A seven-time Latvian national champion, World and European Championship finalist, and now a respected mentor and visionary, Karlis has danced his way to international acclaim. Yet today, his most powerful steps are not just taken in the spotlight, but also behind the scenes — as the co-founder of the Ballroom Spirit Foundation, a growing force committed to shaping the future of ballroom dance in the United States and beyond.

A Journey From Latvia to the World Stage

Born and raised in Latvia, Karlis’s ballroom journey began like many others — with a childhood dream and a pair of worn-out dance shoes. But talent, when fueled by passion and discipline, has a way of rising. Karlis quickly distinguished himself in Europe, eventually becoming a mainstay at the World and European Championship finals, representing his country with both artistry and athleticism. While many might be content to bask in their competitive accolades, Karlis saw something more — a calling that stretched beyond his own success.

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“At a certain point, I realized my biggest fulfillment didn’t come from winning,” he says. “It came from helping others believe they could win too.” That realization became the heartbeat behind the Ballroom Spirit Foundation — a nonprofit Karlis inspired and co-founded with a singular mission: to empower young dancers to reach their highest potential, no matter their financial background or where they started.

Investing in Dreams, One Dancer at a Time

Since its inception in 2017, Ballroom Spirit Foundation has supported young dancers with more than $50,000 to support the dreams of young dancers across the United States and Canada. These funds go toward scholarships, travel expenses, coaching, costumes, and competition entry fees — the unseen but essential elements of a successful ballroom career. “Talent is everywhere,” Karlis notes. “But opportunity? That’s not always the case. I want to change that.” And he is.

• The beginnings of Ballroom Spirit The beginnings of Ballroom Spirit
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Through the Foundation, dancers who once struggled to afford local lessons are now training with some of the top coaches in the United States, competing at national and international levels, and bringing home trophies that prove their potential to the world. But Karlis’s vision didn’t stop at individual scholarships.

The Birth of the Ballroom Spirit Tour

One of the most transformative projects launched under his leadership is the Ballroom Spirit Tour — a growing series of competitions, workshops, and educational events designed to serve youth dancers across North America, including the U.S. and Canada. More than just a dance circuit, the Tour is a community experience, focused on creating an environment where dancers feel mentored, supported, and inspired. By inviting international judges, master teachers, and champion dancers to participate, the Tour offers young competitors access to high-level feedback and exposure that would normally only be available at major European events. “We wanted to bring world-class quality to American soil,” Karlis says. “And to make it accessible.”

• The second Ballroom Spirit Tour The second Ballroom Spirit Tour
• Reception for the competitors Reception for the competitors
• Competing in the tour - group event Competing in the tour - group event
• Competing in the tour - solo event Competing in the tour - solo event
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The response has been electric. The Ballroom Spirit Tour has already attracted some of the most promising young talents, many of whom have gone on to win at prestigious global competitions — from Blackpool to the WDC World Championships.

Building a Bridge to the Future

Karlis’s work is not just about elevating dancers — it’s about raising the standard of the entire American ballroom dance scene. For decades, European countries dominated the youth and amateur divisions in global competition. But Karlis believes that the tide is turning.“The United States has an incredible reservoir of untapped potential,” he says. “We have the dancers. We have the teachers. What we need is a stronger infrastructure — and that’s what I’m here to help create.”

• Qualifying round for tour - Los Angeles Qualifying round for tour - Los Angeles
• Finale of fourth tour - New York Finale of fourth tour - New York
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In the coming years, Karlis aims to expand the Ballroom Spirit Foundation’s reach, increasing the number of annual scholarships, launching a mentorship program that pairs young dancers with professional coaches, and developing training camps in partnership with elite studios across the U.S. He also plans to deepen the Foundation’s connection with Canadian dance communities, creating a North American alliance that fosters more collaboration, shared resources, and cross-border development for youth ballroom talent.

A Champion’s Legacy

Beyond the programs and financial support, what Karlis Treijs brings to the ballroom world is something less tangible but even more powerful: belief.

Belief in the next generation. Belief in the power of community. Belief that ballroom dancing can be more than a competitive sport — it can be a vehicle for growth, confidence, and lifelong passion. “This isn’t just about medals,” Karlis explains. “It’s about giving a young person a reason to believe in themselves. That’s the real prize.”

His work is a reminder that greatness isn’t just measured in titles, but in the lives you lift along the way. And as the Foundation continues to grow, so too does Karlis’s impact — not only as a dancer, but also as a visionary.

• Grant recipients Grant recipients
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As one young scholarship recipient recently put it: “Without Karlis, I wouldn’t be dancing today. He didn’t just give me a chance — he gave me a future.”

In the elegant, electrifying world of ballroom, Karlis Treijs has done more than compete. He’s created a legacy of hope and opportunity — one step, one dancer, one dream at a time.