Billy Blanks Jr.’s Dance With Me
DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: May 11, 2012
Asking For:
$100,000 for 20%
Investor:
Daymond John, Mark Cuban (50/50)
Deal:
$100,000 for 50%
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Billy Blanks Jr.'s Dance With Me is a revolutionary fitness program designed to make exercise enjoyable and accessible for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. It incorporates various dance styles, including hip-hop, Bollywood, line dancing, tango, and more, catering to diverse preferences and skill levels.
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Background Story
Billy Blanks Jr., inspired by his family’s fitness legacy, sought to innovate the industry by infusing fun and inclusivity into workouts. Together with his wife, Sharon Catherine Blanks, they embarked on the journey of creating Dance With Me. Their determination was fueled by personal struggles, including experiencing homelessness, which served as a catalyst for their ambition to transform lives through fitness. Despite facing adversity, they persevered, channeling their passion for dance and fitness into a program that would empower individuals worldwide.
Billy Blanks Jr.’s upbringing in a fitness-oriented family, coupled with his experience in dance, provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of entertainment and exercise. Rejecting the traditional boot camp approach, he envisioned a program that would make people look forward to working out, rather than dreading it. This vision crystallized during challenging times, igniting a fire within Billy and Sharon to turn their circumstances around and create something impactful.
The Product
Dance With Me offers a comprehensive fitness experience through its diverse repertoire of dance styles. Whether individuals prefer the energy of hip-hop, the grace of the tango, or the rhythm of Bollywood, there’s something for everyone.
The program is available through DVDs sold at major retailers like Walmart and Target, allowing users to bring the dance party into their homes. Additionally, Dance With Me provides instructor certification programs, enabling enthusiasts to share the joy of dance fitness with others.
By offering live classes and online resources, the company aims to foster a supportive community where individuals can unleash their potential and achieve their fitness goals.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Billy Blanks Jr.’s Dance With Me has gained traction in the fitness market, with its DVDs reaching prominent retailers and a partnership secured with Lionsgate for future releases. The launch of the instructor certification program represents a strategic move to expand the brand’s reach and establish a network of qualified instructors nationwide. While specific revenue figures are forthcoming, the company’s commitment to growth and innovation positions it for success in the competitive fitness industry.
The Negotiations:
In the Shark Tank, Billy Blanks Jr. faced scrutiny over the alignment of his two business streams: consumer products and instructor certification. Mark Cuban and Daymond John recognized the potential for synergy by leveraging Zumba’s distribution network to amplify Dance With Me’s reach.
Initially hesitant, Billy ultimately accepted their offer after understanding the opportunity to accelerate his brand’s growth and impact. The negotiation showcased his resilience and determination to overcome obstacles, underscoring his unwavering commitment to realizing his vision for Dance With Me.
