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Jazzercise
Jazzercise fitness classes, taught by more than 6,000 instructors, blend jazz dancing with an aerobic workout for nearly a half million students worldwide. Jazzercise makes money through franchise fees as well as the sale of clothing, books, and other merchandise online and through catalogs. The company's JM DigitalWorks unit produces Jazzercise workout tapes and provides video production services to other clients. Its Jazzertogs division offers fitness apparel and accessories. CEO Judi Sheppard Missett, a professional dancer, founded Jazzercise in 1969 and began franchising in 1980.
Facts & figures
Jazzercise has been helping people reach their fitness goals for decades. With its fun and innovative mix of the latest hits and easy to learn dance moves, these classes are a fitness routine that millions of people love. Because of its inclusive, high energy atmosphere, people find that they can stick with Jazzercise when other exercise plans have failed. Teachers are highly trained and can be found in every corner of the U.S. and even in other countries. Classes are offered in gyms and community centers, making it easy for people to find a class in their neighborhood. Through its commitment to remain fresh, new and exciting, Jazzercise is always developing new routines and even new styles of classes. For instance, students can take the classic version, focus on strength training or enjoy a fusion of the two.
Jazzercise offers something unique in the fitness world. It's a completely non-competitive environment where everyone is welcome. Each class feels a lot more like a party than a workout, which is why people keep coming back for more. Students receive instruction and safety tips in every session. Teachers are well trained to offer competent instruction, ensuring the health and wellness of every participant.
Jazzercise started in 1969 when creator Judi Sheppard Missett offered the first class in Evanston, Illinois. In 1972, Missett moved to California, and the movement began to really take off in 1977 when she began teaching other instructors who went on to form their own classes. Missett began videotaping routines which were then distributed to instructors. With the release of books, records and videos in the next few years, Jazzercise was becoming a phenomenon. By 1983, instructors were purchasing franchises and the classes had a presence in all 50 states. Jazzercise is still a growing business in the 21st century with more classes than ever before and more than $97 million in systemwide sales.