We caught up with Katia Pryce, the founder and CEO of fitness favorite DanceBody to learn more about the technique and what inspired her to start the company, along with the new DanceBody Kids, coming this summer.
What inspired you to start DanceBody?
I was my first client, and I was looking for a workout that kept me feeling strong but still created those long, lean dancer lines I always had when I was professionally dancing. I also wanted to combine my “cardio and sculpt” time into one class. Lastly, I wanted to move like a dancer without the intimidation of a strict dance class. Oh yeah, and guaranteed results!
Your mission is to provide an engaging and effective workout by infusing functional training with the playfulness of dance. Talk us through a class and what the experience is like.
I equate a DanceBody class experience to eating a slice of chocolate cake that you realize was actually made out of vegetables. These classes are SO fun yet are incorporating the traditional strength training functional movement that everyone needs in their routine. You really have no idea how hard you’re working until class is over, and you’re covered in sweat. Your brain has to focus so hard on what’s coming next, there’s no time to disconnect or even look around. This class will force you to be present, connected, and leave your ego at the door.
What do you hope those taking DanceBody will get out of the experience?
My hope is that those coming to class will get a chance to move in a way they never would have otherwise, therefore producing new and exciting results. We are such creatures of habit, we just do the same thing over and over again. But when you challenge your body and mind to try something new, it’s so, so worth it. I honestly feel like dancing is the fountain of youth, and it has a very real effect on everything — from your body to your psyche.
Also, reconnecting to the “in person” group class experience after a long couple of years, just feels so damn good. It fills us up more than we had ever realized. Those happy brain chemicals swarm, giving us that daily D.O.S.E – Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins.
Can you tell us a little about what you offer with DanceBody LIVE.
We offer between five to 15 daily LIVE classes streamed direct from our New York City studios — it feels like you’re there! With that we also host a library of over 200 On Demand workouts ranging in length from 10 to 60 minutes. We launched our digital offerings back in 2016, and had relaunched right ahead of the pandemic in January 2020. We’ve always been tuned in to providing a high quality product to those living outside the New York City area. It also allows people to keep moving with us while they travel.
You’re launching DanceBody Kids this summer in the Hamptons. How did you come up with the concept?
One thing I really realized during the pandemic was how many kids love jumping into their mom’s workouts at home! The thing is, kids naturally gravitate towards dance and music, so it makes sense that the same great offering we give to their moms, we extend to the kids! Also, so many of our DanceBody trainers also teach kids dance on the side, it just couldn’t be a more perfect pairing.
The classes enhance rhythm + coordination, build confidence, and allow kids to socialize with others. Talk a little about why this is so important.
I’m really passionate about getting our kids moving and connected at a young age — it truly enhances everything a child needs! Building a lifelong love of movement as a kid leads to their improved health overall. Enhanced development in flexibility, range of motion, physical strength, and stamina can help kids with sports and other activities at school and beyond. It just sets them up really well to have fun while moving, since this is not a strict dance or gym class.
Aside from the physical benefits, when kids move creatively in a group they will realize that not everyone interprets music in the same way. This allows them to understand that their peers move differently but are not wrong in their individuality. This social awareness is really crucial as they grow up. What I love about the class is that it’s for girls AND boys. So many of these types of classes are heavily targeted towards girls only, but in this class both boys and girls are totally welcome!
What do you love most about the East End?
Coming from a small town, one of the things I love most about being out east is running into people I know! As small as New York City may seem at times, there’s nothing like being out East and running into so many familiar faces. There’s something really sweet about going from the big city to a small town for the summer. See you soon!
Join James Lane Post and Nikki on the Daily for a panel discussion and DanceBody class at Baker House 1650 on July 19. Click here for tickets.
