How Jazzercise Leads With Olympic Values - And You Can Too

How Jazzercise Leads With Olympic Values - And You Can Too

As we get closer to the long-awaited 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, we sat down with the Jazzercise Founder, Judi Sheppard Missett, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Jazzercise’s Olympic moment, the experience leading up to the event, and how Jazzercise can unleash the Olympian in anyone. 

The Olympics symbolize excellence, camaraderie, and pride. How do these values resonate with the values of Jazzercise?

The Olympic Games are such an important symbol in our culture, dating back to the ancient Greek era. While it’s technically a competitive event, there’s a powerful sense of unity, despite whatever is happening around the world. So many countries come together to become ONE. Jazzercise aligns with Olympic philosophy because value the importance of camaraderie. We create a supportive community that allows people to feel comfortable while achieving their personal greatness. In our classes, people from all walks of life and backgrounds move in lockstep with each other to achieve success.  Another Olympic value is pride, which we exemplify, too. We’re proud to help people lead healthier, happier lives through dance fitness. We’re proud of Jazzercise both as instructors and as participants. This sense of pride and unity keeps people returning to Jazzercise, just like we keep returning to the Olympic Games.

For those who don’t know, Jazzercise played a significant role in the 1984 Olympic Games. You ran the Olympic Torch and assembled 300 members of the Jazzercise community to dance for the Opening Ceremony. Tell us about how that came to be and what that experience was like. 

When I realized the Olympics would be held in Los Angeles, I knew I had to get Jazzercicse involved somehow. We have so many parallels to the Olympics and thought it would be an amazing way to promote the program. We had previously done successful NFL half-time shows and knew how to put on an entertaining show. After all, that’s what the Olympics are: athletics, entertainment, and spirit! 



I remember mentioning this to our marketing staff at the time. After a few phone calls and conversations, the folks responsible for the Opening Ceremony said yes! Next, we had to assemble our dance team. We had about 300 people from all over the world come to Carlsbad to rehearse and perform. Many of our local Carlsbad customers were generous and opened their homes to host our team. This goes back to the true ethos of Jazzercise and how unity is such a strong pillar in our community. 

A few days before we left for Los Angeles, we had a huge party at my house. This exciting energy was in the air as my house filled with people united from Jazzercise. I remember stopping to look at all those smiling faces and thought to myself “Wow, this is such a fantastic moment.” 

How did this event change your life and make an impact on Jazzercise?

Well, for the 300 people who participated, this was life-changing. After the event, they went back to their cities and classes and shared their experience with others. We wrote press releases and included our photos from the event, which were sent out to publications around the country. We were on television, on the radio, in magazines, and featured in articles. Getting that kind of exposure for Jazzercise was incredible. The crowning glory for me was being able to reach so many other people, besides just the group that danced. We gave them a little glimpse into what the larger-than-life Olympic Games is really like.

Jazzercise unites people from many different cultures and backgrounds. Why do you believe dance and fitness bring people together?

Dance is a universal language. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you have some connection to dance. The best part is, you don’t need to speak the same language to connect and communicate with dance. I have always loved that about dance. You can communicate with your body through music. That’s what we did at the Olympics and for all the viewers worldwide.

Do you have a favorite memory or standout moment from your time around the Olympic events? 

One of my most treasured memories was running the torch. I was so honored to be asked and viewed it as a symbolic moment—I’m carrying the light for all women around the world who have a dream. When you run the torch, you’re supposed to run a mile. My mile was designated in Carlsbad along the lagoon. Towards the end of my mile, with the Olympic torch in hand, I look ahead at the finish line and see a crowd of smiling, familiar faces. I saw customers, friends, and my 3-year-old son. Being able to run towards them and celebrate this massive milestone in their company made that moment truly special.

Another significant memory was just the overall feeling of excitement, gratitude, and dedication surrounding that time period. Everybody felt honored to be part of the experience—they all gave 100%! I didn’t need to give any inspirational speech or pep talk. They were fueling themselves with the Olympic spirit. Our team practiced and worked very hard because we all knew the life-altering significance of this moment. When the announcer said “Ladies and gentlemen, the Jazzercise dancers…” I felt like I could fly.

“In 1984, my father and I saw Judi run on our street with the torch in Los Angeles. It truly was a historic moment. I’ll remember it forever. I’ve always admired Judi and all the Olympians!” -Annette L.

How can individuals implement the Olympic values in their everyday fitness routines or their approach to wellness?

No matter what sport you watch, people appreciate the commitment, courage, and power of all Olympic athletes. To best ignite your inner Olympian, you have to apply those aspects to your life—not just during exercise. You must practice strength and endurance even (especially) when you feel like you can’t. This will support you physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Just like those Olympic athletes, we can achieve greatness if we practice and work hard.

Let’s be extraordinary

If you’re ready to tap into your inner Olympian, meet us on the dance floor in person or online! Jazzercise is the perfect place to focus on strength, friendship, and achieving new goals. 

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