Jazzercise founder, 80, still dances daily after 50+ years of fitness revolution
Judi Sheppard Missett, now in her 80s, still dances every day—over 50 years after founding Jazzercise. The fitness programme, which began in 1969, has grown into a global brand with thousands of classes worldwide. Despite its long history, she remains deeply involved, teaching and designing new routines.
Missett created Jazzercise to make exercise enjoyable for women who struggled with traditional workouts. The first class in 1969 had just 15 participants, but demand quickly outgrew the studio, expanding to 60 dancers. By the 1980s, the programme spread internationally, reaching the UK around 1982 with hundreds of classes. Germany followed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, riding the fitness boom of the 1990s. However, competition from newer trends like Zumba led to a decline, leaving only a few active studios in both countries by 2023.
Today, Jazzercise operates in over 2,000 locations worldwide, serving more than 55,000 customers in the U.S. alone. Last year, the company generated $77 million (€70.9 million) in revenue. Missett's daughter now serves as CEO and head choreographer, while her granddaughter works as an instructor. The founder herself stays active by lifting weights, taking long walks, and prioritising time for others.
Missett views Jazzercise as more than a workout—it's a global community. She credits her longevity to staying active and keeping a relaxed attitude toward fitness and nutrition. Even now, she continues to teach classes and create new choreography, driven by the programme's sense of purpose.
Jazzercise remains a major fitness brand, with thousands of participants and millions in annual revenue. Missett's hands-on approach and family involvement ensure its legacy continues. The programme's focus on dance and community still resonates decades after its start.
