Dance fitness venture finds its vibe

A family-run dance fitness venture is expanding across Teesside with inclusive classes designed to make exercise more accessible.

Billingham-based Vibe Dance Fitness was launched by founder and instructor Matt Campbell in January 2023 and now runs weekly sessions in Billingham, Middlesbrough and Yarm.

Matt works alongside his mum Chris as part of a growing team offering classes aimed at everyone from nervous beginners and people returning to exercise to experienced dancers seeking a more relaxed environment.

The idea has roots in Matt and Chris’ involvement in Ashley Banjo’s Big Town Dance, a Sky 1 community dance project filmed in Stockton-on-Tees with Banjo and dance group Diversity.

Matt says the experience demonstrated how dance could bring people together without an emphasis on performing perfectly.

He said: “The bit that stayed with me was seeing ordinary people realise dance could belong to them too. 

“Vibe is built around that same idea. 

“You do not have to arrive confident, fit or knowing the steps. 

“You can just turn up, move in a way that works for you and be part of the room.”

Matt added: “Working with my mum makes it special. 

“We know what it is like to be the people in the room having a go, and now we get to watch people arrive nervous, make friends and leave smiling.

“That sense of community is the bit I am proudest of.”

Vibe’s sessions combine accessible follow-along choreography and full routines using pop, dance and club music, with participants able to adapt movements, choose their own intensity and take breaks when needed.

Classes cost £5 on a pay-as-you-go basis, with no previous dance experience required.

The business takes a body-neutral approach to fitness, avoiding weigh-ins, calorie targets and transformation-focused messaging while encouraging participants of different ages, abilities and body types to take part.

Supported places are also available at selected sessions to help ensure cost does not prevent people from joining.

Vibe is now building its community across its three Teesside locations, with Matt and Chris focused on creating a social and welcoming alternative to traditional fitness environments.

Matt added: “Your body does not have to change before you deserve to enjoy movement. 

“Fitness should not be gatekept by size, age, confidence, ability or whether you own the right clothes. 

“We want people to walk in as they are and feel that the class was built with them in mind.”

To find out more, see vibedancefitness.co.uk

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