Les Mills is revolutionizing the dance space and evolving our innovative programs. Dance is a massive category globally and there’s so much opportunity to grow. Please see our FAQ for more information.
Dance re-invented
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. Each class includes 10 stand-alone tracks, each introducing 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.
With a focus on movement and technique, it is simple to master and a great option for those who want to improve their dance skills while getting fit, or for anyone who loves to dance. The coaching style is clear, musical, and will help you to master each movement with ease. Get ready to dance your way to a fitter, healthier you with LES MILLS 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 the future, evolving programs to meet current trends and the needs of members. Part of our innovation process is reviewing existing program offerings. 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 that have brought SH’BAM and LES MILLS BARRE workouts to millions of Movers. We deeply thank you for commitment and energy and we hope that instructors keep dancing with us by taking advantage of the free upskill to certify in the exciting new LES MILLS DANCE program.
We will be celebrating the last releases of SH'BAM and LES MILLS BARRE in Q4 2023 in November.
No Changes to BODYJAM
BODYJAM remains the program you know and love and instructors will have the opportunity to certify in the new LES MILLS DANCE program for free.
Your Dance Journey
LES MILLS DANCE will be available to launch in clubs in January 2024. SH’BAM, LES MILLS BARRE and BODYJAM instructors will be offered a free 90-minute online upskill training with two hours of pre-work for LES MILLS DANCE later in the year. Attendance at this upskill will certify instructors – no video submission is needed.
Stay tuned for global online LES MILLS DANCE previews, hosted by Gandalf and the team and introducing 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. Please see our FAQ for more information.
FAQ
General
Why are we changing?
Just like any great dancer, we're committed to evolving as dancers and our programmes. So we've taken on this mindset, and relooked at how we dance at LES MILLS, evolving it to the next stage.
When is the LES MILLS DANCE upskill for existing instructors?
From October 2023
When will LES MILLS DANCE be released?
LES MILLS DANCE will be released to 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. Focused on expressing ourselves through dance, leaving your 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 ourselves in the move, we mean it. We design each workout 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 my SH'BAM and LES MILLS BARRE classes currently on the timetable?
You can continue to teach SH’BAM and BARRE until your club transitions their schedule.
What can I tell my participants and share on social media?
Communications to Movers have been released at the same time, so you are free to talk about the new LES MILLS DANCE program coming to clubs early 2024 and that SH’BAM and LES MILLS BARRE have two more releases.
What cadence will LES MILLS DANCE be released?
LES MILLS DANCE will be released every quarter with the usual release cycle.
Instructors
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, we are providing you with a free online upskill that requires you to do two hours of self-study including watching videos and preparing an allocated track. This is followed by a 90-minute trainer-led online session. No video submission is required but we encourage you to film your Teaching Practice in the Upskill for self-review.
What can I expect from the LES MILLS DANCE upskill?
The upskill is held at set times.
Before the upskill, you'll receive your pre-work, watching videos on LES MILLS DANCE's Key Elements alongside preparing an allocated track for the upskill.
During the upskill, you'll review your pre-work, and then into a Teaching Practice, using your allocated track to teach a partner. Please film your Teaching Practice for your own self review, but you won't have to submit this.
If I’m a SH’BAM, LES MILLS BARRE or BODYJAM instructor, will the LES MILLS DANCE upskill cost me money?
The upskill is free for all current certified Dance instructors.
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 or LES MILLS BARRE instructor and don’t attend the upskill?
You will not be able to teach or receive releases for the new LES MILLS DANCE program until you have completed the upskill.
There will also be an opportunity to upskill at a quarterly workshops if you can’t attend online.
Can I upskill if I’m a BODYJAM instructor?
Absoutely, the LES MILLS DANCE upskill for existing BODYJAM Instructors is free.
I'm not a dance instructor, but these new programs look exciting. How do I learn?
Non-dance instructors must attend Initial Training to certify in LES MILLS DANCE. Initial Training will be offered from October 2023.
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.
Can I teach without a licensed club?
No program can be taught without a licensed club.
What if I’m about to do my SH’BAM or LES MILLS BARRE Initial Training? Should I cancel?
You will be contacted by your local team with alternative options.
Will there be Advanced Training for LES MILLS DANCE?
Yes, in future
Clubs
Can I have SH’BAM, LES MILLS BARRE and LES MILLS DANCE on my timetable?
Yes, while you work with Les Mills on your transition plan.
How do we transition to the new program?
Work with your Les Mills team on a transition plan to have instructors upskill and ready to teach LES MILLS DANCE for launch in early 2024.