If you’ve spent any time around fitness trends in the last twenty years, you probably recognize the last name “Blanks.” Billy Blanks Sr. was the guy behind Tae Bo, which got millions of people off the couch and throwing punches to ’90s music. But Billy Blanks Jr., his son, had different moves in mind—and a spotlight of his own.
Growing up with a superstar dad in the fitness spotlight can be both a boost and a challenge. Billy Jr. loved dance as much as fitness. Instead of focusing on martial arts, he figured there was another way to get people excited about moving. So, he started building his own thing, mixing dance with accessible, fun workouts for everyday people.
Taking “Dance With Me” to Shark Tank
In 2012, Billy Blanks Jr. and his wife, Sharon, rolled the dice and brought their project, “Dance With Me,” onto Shark Tank. This was Season 3, Episode 14—four Sharks, one big demo, and a room full of risk.
Billy came in looking for $100,000, offering 20% of the company. That meant he was asking the Sharks to agree the company was worth a cool half million. He did the usual pitch—explained how the program worked, why it was fun, and why fitness needed something more upbeat. But the real magic started when he invited the Sharks to get up and actually try it themselves.
Picture Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec learning some basic dance steps. It was all laughs for a moment, but Billy’s point was clear: dance can reach people who wouldn’t dream of grinding through a bootcamp class.
How the Sharks Responded in the Room
Shark Tank isn’t just about numbers; it’s a human story too. Barbara Corcoran was first to speak up. She liked Billy’s energy and loved that he was pushing for his own name outside his dad’s shadow, but she didn’t see a clear business plan. Barbara was out.
Robert Herjavec respected Billy’s drive, especially trying to step away from his father’s reputation. However, he said he wasn’t the right person to take “Dance With Me” to the next level.
Kevin O’Leary, always the numbers guy, also decided not to invest. He usually goes for companies with airtight paths to profit, and he didn’t see that in Billy’s plan.
But then the conversation shifted. Daymond John perked up. He knew dance fitness was big—maybe not huge like Tae Bo, but with the right moves and marketing, there was potential. Daymond also happened to have some important contacts at Zumba, the top brand in dance fitness at the time.
Instead of just Daymond, Mark Cuban also expressed interest. The two Sharks offered a joint deal: $100,000 for 50% of the business—but only if they could partner with Zumba. That changed the company’s valuation on the spot, but it offered a clearer path to nationwide recognition.
The “Zumba Question” and the Final Decision
Billy and Sharon stepped out to think it through. The deal was tempting—big-time investors, big connections—but there was a catch. If they tied the brand super closely to Zumba, Billy risked losing what made his idea personal. He worried it could blur into the Zumba universe and not really feel like his own creation anymore.
This wasn’t a quick call. According to some reports, Billy agreed to the deal on the show—he shook hands, locked in the cameras, and gave viewers that satisfying “we did it” moment. Other sources suggest there was more back-and-forth after the taping. As sometimes happens with Shark Tank deals, it’s possible that discussions off camera led to changes or even a full walk-back.
Whether or not the final paperwork was signed, the effect of Shark Tank was real and lasting.
After Shark Tank: Rebranding and Big Changes
No matter how the deal ended up, Billy’s life and business moved forward fast after the TV exposure. The national spotlight led to more people showing up to classes and more interest from gyms and instructors all over the country.
The name “Dance With Me” turned into “Dance It Out.” This wasn’t just a small update—it was a full rebrand that stuck. “Dance It Out” quickly found a following, partly because it wasn’t locked into one dance style, and partly because it avoided copying Zumba or any other big player directly.
Billy leaned into franchising. Instructors could take his format and bring “Dance It Out” to their own studios. The message was simple: lots of different dance styles, open to all skill levels, with a focus on fun and health instead of perfection.
By 2025, the net worth of Dance It Out is reportedly around $3 million. That’s a big jump from where it was in the Shark Tank days, and a solid win for a company that was once struggling just to break through.
Why “Dance It Out” Found Success
Here’s what set “Dance It Out” apart: it didn’t focus on just one style. People could try hip hop, old-school jazz, hula dance, even Bollywood moves—in one class. The goal was to get everyone moving, no matter their background or experience.
Billy wanted to avoid the pressure that comes with many group fitness trends. Instead of worrying about getting every step perfect, participants could have fun and feel successful just by showing up. It made group exercise more accessible, especially for people who might skip more traditional classes.
Franchises cropped up in different cities, and there were even virtual classes for people who wanted to try it at home. Instructors went through a training process, which helped keep the classes consistent and lively no matter where they popped up.
Billy Blanks Jr.: From Dance to Fitness Entrepreneur
Billy wasn’t just jumping into fitness blind. He’d been around this stuff his whole life, but his influences stretched well beyond the gym.
As a kid, Billy was cast as one of the Little Rascals in a stage tour. Later, he was part of a touring cast of “Fame.” This put him in front of audiences early, and built his confidence in teaching movement.
Even more, he attracted the attention of Paula Abdul, a choreographer and pop star who ended up mentoring him. She started taking classes from Billy Blanks Sr., saw Billy Jr.’s own dance chops, and gave him real feedback. Those experiences taught him as much about performance as fitness. It’s probably what made his classes so charismatic and welcoming later on.
Beyond TV, Billy did choreography work, appeared in dance videos, and helped others get comfortable on stage. That mix of entertainment and exercise shaped everything he did with “Dance It Out.” It’s also why instructors found the program so much fun to teach and attend.
The Business Side: Growth and Continuing Expansion
The growth didn’t just stop at U.S. borders. After Shark Tank, “Dance It Out” gained international fans. Studios from Europe and Asia reached out, asking about training, licensing, and partnership models. That set the stage for more franchise opportunities and a bigger platform for Billy’s message.
One big part of Dance It Out’s success has been its approach to franchising. Potential instructors get resources, certification, and a supportive network. Through smart branding and plenty of dedication, franchises started to build steady membership. Those interested in franchise models or business strategy can find more details and tips over at Aureo Business.
New online options let customers stream workout classes from home, another smart move as digital fitness grew. This flexibility helped the brand adapt to a changing market, keeping it approachable and accessible even if local studios shut down or people preferred home workouts.
What’s Next for Billy Blanks Jr. and Dance It Out?
Billy Blanks Jr. continues to teach, expand, and mentor others in fitness. He’s led “Dance It Out” through different phases, keeping it true to the values he cared about. The brand now includes not just in-person and online classes, but special programs for kids and seniors, as well as DVDs and collaborations with wellness companies.
The $3 million valuation is a nice headline, but what matters more is that Billy found a way to use his family’s legacy as a springboard, not a crutch. He took a concept that mixed his history in entertainment and fitness, and built something both fun and functional.
At the end of the day, “Dance It Out” shows what can happen when you stick to the moves that feel like your own—even if it means passing up a big partnership or rethinking the brand. Billy Blanks Jr. has managed to carve out his own space, and that journey, with all its risks and lessons, still keeps people dancing years after the Shark Tank pitch.
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