Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Allicock.
Hi Alisha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Alisha: The Dance Fitness Pioneer
In the annals of fitness and dance, there is a remarkable story of transformation that unfolds through the life of Alisha. Born to the rhythm of cheerleading, the discipline of athletics, and the grace of dance, Alisha’s journey began on a path that would eventually lead to the creation of a thriving dance fitness studio.
In the heart of middle and high school, Alisha was a vivacious triple threat – a dancer, an athlete, and a cheerleader. Her talents shone brightly in the arena of pep rallies and halftime shows, where she was a force to be reckoned with. But as the high school curtains drew to a close, a desire for a “normal” life beckoned, and Alisha decided to explore life beyond the confines of sports and dance.
This exploration led her to join a dance team where she could channel her passion for dance while giving her education the attention it deserved. Yet, it wasn’t long before the itch for dance and fitness became too compelling to ignore.
Armed with undergraduate from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and master’s degree from American Intercontinental University in London, England. Alisha found herself back in her native Ohio. It was in 2011 that her life took an unexpected turn when she strolled into a bustling Columbus gym and encountered a Zumba/Hip Hop class brimming with energy and exhilaration. It was an epiphany, a revelation of what she had been missing. Alisha became an ardent participant, scheduling her life around these classes that had become her new obsession.
After every class, a spark of ambition would ignite within her. The thought that she could teach a class like that, leveraging her lifelong passion for dance, started to percolate. With unwavering determination, Alisha began her quest to become a group fitness instructor. The journey began with a conversation with the gym manager, who laid out the prerequisites – a group fitness certification and a year of experience.
Alisha signed up for the certification test, undeterred by the initial setback of a first-time failure. A month later, she returned, better prepared, and emerged triumphant. This marked the beginning of her transformation from a passionate dancer to a fitness instructor.
As her journey evolved, Alisha reached out to a privately owned studio with a desire to teach hip-hop choreography. Fate took a hand in this twist of destiny, for the studio wasn’t seeking choreographers. Instead, they were on the lookout for a hip-hop fitness instructor. A light bulb flickered to life in Alisha’s mind. She drew confidence from her prior experiences and enrolled in this new endeavor. It began with a modest following, but it was during this time that she forged significant relationships that would later become instrumental in her journey.
After a year at the small studio, Alisha set her sights higher, moving on to teach at OSU and Lifetime Fitness. Her classes swelled to accommodate over 50 enthusiastic students, and her passion for hip-hop and dance fitness continued to grow. It was a pivotal moment when she made the courageous decision to leave her job and teach a staggering 20 classes a week, a testament to her unwavering dedication.
Despite the physical toll, Alisha’s influence was felt far and wide, and a devoted following began to take shape. A brief return to a job as a financial advisor couldn’t quell her fervor for teaching, and she continued to balance seven classes alongside her full-time employment. It was during this year that Alisha established the brand “Swerve Hip Hop Fitness.”
For five years, she crisscrossed various facilities and gyms throughout the city, sharing her passion and expanding her fitness program. But just as her star was on the rise, the world was hit by the unforeseen arrival of COVID-19. It was a turning point as her job became virtual, and her classes followed suit. Ever adaptable, Alisha embraced the change, teaching virtual classes and establishing a virtual studio that remains a vibrant entity today.
The year 2020 heralded a new chapter in Alisha’s journey as she embarked on a quest to find a physical space to call her own. This endeavor, amidst the backdrop of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, led her to two opportunities. A yoga studio was closing down, and another studio was in the process of dissolution, which ironically was the first studio she taught for 10 years prior. A decision had to be made, and Alisha chose the latter.
This choice was inspired by her 2017 business plan that envisioned a studio offering a diverse array of dance and fitness options, granting clients and members a smorgasbord of workouts and classes to explore. Thus, the “Swerve Dance and Fitness Complex” was conceived.
Her studio’s opening coincided with the world’s slow emergence from COVID-19, masked and cautious. As restrictions gradually eased, the studio began to flourish. Alisha introduced a host of new classes, from Hip Hop and Zumba to boxing, Tabata, barre, yoga, step, and shuffle. The fun didn’t stop there; partnerships with other entities brought events like salsa, kizomba, and ballroom dancing to the mix, alongside personal training sessions.
The journey had its share of ups and downs, but Alisha’s tenacity remained unwavering. She had successfully navigated through the tail end of the pandemic, and her business emerged even stronger on the other side. The studio’s growth became a testament to the magnetic pull of her dedication and passion, attracting opportunities without actively seeking them.
As Alisha looks back on her extraordinary journey, she is filled with gratitude for the success of the Swerve Dance and Fitness Complex. With a future paved by dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment, she looks forward to many more years of dancing, fitness, and, above all, fun!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been without its challenges. As a studio owner striving to maintain financial stability while expanding the studio, I’ve continued to fulfill my role as a full-time financial advisor. My background as a financial advisor has been instrumental in my capacity to effectively manage the business, make sound financial decisions, and ensure its growth.
My upbringing within a family of business owners has also played a significant role in shaping my ability to persevere through difficult times. With my mother running a successful childcare center and my father managing his own construction company, I’ve gained invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship and overcoming adversities. These experiences have enriched my entrepreneurial journey and equipped me with the skills and determination needed to succeed in the dynamic world of business.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Swerve is the ultimate Integrative Fitness Center that originated in Columbus, Ohio, and has since blossomed into a thriving dance and fitness studio. Our journey began as a Hip-Hop Fitness program and has since expanded to incorporate a wide range of dance styles, strength training, and holistic wellness practices. We are proud to unite dance, exercise, mind, and body within a vibrant community.
Experience the pinnacle of Hip Hop Fitness, Zumba, and strength classes with our exceptional trainers, unrivaled in the city. Our dedication to quality ensures that you receive top-notch instruction and guidance as you strive to achieve your fitness goals.
Step into a welcoming and non-intimidating environment where you’ll immediately feel like a cherished member of our fitness family. We cultivate a culture of accountability, camaraderie, and inclusivity, emphasizing the power of dance and fitness to bring people together. Regardless of your fitness level or dance skills, you are wholeheartedly welcomed in our classes.
Our diverse class schedule sets us apart from traditional dance fitness programs, gyms, or dance studios. From Swerve Hip Hop Fitness and Boxing to step fitness, Weight training, Zumba, BARRE, Dance instruction, Kids Hip Hop and Boxing, and beyond, we offer an array of options to cater to your unique preferences and goals. Each class provides a suitable challenge for beginners to build upon while simultaneously offering enjoyment for more advanced individuals.
Conveniently located at 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd, Suite A, Worthington, Ohio 43085, Swerve awaits you with open arms. Explore our full class schedule and discover the perfect class packages tailored to your needs. Embrace the extraordinary blend of dance, exercise, and wellness that awaits you at Swerve.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite Childhood memory is of my mom, dad, and sister’s picking strawberries from a local strawberry farm. I loved going there and eating fresh berries. There was also a scale that you would weigh the strawberries, and I remember weighting myself, and I was 40 pounds at 8 years old! I’m so far from that weight now lol!
Pricing:
- 8 classes for $60
- 10 classes for $80
- $69 all-dance package
- $99 all-inclusive Studio package
Contact Info:
- Website: swervehiphopfitness.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/swervedanceandfitnesscomplex
- Facebook: facebook.com/swervedanceandfitnesscomplex
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/swervehiphopfitness
Image Credits
Rbb Shirey
