Meet JV Speas | Cardio Hip-Hop Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with JV Speas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JV, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My brand of Dance Fitness is looped very much around the idea of self-appreciation and creativity. I am really big on individuality and people thinking on their own and under their terms. Dancing like many other forms of art is very expressive and can tell a story. This looped in with the combination of fitness is the ultimate win for all of my participants. I have seen people from all backgrounds participate in class and grow as individuals. This includes observing them interact with each other, asking each other questions, reviewing the choreography together, sharing common work/hobby interest. All of this is the ultimate goal of mine when I sculpted this class setting. I wanted the music and moves to be fresh. Providing people a safe and happy place has been very rewarding. Often times we are judged for the things we like by those who are not on our individual path. In knowing this I wanted to make sure anybody could participate in my classes. Dancing is universal and there is no wrong in living life and letting the music guide you to a more peaceful place.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Within my world I believe that everyone has talent and something special that makes them keep going. Some have unlocked that passion and some have not. Speaking for myself I am happy with this journey I have been on with my dance classes as it has allowed me to share a little bit of me with the world. Throughout this journey I have made a small dance family and we look forward to seeing each other every week. Looking back on when I started teaching in 2018 when I only a 3 or 5 participants it is so humbling to see how we continue to grow with a constant rise in attendance. It was not always sunshine however, there were times when I felt overwhelmed or as though I was not doing enough. I used this moment to pause, breathe and really dig into what I want to develop within my community. The lockdown during the pandemic really allowed for me to reset and grasp a bigger idea on what I really want out of this. Energy is huge for me so being around my dance family has really motivated me. Some lessons I have learned along the way are is as long as you are being your true authentic self there is nothing you cannot accomplish. I have also learned the beauty in family and how important it is to always check on our loved ones whether they seem to be the strongest or not everyone needs to be checked on. One thing I would like for the world to know is that even if your passion is not your career and is just a hobby do what is best for you mentally. Also, give yourself grace in knowing that the universe and everything will come together when it is the right time and appreciate the concept of being present.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would first take them to one of my most favorite local breakfast restaurants “The Little Farmhouse”. The owner is so friendly and remembers her clients and the food is bomb. Next – I would say either a trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens or High Museum. Outdoor venues and events are some of my favorites as I love fresh air. The High Museum is such a wonderful place to connect with art and vibe. For beverages I would suggest we go to Barcelona Wine Bar which gets pretty festive on the weekends. I would also take them to some of local spots in Downtown Decatur which is one of the most fun places to go for a cool bar scene. A good amount of my friends like to dance or two step so every now and then the Fernbank Museum host a salsa night some Fridays. Atlanta has such a wide variety of options for everyone so it just depends on the vibe and that will determine what is in store for the day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many individuals I can list that have inspired me from actual associates to current day musical artist. One of my biggest influences was my was my first Hip-Hop Instructor Chris James. His class picked my brain and truly made me fall in love with dancing even more. Learning new choreography was like an assignment and as with most things in life I had to get it completed which was the best feeling. Famous choreographers like Jamaica Craft and Laurieann Gibson were some people I got to watch execute their vision when I was growing up on TV. I have also had the pleasure in being in the company of so many talented Dance Fitness Instructors all across the country. Most of them I have met but a good chunk I have only spoken with via Social Media which is just as good. Some organizations I have enjoyed being apart of is my MixxedFit Family. MixxedFit is a people-inspired fitness program that combines explosive dance movements with bodyweight toning. I enjoy holding this certification as well. I would also like to shout out the Commit Dance Fitness community for also being so supportive of my vision and creativity. There are many people and organizations to give thanks to and for that I am very grateful.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/jon_sagi88/

Instagram: Jon_Sagi88

Facebook: JV Speas

Youtube: Performix Fitness by JV Speas

Other: Tik Tok – @jvspeas