Ava McDonnell 
For locals who have ever found traditional gyms repetitive or uninspiring, Fly Dance Fitness offers something different.
Part dance party, part full-body workout, Fly Dance Fitness combines choreographed cardio, strength training, and high energy into immersive group fitness classes made to feel exciting. Inside the studio, participants can expect easy-to-follow routines under low lighting and club-like music.
The concept has quickly gained attention for its ability to blend fitness with fun while creating a sense of community. With viral social media videos, a growing national franchise presence, and seemingly loyal following in Florida, Fly Dance Fitness is becoming one of the fastest-growing boutique fitness concepts in the U.S.
The Story Behind Fly Dance Fitness
Originally founded in Sarasota, Fly Dance was built around the idea that workouts should be something people genuinely look forward to.
The business is now led by co-owners Stacey Iltis and Kari Schroeter, who first connected through the studio as members and instructors before purchasing the company together in 2019.
At the time, both women were balancing busy careers, motherhood, and the challenge of fitting fitness into everyday life. But dance became an outlet that offered not only physical exercise but also stress relief and connection.
Together, they helped transform Fly Dance Fitness into a growing brand by focusing on community, creativity, and accessibility. Stacey brought strengths in marketing and social media strategy, while Kari focused on operations and client experience.
Their timing, however, came with some challenges when just months after taking ownership, the pandemic forced studios to temporarily close. Instead of slowing down, Fly quickly adapted by launching virtual classes and sharing workout videos online.
Those videos soon began attracting millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, introducing Fly Dance Fitness to audiences far beyond Florida. The company’s energetic choreography, club-style atmosphere, and welcoming environment seemed to resonate with viewers nationwide, eventually leading to franchise expansion.
Today, Fly Dance Fitness operates locations across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, Utah, and South Carolina.
What Classes Offer
Fly Dance Fitness offers several different workout classes, each designed with movement, music, and high-energy instruction:
- Throw Down – the studio’s signature dance fitness class featuring cardio-based choreography
- So Fly Step – a dance-inspired step workout with both high and low intensity options
- Sculpt Weights – a strength training class using choreographed free-weight movements set to music
- Bootcamp-style training – tailored for group fitness goals
All classes are designed for any experience level. The choreography is intentionally structured to be approachable while still giving returning members new routines and challenges to learn over time.
People interested in trying Fly Dance Fitness can sign up for classes directly through their website. The Orlando studio offers class schedules, membership options, and introductory offers online.
They also provide virtual workout memberships through their on-demand platform, giving users access to live-streamed and recorded classes from anywhere.
Current Florida studio locations include Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Tampa, and Orlando, with more coming to Largo and Apollo Beach.
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