This Charlotte dance pop-up is making fitness fun and inclusive
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The Zillennials showed up and showed out to The Jam's Disney Channel class at HopFly. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
Childhood nostalgia meets serious footwork and sweat with The Jam.
Why it matters: Charlotte's health and fitness scene is booming, and The Jam has carved out a loyal following with pop-up dance classes that feel more like a party than a workout.
Context: Founded in 2016, The Jam is a local dance fitness company that hosts weekly, one-hour pop-up classes at breweries and event spaces across Charlotte.
- A recent Disney Channel Original Movie–themed class at HopFly Brewing delivered exactly what it promised: an hour of nonstop movement set to 2000s favorites like "High School Musical," "The Cheetah Girls," plus a few era-appropriate throwbacks from *NSYNC and Aaron Carter.
What to expect: You'll break a sweat fast. The workout is high-energy cardio, but without the pressure of mastering choreography. Participants jump right in, following instructors who mirror moves from the stage.
- Many routines repeat across classes, so regulars quickly build muscle memory.
- While themed classes are a big draw, The Jam's offerings go well beyond nostalgia. The lineup includes classic mixtape dance parties, Zumba-style sessions, bootcamps, and more — all designed to be approachable and fun.
The vibe: While you'll want to lock in to learn the moves, the energy is light, fun, and infectious. At points, I forgot I was even working out.
- All fitness levels are welcome.
If you go: Classes typically cost $15–$20, payable via Venmo or Zelle on arrival.
The regular schedule is:
- Mondays at 6:30pm at Triple C Brewing.
- Wednesdays at 6:30pm at HopFly Brewing
- Select Saturdays at 11am at HopFly Brewing.
What's next: The Jam's February schedule hasn't dropped yet, but you can keep up with class announcements on their Instagram or website.
My thought bubble: I'm by no means a dancer, and cardio dance is definitely out of my comfort zone. But I felt completely comfortable joining in because the instructors and classmates made it supportive and inclusive, not intimidating or competitive.
Between the lines: This story is part of McKenzie's Moves, a new Axios Charlotte series spotlighting local fitness and wellness experiences.
- Got a favorite fitness class, studio, or wellness-centric spot I should check out? Shoot me a note at [email protected].