

November 20th 2024

Group of children and adults participating in a dance class in a studio, with some children on the floor and others standing and stretching.

Dance and Movement Help Mind and Body - Newtown Bee

October 11th 2024

Goodmorning CT Feature “Dancing Through Obstacles”

May 2015

Two people dancing on a TV news set, with a man in a dark suit and a woman in a black and white dress, in front of a wooden background, on a red circular rug.

The Great Danbury Fair Revue October 6, 2014

Matthew Ames and Natalie Alanna are doing a 1940s’s The Palace on Main Street in Danbury. 

People on stage at a theater, smiling and embracing during a performance or event.
A man participating in a Spartan race, pushing a large tire during the obstacle course, outdoors on a sunny day.
Man wearing a running headband and a gray shirt, smiling while holding a silver medal, in front of a large Spartan race poster featuring a coin or medallion with the Spartan logo.
A person jumping over a fire pit during an obstacle course race, wearing athletic clothes and a backpack, with trees in the background and the SPARTAN logo in the corner.
Two performers dancing on stage with a red backdrop, dressed in black suits and hats, one with a white shirt and white hat, the other with a black shirt and black hat.
Two male performers dressed in black and white costumes are jumping in the air on a stage with a red background, casting their shadows on the wall behind them.
Close-up of a young man with short brown hair wearing a dark green shirt, smiling slightly.
A man and woman dance closely together in a dimly lit setting, with the woman embracing the man's shoulder.
A man performs a martial arts demonstration with a staff, while another man holds him upside down for a pose, in a room with a pool table, and a man sitting in a chair watching.
Three people, two women and one man, smiling at a formal event, standing close together with arms around each other's shoulders in a banquet hall with seated guests in the background.
Three men in suits smiling at a table, with a microphone, papers, and mobile phones in front of them, in an indoor setting.