Fly Dance Fitness
High-energy dance fitness with hip-hop, step, sculpt and more. Flagship studi…
Fly Dance Fitness opened in October 2014 in Sarasota, Florida, and has grown from a single studio into a nationally recognised dance fitness brand.
Photo: Fly Dance Fitness via Google
Before your first class
Throw Down® 101 is designed for beginners, breaking down choreography and allowing you to ask questions before joining regular classes.
First class $20; 2nd class free within a week.
About this studio
Fly Dance Fitness opened in October 2014 in Sarasota, Florida, and has grown from a single studio into a nationally recognised dance fitness brand. The studio combines dance, fitness, and community to offer a dynamic range of classes for all fitness levels. In 2019, Kari Schroeter and Stacey Iltis purchased the studio as co-owners. Kari, who danced competitively and performed in her high school color guard, holds a BS in Industrial & Systems Engineering and an MS in Management from the University of Florida. Stacey brings a psychology degree from the University of South Florida and a background in marketing and business. Together, they have built Fly into a thriving community recognised for its inclusive and welcoming environment.
The Sarasota flagship studio offers seven distinct class formats, all designed for ages 16 and up. Throw Down® is the signature format—a high-cardio dance fitness class featuring choreographed routines with emphasis on hip-hop throwbacks and top hits. Throw Down® 101 is designed for beginners, breaking down routines to help you understand the choreography before joining regular classes. So Fly Step™ is a one-hour class of choreographed step aerobic routines to a hard-hitting hip-hop playlist. Sculpt Weights combines stationary choreographed routines with equipment like benches and bands for strength and toning. Sculpt Circuits offers dynamic circuit training with varied equipment, moving between stations to target multiple muscle groups using plyometrics and HIIT. Core & Restore pairs core strength work with deep, restorative stretching and breathwork. Throw & Flow, the newest format, combines Throw Down routines with choreographed stretch and flow sequences.
The studio is led by Kari Schroeter, Chief Operating Officer, and Stacey Iltis, Chief Executive Officer. Kari teaches Throw Down® and Sculpt Weights. Stacey teaches Throw Down® and So Fly Step™. The teaching team includes Ashley Wolter (Franchise Resource Specialist, teaching Throw Down® and Sculpt Weights), Tony Pinho, Lauren Mangiafico, Leigh Hix, Leslie Plunkett, Sumer Creasy (Certified Throw Down® Instructor Coach), Christy Bailey, Jaynie Peterson, Maddie Remelius, and Jules Ha.
Fly Dance Fitness has gained significant recognition. In 2023, Stacey Marks was recognised as a Top 35 Under 35 Honoree through SRQ Magazine. The studio has won multiple "Best Gym in Sarasota" awards and was a Gold Winner in 2023 "Best of Sarasota Local." By 2024–2025, the Sarasota studio earned Community Choice Awards for Best Gym and Women-Owned Business of the Year, and was ranked #2 on 1851 Franchise's list of Top Fitness Franchises to Invest in for 2025. Entrepreneur Magazine named Fly one of the Top 600 Franchises to Invest in. In 2026, the Sarasota headquarters studio was voted Best Fitness Center/Gym in the Community Choice Awards for the third consecutive year.
The studio offers both in-studio and virtual classes. Virtual membership options include $19.99 per month for livestream access and $29.99 per month for livestream plus 60+ tutorial and full-out videos. We record 9 new livestreams each week, all at EST times. You can watch live or on-demand, and there is no contract—you may cancel at any time.
What to expect
Your first visit
Walk into a studio with club-like atmosphere—heavy beats and low lights—designed to make you feel free to let loose. Classes are choreographed and energetic, with instructors demonstrating routines before play begins. If you're new, Throw Down® 101 breaks down moves step-by-step before you join a regular class.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Kari Schroeter (COO) teaches Throw Down® and Sculpt Weights and brings expertise in organisation and community building. Stacey Iltis (CEO) teaches Throw Down® and So Fly Step™ and leads brand strategy. The team includes 12+ certified instructors: Ashley Wolter, Tony Pinho, Lauren Mangiafico, Leigh Hix, Leslie Plunkett, Sumer Creasy (Certified Coach), Christy Bailey, Jaynie Peterson, Maddie Remelius, and Jules Ha.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Throw Down® 101 is designed for beginners, breaking down choreography and allowing you to ask questions before joining regular classes.
Studio history
Fly Dance Fitness officially opened in October 2014 in Sarasota, Florida. In 2016, Kari Schroeter and Stacey Iltis discovered the studio as clients and fell in love with its supportive atmosphere. In August 2019, they partnered to purchase Fly. During 2020–2022, they navigated the pandemic and natural disasters while launching a TikTok account that reached millions worldwide. In May 2023, Fly launched a franchise program and within six months welcomed three franchises in Lakewood Ranch, Orlando, and Alpharetta. By 2024–2025, the brand had expanded nationally and was recognised as a Top Fitness Franchise by 1851 Franchise.
Styles offered
8 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Fly Dance Fitnesshasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Fly Dance Fitness, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Fly Dance Fitness
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Fly Dance Fitness teach?
Fly Dance Fitness teaches General, Throw Down®, Throw Down® 101, So Fly Step™, Sculpt Weights, Sculpt Circuits and 2 more. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Fly Dance Fitness located?
Fly Dance Fitness is located in Sarasota, FL. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Fly Dance Fitness offer private lessons?
Contact Fly Dance Fitness directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Fly Dance Fitness teach kids and adults?
Fly Dance Fitness welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Fly Dance Fitness?
The fastest path is to visit Fly Dance Fitness via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.