This isn’t your grandmother’s Jazzercise.
That’s the message from Jazzercise instructor/owner Tamara Kemmler.
“Jazzercise has been around for 55 years,” Kemmler said. “It’s the original dance fitness workout, and Jazzercise has evolved over the years.”
The biggest Jazzercise myth Kemmler aims to bust is that classes consist of ladies prancing around to jazz music.
“We dance, do push-ups, planks, weights — all to top 40 music,” she said.
Gone are the leg warmers and neon leotards from the 1980s.
In place are exercise physiologist-approved exercises that are safe and effective, taught by certified instructors.
Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett was a 25-year-old professional dancer when she created what would become a global fitness empire.
Classes blend dance, strength training and cardio training choreographed to music.
Kemmler opened her third Jazzercise location (other studios are in Mars and Carnegie) in Sewickley in 2023 after beating breast cancer.
Her Jazzercise community and network were instrumental in navigating her cancer journey.
“All of my Jazzercise members rallied around me and made sure I was OK, made sure my family was OK and supported me in everything,” Kemmler said.
Classes are co-ed, studios are mirror-free and everyone is encouraged to make their Jazzercise class their own, whether it’s modifying the workout to low-impact or making strength-training adjustments. The class environment is one of encouragement and positivity.
Men are always welcome, but the dance-themed cardio workout draws women of all ages and fitness levels together for an hour of fitness fun.
Sewickley instructor Holly Willbanks lives in Sewickley and graduated from Quaker Valley High School.
After high school, Willbanks found herself living in Houston without her network of usual friends and family.
With a musical theater background, Willbanks was introduced to Jazzercise but was initially skeptical.
“I was a little bit snobby about it because I had done real dancing, professional dance,” Willbanks said. “But I went and the class started and I was hooked.”
Willbanks competed in cross-country and was an avid runner, but that sport was individualized.
“I felt isolated from other people and was in a new city, so Jazzercise really helped me connect and make friends, but also take care of my body in a way I never had before,” Willbanks said.
Willbanks, 43, has been an instructor since 2011.
“It’s a community. We all check in on each other and as an instructor, I love when my members request songs,” Kemmler said. “The music is great, you’re with your friends and it’s just a great workout.”
One of the Jazzercise faithful is a 70-something woman named Sandy.
She was around when Kemmler earned her Jazzercise certification 19 years ago.
Evenings at 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8:30 a.m. are the class times that appear to appeal to the Sewickley members.
“We get a lot of foot traffic (in Sewickley) and we see people peeking through the windows during classes,” Kemmler said.
Willbanks is known for working in the occasional musical song and incorporates musical theater choreography.
A little bit boot camp instructor and a little bit cheerleader, Willbanks blends intensity with fun.
“The people that stick with it is that they have something that doesn’t feel like they’re working out yet they know they are working out because they’re leaving here sweaty, but in the moment they’re having fun, are in a community and that’s why people stay.”
A two-week, new customer unlimited classes trial is $59 and a three-month unlimited in-studio class package is $99 per month. Other membership options are available.
Jazzercise Sewickley is at 427 Broad Street (inside Yoga in Sewickley). Contact: 412-370-0848 or jazzercise.com