.svg)
.webp)
.webp)
our story
Through passion and dedication, owners Kari and Stacey turned Fly Dance Fitness into a thriving community over the last 5 years.
Kari began dancing at age three, continuing through competitive dance and high school color guard. At the University of Florida, her strong math skills led her to a BS in Industrial & Systems Engineering and later an MS in Management. Moving to Sarasota with her husband Dave, Kari excelled in corporate roles while cherishing her role as a mother to three children. Discovering Fly Dance Fitness in 2016, she rekindled her passion for dance, becoming an instructor and co-owner in 2019. Kari's attention to detail and dedication to community have been pivotal to Fly's growth and success.
Stacey, a third-generation entrepreneur, pursued a psychology degree at the University of South Florida before rediscovering her love for dance at Fly Dance Fitness. Balancing marketing and business roles with her passion for movement, she teamed up with Kari in 2019 to elevate Fly into a thriving community. The success Fly Dance Fitness has experienced is in great part to Stacey’s social media strategy and creativity. Her journey proves the power of following one's dreams, inspiring others through her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.
OUR JOURNEY
YOUR INSPIRATION
.svg)
Fly Dance Fitness officially opened in October 2014 with a variety of fitness formats including their signature format Throw Down.
.svg)
Kari Schroeter & Stacey Marks became clients and fell in love with the supportive atmosphere and the ability to elevate dancing into a challenging fitness class. They quickly became Throw Down Instructors and best friends in the process.
.svg)
After many discussions and dream sessions, Kari and Stacey partnered together to purchase Fly Dance Fitness. Their vision for expansion came from wanting to share the unique experience and inclusive community with everyone. They believed Fly Dance Fitness was too special not to share with the world.
.svg)
In the midst of surviving and thriving through a pandemic and natural disasters, the team launched a TikTok account and the world responded. Their videos have reached millions of people worldwide who share the same passion for fun and fitness. During these years, our CEO, Stacey was recognized as a Top 35 Under 35 Honoree through SRQ Magazine and the Fly Team celebrated numerous “Best Gym in Sarasota” awards in the community.
.svg)
With a clear demand across social media for a unique dance fitness studio, Fly launched the franchise program in May of 2023. Within the first month, over 300 applicants interested in bringing Fly Dance Fitness to their area poured in. Within just six months of launching, Fly welcomed three franchises located in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Orlando, Florida, and Alpharetta, Georgia. In 2023 Fly Dance Fitness celebrated being a Gold Winner in the 2023 "Best of Sarasota Local."
Fly began 2024 by signing their fourth franchisee in Broomfield, CO. Shortly following, they have signed their fifth, sixth and seventh locations in San Antonio, TX, Knoxville, TN and Myrtle Beach, SC!
The team also won a Community Choice Award for Best Gym in Sarasota.
Fly Dance Fitness received the Woman Owned Business of the Year Award.
.svg)
Join Our Movement
