Jody Watley “Dance To Fitness” was not just a hit but a cultural milestone; a groundbreaking moment, proving that a Black woman and recording artist could lead in this space championing fitness, inner peace, wellness and self-care.
In the late 1980’s and early 90’s, the fitness video market was largely dominated by celebrities like Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons and fitness powerhouse Denise Austin.
Her video provided much needed representation in the fitness and wellness industry. She showed that health, dance and exercise are for everyone, inspiring many who had never seen themselves reflected in mainstream fitness culture.
As a Grammy-winning artist and style icon, Jody Watley in the Creative Concept role as well, choosing to incorporate her own music from her first two blockbuster solo albums. “Most all music in fitness videos were generic due to copyright and licensing restrictions.” The approach for “Dance To Fitness” was making fitness fun and accessible for everyone to popular music. This mindset was a catalyst influencing later celebrity fitness projects that combined non-generic music and exercise. That fact that it reached #1 underscores its mass appeal and commercial success. Jody’s trailblazing opened doors for future Black entertainers to the fitness and artist branding space from workouts to other celebrity driven brands, endorsements and products.
Furthermore, the fact that it reached #1 underscores its mass appeal and commercial success. It wasn’t just a niche project-it resonated widely, proving that there was a strong demand for diversity in fitness media.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we look back and celebrate this trailblazing achievement for a true trailblazer and her commitment to representation in the wellness, self-care, fitness arena and artists taking advantage of branding and opportunities on the entrepreneurial and business side.
Watch New Video Short of “Dance To Fitness” : Jody Watley Youtube Channel – Here
