Say hello to LES MILLS DANCE
We’ve developed a new program with a fresh format, sound signature, and essence, catering to the needs of a modern audience.
LES MILLS DANCE is a 45-minute, high-energy workout that will challenge and move you and your members. Each class includes 10 stand-alone tracks, which introduces new choreography.
The workout is anchored in three cardio peaks, a warm-up and cool-down. It incorporates innovative dance movements that work cohesively with progressive music inspired by global dance genres. The coaching style is clear, musical, and with a focus on movement and technique, it is simple to master making it a great option for members who want to improve their dance skills while getting fit, or for anyone who loves to dance.
Farewell to SH’BAM and LES MILLS BARRE
It is our responsibility to be at the forefront of the fitness industry and to set clubs and instructors up for future success. One way this is achieved is by evolving programs to meet current trends and the needs of members. Part of our innovation process is reviewing existing program offerings, and this review has informed our decision to no longer support SH’BAM and LES MILLS BARRE.
We recognise the huge passion and drive from clubs and Instructors who have brought SH’BAM and LES MILLS BARRE workouts to millions of Movers. We deeply thank you for your commitment and energy, and we hope that you will join us in the launch of LES MILLS DANCE. Instructors will soon receive details about upskill opportunities to certify in the exciting new LES MILLS DANCE program.
In November 2023, we will be celebrating the last Releases of SH'BAM and LES MILLS BARRE.
No Changes to BODYJAM
Whilst BODYJAM remains the program you know and love, BODYJAM Instructors will have the opportunity to certify in the new LES MILLS DANCE program. Information about this upskill opportunity will soon be sent directly to Instructors.
Your Dance Journey
LES MILLS DANCE will be available to launch in clubs in January 2024. For clubs, there will be further communication to help you easily transition to this new program, while for Instructors, we’ll be in touch soon with all the details about the upskill, so you can become certified in this exciting new program.
Stay tuned for global online LES MILLS DANCE previews, hosted by Gandalf and the team, which will introduce you to this whole new world of Dance.
We are excited to be bringing a change to this space and appreciate your support to reinvigorate your dance classes and drive more members into the club.
For more information please see our FAQs below.
FAQs
Why the change?
It is our responsibility to be at the forefront of the fitness industry and to set clubs and Instructors up for future success. One way this is achieved is by evolving programs to meet current trends and the needs of members. When we looked at how we dance at LES MILLS, we recognised that like all great dancers, we and our programs are ready to evolve to the next stage.
When is the LES MILLS DANCE Upskill for existing SH’BAM, LES MILLS BARRE and BODYJAM Instructors?
Free online Upskills for Instructors currently certified in SH’BAM, LES MILLS BARRE and BODYJAM are available until the 31st of March 2024. Check the Training Schedule for dates and book in quick before registrations close (note: Australian-based Instructors can attend Upskills scheduled for Southeast Asia, and vice versa).
When will LES MILLS DANCE be released?
LES MILLS DANCE will be available to launch in clubs in January 2024.
What is the difference between SH’BAM and LES MILLS DANCE?
SH’BAM is the cheeky insanely addictive dance workout where anything goes and everything is encouraged. It focuses on expressing yourself through dance, leaving you feeling energised and positive.
LES MILLS Dance is a unique dance training space with creative movement and sound. This means more innovative and unique movements, alongside fresher music covering a wider range of music genres.
What is the difference between BODYJAM and LES MILLS DANCE?
BODYJAM is the dance cardio class where you lose yourself in the sensation of dance. When we say “lose yourself” in the move, we mean it - each workout is designed to give you the chance to really explore each movement, and lose yourself in it.
LES MILLS Dance is a unique dance training space with creative movement and sound. To build your confidence as a dancer, we create moves that are simpler, easier to grasp and make you feel like a dancer.
What will happen to the SH'BAM and LES MILLS BARRE classes currently on the timetable?
SH’BAM and LES MILLS BARRE classes can remain on timetables until the 1st of April 2024. After this date they will no longer be available.
What cadence will LES MILLS DANCE be released?
LES MILLS DANCE will be released every quarter with the usual Release cycle.
If I’m a SH’BAM or LES MILLS BARRE Instructor, will I need to retrain or upskill to become a LES MILLS DANCE instructor?
Yes, you will. Free online Upskills for Instructors currently certified in SH’BAM, LES MILLS BARRE and BODYJAM are available until the 31st of March 2024. Check the Training Schedule for dates and book in quick before registrations close (note: Australian-based Instructors can attend Upskills scheduled for Southeast Asia, and vice versa).
What can I expect from the LES MILLS DANCE upskill?
The free online Upskills for Instructors currently certified in SH’BAM, LES MILLS BARRE and BODYJAM are available until the 31st of March 2024. These 90-minute sessions are delivered online via Zoom, with pre-work and track preparation required in the lead-up. Check the Training Schedule for dates and book in quick before registrations close (note: Australian-based Instructors can attend Upskills scheduled for Southeast Asia, and vice versa).
How long after the upskill before I can teach (do I need to wait for a certification)?
Attendance at the upskill is your certification. You can teach from early 2024 - as soon as your club launches.
What happens if I’m an existing SH’BAM, BODYJAM or LES MILLS BARRE Instructor and don’t attend the upskill?
If you do not attend a free online Upskill (available until 31st of March 2024), then you will have to pay and complete a standard three-day Initial Training, in order to become certified to teach LES MILLS DANCE.
Can I upskill if I’m a BODYJAM instructor?
Absolutely! Certified BODYJAM Instructors will be invited to get upskilled in LES MILLS DANCE.
I'm not a dance Instructor, but these new programs look exciting. How do I learn?
If you are not a SH’BAM, LES MILLS BARRE or BODYJAM Instructor, you will be required to attend Initial Training to certify in LES MILLS DANCE. Check the Training Schedule for dates, which will start appearing around May 2024.
Can I keep teaching SH’BAM and LES MILLS BARRE?
You can continue to teach SH'BAM and BARRE until your club transitions their schedule to LES MILLS DANCE, which will be no later than 1st of April 2024. After this date, you will no longer be permitted to teach these programs and Clubs will not be permitted to offer these classes on their timetable.
What can I tell my participants and share on social media?
Communications to Movers have been released, so you are free to talk about the new LES MILLS DANCE program as much as you like. The more you do, the greater the excitement levels among your members.
Can I teach without a licensed club?
No Les Mills program may be taught without a licensed club.
Will there be Advanced Training for LES MILLS DANCE?
Yes, in the future
Can I have SH’BAM, LES MILLS BARRE and LES MILLS DANCE on my timetable?
You need to work with your local Business Partnership Manager in Australia or Southeast Asia to formulate a transition plan to LES MILLS Dance. As of the 1st April 2024, your club will no longer be allowed to offer SH'BAM on your timetable, and Instructors will not be permitted to teach SH'BAM or LES MILLS BARRE classes. If you have not already arranged the transition to LES MILLS DANCE by the 1st of April, your license for SH'BAM or LES MILLS BARRE will automatically be transferred to LES MILLS DANCE.
How do we transition to the new program?
You need to work with your local Business Partnership Manager in Australia or Southeast Asia on a transition plan, which will include getting Instructors upskilled and certified to teach LES MILLS DANCE for your launch. Your transition will be complete by the 1st of April 2024, as after this date, SH’BAM and LES MILLS BARRE is no longer permitted to be offered by Clubs or taught by Instructors.
