Childhood nostalgia meets serious footwork and sweat with The Jam.
Why it matters: Charlotte’s health and fitness scene is booming, and The Jam has carved out a loyal following with pop-up dance classes that feel more like a party than a workout.
Context: Founded in 2016, The Jam is a local dance fitness company that hosts weekly, one-hour pop-up classes at breweries and event spaces across Charlotte.
- A recent Disney Channel Original Movie–themed class at HopFly Brewing delivered exactly what it promised: an hour of nonstop movement set to 2000s favorites like “High School Musical,” “The Cheetah Girls,” plus a few era-appropriate throwbacks from *NSYNC and Aaron Carter.
What to expect: You’ll break a sweat fast. The workout is high-energy cardio, but without the pressure of mastering choreography. Participants jump right in, following instructors who mirror moves from the stage.
- Many routines repeat across classes, so regulars quickly build muscle memory.
- While themed classes are a big draw, The Jam’s offerings go well beyond nostalgia. The lineup includes classic mixtape dance parties, Zumba-style sessions, bootcamps, and more — all designed to be approachable and fun.
The vibe: While you’ll want to lock in to learn the moves, the energy is light, fun, and infectious. At points, I forgot I was even working out.
- All fitness levels are welcome.
If you go: Classes typically cost $15–$20, payable via Venmo or Zelle on arrival…