About Us
Body Positive Dance Fitness
The happiest workout in Maine™!
We offer classes every day, multiple times per day, so that students can enjoy classes that fit their schedules and exercise routines.
What We Do
At Body Positive Dance Fitness, we unite students from all over with the highest quality teachers in the Greater Portland area. Each of our instructors has a unique style that resonates with a variety of students at different fitness levels.
Our dance fitness class styles vary as well. Our core offering is Zumba, the largest most successful dance fitness format in the world with over five million participants a day. Zumba’s format allows instructors freedom and creativity to choreograph songs of their choice generally using Latin dance formats as a base. As a result, no two Zumba classes or instructors are alike, except that participants all learn the basic steps, moves and rhythms. We offer other formats as well – some based in ballet, hip hop and pop (such as SHiNE), others based in music from the 70s, 80s and 90s (such as HotFlash) and still others varying in complexity from basic fitness moves to fully developed choreography..
Although all of our classes welcome students of all body types and levels of experience, and all classes involve intervals ranging from low to medium to high intensity, we get it - sometimes you’re looking for a specific type of challenge, or the absence of a specific type of challenge.
That’s where our COLORS come in!
Here’s the scoop:
Zumba Gold®
Perfect for students who are looking for a modified Zumba® class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity. The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba® choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination. The class focuses on all elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance!
Teal
Our "Teal" Zumba classes are great for beginners and experienced dancers alike. Teal classes are slightly less complex and instructors do more distinct signaling to help dancers catch on quickly. They're designed for anyone who wants a fun and friendly way to hit the dance floor. With choreography that's consistent and intensity that's just right, these sessions are a favorite of new and seasoned dancers alike. Perfect for those who appreciate familiarity and comfort without sacrificing style.
Key features: Choreography Complexity: Low to Medium, Intensity Level: Medium, Music: Consistent Playlist of Familiar Tunes, Ideal For: Students who enjoy ease and familiarity.
Orange
Step up the pace with our "Orange" Zumba classes, designed for those who crave a little more zest in their fitness routine. Prepare to enter the cardio zone and let the rhythm take control. Get ready to unleash your inner diva and dance like no one's watching! Each week brings new surprises with an ever-changing playlist that ensures your dance experience stays fresh and exciting. While we notch up the complexity slightly, our instructors ensure the choreography remains accessible, delivering a balanced challenge that both delights and empowers. Beginners welcome - no experience required or expected!
Key features: Choreography Complexity: Medium, Intensity Level: Medium to High, Music: Varying High-Energy Tracks, Ideal For: Adventurous students ready to challenge both body and mind.
SHiNE Dance Fitness™
SHiNE Dance Fitness brings original routines to life using hit music and choreography for all abilities. Rooted in jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, this workout gives you a creative outlet to escape from daily stress. Each class includes the perfect balance of high cardio and toning to ensure you receive a full-body workout with real results. SHiNE is a mood-lifting experience that leaves you feeling capable, confident, and connected to a supportive community.
African Hip Hop
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have two left feet, our classes are designed to get everyone moving, smiling, and sweating to the beat of the most electrifying music from Africa and beyond. No experience? No problem! Indulge in a unique blend of hip hop African dance and dancehall. Fun and energetic atmosphere guaranteed! Embrace diversity through dance – all are welcome!
Oula
Oula merges high-intensity cardio with easy-to-follow choreography, mindfulness practices, and a culture of inclusivity — all to an energetic pop soundtrack. Every Oula class empowers participants to challenge their bodies and process their emotions through music, movement, and, most importantly, a community connection.
Uplift
SHiNE Dance Fitness™ has cracked the code to create a strength-training program that’s the perfect balance of effective and HELLA FUN! This is not a dance class, but each routine is choreographed to iconic music, and when safety isn’t compromised, you’re likely to find a booty shake or shimmy. A 1-hour UPLIFT class starts with a cardio warm-up and transitions to standing routines with equipment, alternating between upper and lower body. We complete the workout with routines for the core, booty, abs, and chest and a cool down with deep stretching. This UPLIFTING experience leaves you feeling strong and confident.
SHiNE LIGHT
SHiNE LIGHT is a branch of SHiNE Dance Fitness specializing in low-impact and simplified choreography. SHiNE LIGHT uses all the same routines you find in SHiNE, but we reduce impact, increase stability and modify the moves to meet your needs as a student. It’s a mood-lifting, confidence-boosting experience for anyone looking for a more inclusive approach to dance fitness. We believe everyone deserves the FUN that dance provides. Join us! It’s your time to SHiNE!
And of course it’s not just our instructors and our class types that make Body Positive so special.
What truly distinguishes Body Positive is our physical space. This studio is a community hub for participants all over Maine and New England who have a place to call their own, where their style of exercise and community spirit is the central focus of the location.
At BPDF, students of all levels revel in the experience of dancing to great music among a welcoming community that shares a joy for dancing as a way to exercise. Unlike other workouts, dance fitness is a cardiovascular workout that is distinct because it’s actually fun! Regular participants lose weight, increase their overall health and – just as importantly – form a social community; the experience of dancing together unites people in a social context unlike any typical gym experience.
At BPDF, all body types and levels of experience and ability are welcome — we are here to have fun, not to train professional dancers. At BPDF, students have a home base where they can exercise on their schedules at the times that work for them. Our students even have the flexibility to attend multiple classes a day without disrupting their competing priorities.
