Sarasota, FL

Kari started dancing from the young age of three, and continued her love for dance throughout her childhood years. She danced competitively and joined her high school color guard and dance team.

Attending the University of Florida, her strong math skills and interest in processes and efficiency led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering. Upon graduating, Kari decided to stay at her Alma Mater to complete a Master of Science in Management which refined her business skills. She met her husband, Dave while in college, and in 2007 they moved to Sarasota, FL to start their new chapter. Kari embarked on a corporate job for five years, where she honed her organizational and leadership skills.

However, her most fulfilling role has been a mother to three children, which she considers her greatest accomplishment. In 2016, she was encouraged to try out Fly Dance Fitness as part of a mom's workout group and she immediately realized what she had been missing: dancing again as an adult was possible! Fly became her obsession. She loved the idea to be able to move her body again through music and dance, creating lifelong friendships and an answer for stress relief all at the same time. A dream come true! Kari became an instructor in 2018 and teamed up with Stacey in August 2019 to purchase Fly. Kari oversees the day-to-day operations with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. Her dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive community has been instrumental in the company's growth and success. With her infectious energy and dedication, Kari continues to inspire others to embrace wellness and pursue their passions, both inside and outside the studio.

A third-generation entrepreneur, Stacey embodies the skills required to build and execute on a vision.

Despite her lifelong love for dance and cheer, she temporarily set aside her artistic pursuits to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida. Shortly after becoming a mother, Stacey felt a stirring to reignite her passion for dance and reclaim her identity. Despite her roles in marketing and business direction, she yearned to bring joy to others through movement.

At Fly Dance Fitness, Stacey found her haven, merging her love for dance with her entrepreneurial spirit. As an instructor, she inspired countless individuals to keep their bodies moving and stay true to themselves. Teaming up with her best friend and fellow instructor, Kari, Stacey turned Fly Dance Fitness into a thriving community over the last 5 years. Through perseverance and dedication, they transformed their passion into reality, proving the power of following one's dreams.

Ashley has always had a passion for creativity and entrepreneurship. At a young age, and developed a love for dance and after trial and error discovered her love for hip hop.

After high school, she joined her local dance studio in Virginia as their lead hip hop choreographer and traveled the east coast cheering on her students on at competitions. She then began teaching different dance class formats in Northern Virginia, building a community and encouraging others to move their bodies in a fun and inclusive atmosphere!

Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in business development, communications, and marketing gained from her previous roles in the hospitality and information technology sectors. She works closely with the team to craft strategic initiatives and make informed decisions that propel the brand forward. Her ability to merge creativity with strategic thinking ensures that Fly Dance Fitness remains at the forefront of the dance fitness industry. Her journey to Fly Dance Fitness was fueled by a desire to align herself with a brand she believed in wholeheartedly. Ashley started her journey with Fly as a client in January of 2021. After falling in love with the experience and community, she became a Throw Down instructor in late 2021 and in June of 2023 stepped into her role to support the expansion of the Fly Dance Fitness Franchise and brand.