Today we’d like to introduce you to Ally Wallace.
Hi Ally, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am originally from Knoxville, TN, and I started taking a “Zumba” class in 2013. I remember vividly starting January 1st, as the class was free for everyone who could make it! A friend had been inviting me for months, and I finally decided to try it, and fell in love! Through that class, I found a confidence in myself that I didn’t know I had, had a blast getting in shape, and ended up leaving a bad relationship and meeting my husband. Later that year, the instructor, Jessica Bass Byrge (at the time – now Jessica Bass James), went viral for her choreography of Dark Horse by Katy Perry. She branded herself as “Dance Fitness with Jessica” and, a few years after that, created her style and copyrighted format of Dance Fitness – Dance2Fit!
I moved to Spartanburg in November 2014 after my husband, and I became engaged. Jessica offered a live stream service at the time, but it was different! When I went home to visit, I would try to pop into her classes. When she offered me the opportunity to become certified in Dance2Fit and teach where I lived, I jumped at it! So, on June 18th of 2016, I became certified! Before returning to Knoxville for the certification course, I had secured a location to teach; a small belly dancing studio in downtown Spartanburg called Bella Dance Studio. I am so grateful to Georgia, the owner, for working with me and giving me a place to start.
After about a year and a half at Bella, the opportunity to start at a local family-owned gym fell into my lap. I did a trial class, and we had such a wonderful turnout that I transitioned there, and many of my attendees continued to dance with me week after week! For nearly 5 years, we danced every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at Inman Health and Fitness and made wonderful memories! Now, I am renting space by the hour at Mayfair Art Studios with a dream to open my studio – Soon! I would love to offer more than Dance2Fit and provide a variety of class times for those who can’t get there or secure child care by 6 can still benefit.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The road to where I am today has been challenging. At Bella, I had many classes with just one other person dancing and me. I always say I was fortunate, though not ever, to have a no-show class! COVID presented its own set of challenges as well! I was able to pivot through the pandemic. I would drive to the gym and dance alone in the group fitness room, but ladies would join me from their homes as I stream my classes into a private Facebook group and later The Band App, where we currently offer our online classes. When everything re-opened, it was like we didn’t skip a beat! We started out having classes in the parking lot and then moved inside. At Inman Health and Fitness, the owner and I worked very well together, but when membership prices needed to increase, the cost of classes would increase too. I wanted to offer my ladies still something they could afford. I preach consistency in everything, and I recognize that if someone’s budget is tight, the costs of things that benefit them and their physical/mental well-being will be the first to go! So I searched for a place where I could set my prices. I stood to make more money if we had increased the class price, but that’s not what is most important to me. With the location change from Inman, I have had several who still need to drive by 6, but we have added new people to our dance fam too!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dance2Fit with Ally?
From 2012 to 2021, I worked full-time in Financial Aid, and after finding success with Direct Sales, I left my full-time job to start a family and work for myself! I gave birth to our baby boy in June of 2022, and I am thankful to spend each day with him while still setting my schedule and growing my Dance2Fit classes.
A few things that set our class apart – Currently, our three weekly classes are ladies only! We pray before every class, and all of the music is edited. We have party lights and created a comfortable, judgment-free space! I call our class my “dance fam,” and I believe that’s what we are! We have themed classes often! One of our favorite annual events is our HalloWorkout class! Each year around Halloween, we dress up in our favorite workout-friendly costumes and dance together. Over the years, we have also pooled supplies or raised money to support those in our community who may have a need. It’s been a huge blessing! Many women have come and fallen in love with the classes, but then life happened, and they’ve not been able to come in a while, but I still consider them a part of our dance fam! When I can expand our class times and varieties, they will be able to join us again, and others will be able to join us as well!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
Since having Micah, I haven’t been able to spend as much time as I would like listening to podcasts and reading, but those are some of my favorites! I enjoy Jessie Lee’s podcast, “The People’s Mentor,” and “Straight Up” with Trent Shelton. I also aim to spend time in God’s Word and have been enjoying “40 Days Through the Bible” by Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Pricing:
- First Visit Free!
- Drop In – $6
- 5 Class Pass – $25
- Monthly Pass – $40 per month
- Virtual only – $20 per month
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dance2fit_with_ally/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/dance2fitupstatesc
