Dance Trance Fitness Interview With Beth Handline

Beth and Jay Handline, are the Owners of Dance Trance Fitness whose corporate offices are in Jacksonville, Florida.  Their studios are different from other studios because they are dance fitness facilities. Their studio is unique because of the ultra cool atmosphere, event lighting, high sprung floor and quality sound.  Also, they are not a traditional dance studio. It is primarily a fitness program.  Dance Trance is  a licensed dance fitness program that has expanded into a movement that is taking the fitness industry by storm.  It is one of the most successful dance fitness programs in the nation and has expanded to include studios throughout North America, Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Dance Trance was founded because Beth was tired of working inside of a gym with fitness managers and owners that did not understand what they  were doing and why it was important. The Handlines wanted to be able to run their studio so that students could experience it in a cool atmosphere. Dance Trance was created by Jay Handline as a workout program for all students that love music and dance. It is not a traditional dance fitness program and is different in design from dance fitness programs that have previously been introduced. It covers such a large array of music venues, is offered in different skill levels, and also includes a social network that members can belong to and associate with as members.

DT is a fitness program where they use music video style choreography to help them get to the next level of fitness. They take dance and turn it upside down – they take aerobics/fitness and turn it upside down, then MASH the two together to give them this very edgy street fitness program. This is a choreographed class that includes dance combinations and cardio moves to get students the most satisfaction possible from an intense workout. They can tone and shape, build their cardiovascular endurance, and lose weight all while picking up “off the chain” dance moves! Students do not need to have a dance background, just determination and commitment to progress in the DT class. DT can consist of one program class or a variety of the programs levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). DT will help the studios select what programs may be beneficial to their facility and geographic population to start out their program.

DT offers the dance studio owner an opportunity to expand into a new direction and reach the everyday person that may not be a perfect fit for their more traditional classes. Dance Trance is a fitness class first, so they give students an opportunity to loose weight, increase cardio, increase endurance and develop muscle strength.

DT is made up of an entire network of enthusiastic choreographers and dancers. They have been working together for over 20 years to bring their students the best in music choreography. This concept is unique because it allows more than one choreographer to design the program. They take a team approach to choreography. The class does not get “stuck” with just one form of choreography, movement, or music. They like to mix it up! Their students have access to the best Jazz, Funk, Latin, Reggae, Street, Hip Hop, House, Pop, & Rock choreography offered today. Their choreographers are located at DT studios around the country, which allows them to bring creative juices that are involved from many different cities, regions, and environments. New choreography is created and available to all of their studios on a quarterly basis and may include selections from any of the musical styles.

On a global level, Beth is blown away every time I see a Dance Trance location in another country (for example, Dance Trance Croatia) doing their choreography. It’s definitely a dream come true.

On a local level, Beth motivates her students by advising them to attend class as often as they can in   different levels which helps them attend classes they feel comfortable attending.  According to Beth, she is very proud when their beginner’s Dance Trance class graduates up to another level –“it’s enlightening.” She recently asked an advanced Dance Trance class how many started in theirs beginner’s program and half of them raised their hands!

Dance Trance does not participate in competitions. They are a dance fitness facility and it is all about having fun.

Beth does not think in terms of “must have” dancewear items.  She said it all depends on what dance they are doing.  Many of their students love dance pants or capris. Loose clothing looks better when Hip Hop dancing, but basically it is just a matter of taste.

Beth’s goals for this year is to expand the Dance Trance studios and open another 50 in 2014.

Please post a comment if you have had any experience with Dance Trance Fitness or Beth Handline.