We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristi McHenry and Brooke Oaks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristi and Brooke below.
Kristi and Brooke, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
We called it “Riot Dance Fitness” because we are rebelling against what society says fitness is supposed to look like. Your gender, size, shape, color, dance ability, none of that matters within a Riot Dance Fitness class.
We found ourselves frustrated with the industry standard. We knew we needed to be BOLD if we were going to disrupt the market, and needed a name that matched that energy. Not to mention we absolutely LIVE for some rebellious branding. XX
Kristi and Brooke, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
It’s all began in a Zumba class circa 2018.
(We lovingly refer to Zumba as the gateway drug)
What started as a mutual obsession for both dance fitness and the Beauty Industry, quickly escalated into a friendship and partnership rooted in personal growth and becoming the highest, most badass versions of ourselves.
We really found ourselves in a sweaty group fitness room. We found our closest friends too. We knew our purpose was to create the space for others to do the same.
Riot is the newest hiphop inspired cardio/HIIT dance fitness format disrupting the industry.
Rebelling against what society told us fitness “looks like”.
The perfect combination of cardio class & dance workshop. We get HIIT by stopping in between some tracks to break down choreography that may be more technical, so you can feel empowered and add your sauce. (It’s like style but yummier)
Riot is centered around confidence and community. You deserve to feel sexy, take up space, and to be surrounded by a community that cheers LOUDLY when you step out of your comfort zone.
Our Instructor training is Revolutionary, and that’s what we call our ever expanding team.
We certify Revolutionaries to teach Riot Dance Fitness classes in gyms and boutique fitness studios worldwide.
With 30+ weekly classes and AFAA accredited certifications happening monthly, if there’s not a class near you, there will be soon. (We think you should teach it)
The Alliance is our online platform, where ANYONE can experience Riot from ANYWHERE.
It includes:
• Easy to learn choreography
• On demand classes
• Exclusive discounts
• Personal growth content
• Collaborations with local professionals
Updated on the first of every month and accessible 24/7.
Check out www.riotdancefitness.com to see our current class schedule, upcoming events, get more information on Revolutionary training, and dress yourself in Riot swag.
Welcome Home Rebel.
We’re so happy you’re here.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
When we met in a Zumba class at our local gym, we were both solo entrepreneurs in the Beauty Industry. One of us, an aesthetician, the other a hairstylist. A true dream team. Little did we know, we had already been running our businesses next-door to each other for the past two years. When we started Riot a little over three years ago, neither of us knew that we would eventually fade out from our previous careers to focus on this solely as a full-time gig. What was once a week day hobby is now our whole lives. We love that for us.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
As entrepreneurs, we knew we had to build a firm business foundation before we shared Riot with the world. From the day that we launched we have been consistent in the marketplace. We have continued to be a very well oiled and machine, and maintain a level of professionalism, even in the face of loss or hardship. We walk the walk and lead by example. All representing Riot are held to the same high standard. we’re also always LOUD and rebellious.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Riotdancefitness.com
- Instagram: @riotdancefitness.com
- Facebook: @riotdancefitness
- Youtube: @riotdancefitness
- Yelp: @riotdancefitness
- Other: Join our ON LINE community
Riot-alliance.comFollow us on Spotify:
@riotdancefitness
Image Credits
Rachael Jones
Josue Mejicanos
Cylie Frkovich
Murphy Yang