Today we’d like to introduce you to Andi Loo.
Hi Andi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I once read that if you work with passion, success will follow. That’s exactly how I feel today as the creator of JAM Dance Fit™. Long before cardio dance classes were a fitness craze, I loved being a part of them. I’ve danced for as long as I can remember, choreographing routines for my friends in my spare time. After college, I moved to Los Angeles and found a love for dance as a workout, visiting local big box gyms and studios. I met my husband soon after, had a family, and decided to move to Austin. As a new mom in a new city, I needed to find a community and a place to find my groove again! Of course, I looked up dance classes in Austin and was truly amazed at how much the city had to offer. I took Ballet, Belly Dance, Hula, and Bollywood, but I found my niche in Latin Fusion and Dance Jam classes at a local gym. I was hooked and went to every class I could attend! There are currently five classes in Texas and Arizona! But what started as a fun pastime became an amazing opportunity when an instructor position opened up. I seized the chance knowing that I wanted to take on the challenge of teaching a cardio dance format! In 2019, after teaching for 6 years, choreographing an entire library of unique dance routines, and training two instructors, I created my dance fitness brand, JAM Dance Fit™.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Each JAM Dance Fit™ class is unique because you will never hear the same playlist twice. In saying that, the biggest challenge I have found with teaching is not becoming complacent. I find it best to keep things fresh and new when you teach multiple classes a week. I am constantly trying to learn and adapt new styles and choreography for my students and myself. Also, the pre-planned playlist is often changed at the spur of the moment based on how the class responds. For example, many of my students have taken my class for years and are familiar with my style and queues. If there are new students in class, I explain more so everyone feels included. It’s so important to be in tune with your audience, which is also a challenge while trying to be a good host. Remember the steps, queue, and read the crowd at the same time! Overall, I enjoy what I do and love that the outcome is fitness, happiness, and healthy living. The most satisfying result is when a student expresses how dance class has positively impacted their life or when they finally get a routine. I see the cheers, love, and happiness, or even when a student returns for a second class because I know something “clicked” and motivated them to return. This keeps me driven and inspired to keep class fresh yet challenging.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
At the heart of every JAM Dance Fit™ class is the “JAMily.” Our JAM Dance Fit™ community is unlike any other. This group of dancers is the most motivating, supportive, loving, and fun group of healthy women (and men) I have ever known! The group continues to grow because, after your first class, you will feel like part of the group! Not only will you find us dancing together three (or more) times a week, but we also get together for parties, lunch, performances, birthdays, and any reason to celebrate each other!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
JAM Dance Fit™ is primarily found at Balance Dance Studios in South Austin. I am excited to say that we have also recently branched out to DNZ Studios in Phoenix, Arizona! In addition, a major component of JAM Dance Fit™ is community outreach. You can find pop-up classes around town at local retail stores, parties, events, and expos! Follow @jamdancefit on Instagram for upcoming events and information!
Pricing:
- Drop In Class $20
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/jamdancefit
- Instagram: @jamdancefit
- Facebook: @jamwithandi
- Other: Tik Tok @jamdancefit
Image Credits
Grace Dupuy Photography Ana Karotkin Photography
