Hype Hop Dance Fitness® is a high-energy, fun, inclusive fitness program designed by Makenzie Hart of Evansville, Indiana. Dance routines choreographed to modern hip hop music create High Intensity Interval Training workouts led by certified instructors. Every class is designed to be welcoming and customizable for all ages and fitness levels. There are currently 65 instructors certified in this program teaching classes across the tri-state and beyond! There is also a virtual platform for those who want to join from home. Hype Hop Dance Fitness® is proving that fitness can be positive, empowering, and fun for everyone.

Makenzie Hart has always had a passion for fitness, dance, and community. When she took a part-time job as a fitness instructor five years ago, she discovered her “thing” and felt like people were really drawn to her style. She felt deep down that she was meant to build something of her own, and the seed for Hype Hop Dance Fitness® was planted.

She became the general manager at Crunch Fitness to immerse herself in the industry and discover what she did, and didn’t, want for her future. In the process, she quickly grew as a leader and gained experience in nearly every aspect of running a fitness business.

Through her involvement at the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, she was introduced in 2023 to the Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With help from her advisor, Denise Greeenwell, she began building a plan for her dream. Together they worked through the details of marketing, pricing, financing, and bookkeeping. She attended the SBDC’s Launching Your Own Business workshop and several others as well. She also worked with Josh Claybourn of Jackson Kelley PLLC to trademark the Hype Hop Dance Fitness® name. Denise’s encouragement gave Makenzie both accountability and confidence. “Meeting with Denise was the first time I said the idea out loud instead of just in my head,” Makenzie shares.

With all the fitness options available, what sets her brand apart? The community. “The fitness world can feel intimidating. I wanted to create something positive and welcoming, where anyone could walk in, hear the music, and feel like they belong,” she says. Hype Hope Dance Fitness® was officially launched in May 2024.

The first instructor training took place last fall, and in just one year, Hype Hop Dance Fitness® has expanded to 65 instructors. Makenzie has created an online portal and instructor certification program that is recognized by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the Athletics and Fitness Association of America, which allows instructors to earn continuing education credits. She communicates weekly with her instructors, providing videos, worksheets, tips/tricks, and adds a new song to the portal every week. The instructors are not employees, but they are representatives of the brand, and Makenzie says she has the best there is.

When Denise left the SBDC, Makenzie was assigned to a new advisor, Julie Folz. With a growing business, she was able to discuss her strengths/weaknesses in running the business and dig deeper into cash flow, pricing, and QuickBooks. “It feels like Denise and Julie are part of my business,” she says. “They gave me structure and accountability and were always there when I needed them but didn’t do the work for me. The free workshops and resources have been invaluable. I recommend the SBDC to everyone.”

Her favorite part of the job? “Making a positive change in people’s lives. When you build something from nothing, you believe in it more than anyone else, and you work harder than anyone else. On the hard days, I look at the healthier people, stronger communities, and lives transformed by this program, and I remember that it’s all worth it.”

Her advice to other entrepreneurs is simple: “Just go for it. If you have that voice inside you that won’t quiet down, you’re meant for something. The worst that can happen is it doesn’t work, but you’ll never know if you don’t try. But don’t do it alone—find resources and people you can really trust.”

As Hype Hop Dance Fitness® continues to grow, Makenzie would love to open her own brick and mortar headquarters, and she hopes the brand continues to grow nationally and even internationally one day. She would like to recognize her family, the SBDC, her amazing instructors, and her friend Trevor Baker for believing in her and encouraging her to keep going.

Julie Folz reflects on her time working with Makenzie, “I love working with clients like Makenzie.  She is passionate about her business but is also willing to put in the work. She listens and is eager to learn. She is constantly asking great questions and wants to create a sustainable business that will be an asset for the entire community. I believe Makenzie and Hype Hop Dance Fitness® have a great future ahead!”

As a final reflection, Makenzie shares, “I just want the impact to continue to grow. There are so many hesitations people have, but when they come to a class, they are proud of themselves and mentally grow doing something they didn’t think they could. I’ve seen people move from the back row to the front and eventually become an instructor. Now they are leading other people who are in those same shoes.”

To learn more or to find a class near you, visit www.hypehopdancefitness.com or follow them on Facebook.