Staying fit is an everyman’s dream. In order to stay fit and healthy, people try to work out, get gym subscriptions, and stay on a diet as long as they can. However, it is boring and difficult to maintain fitness.
Billy Blanks Jr, the creator of Billy Blanks JR’s Dance With Me, has introduced a new way to solve the problem. His idea is to revolutionize the fitness industry by making workouts entertaining for those who are struggling to stay fit. The program introduces dance moves like disco into exercise making fitness easier to approach.
The owner came on Shark Tank to request $100K for 20% of the company. He also brought with him his wife and daily fitness participants to demonstrate his program which made Mark Cuban join them as well. Let’s see if he is able to fit the sharks in his deal or not.
Billy Blanks Jr Dance With Me Net Worth Shark Tank Update
Billy was looking for an investment of $100K in exchange for 20% equity in the company. At the time of the episode, he valued his company at $500K. Billy successfully secured a deal with Daymond John and Mark Cuban for an investment of $100K for 50% equity in the company, contingent on a deal with Zumba. The investment adjusted the company’s net worth to around $200K. After the show was aired, the company experienced a significant boost in exposure. As per my rough estimate, the current net worth of Dance It Out in 2024 is around $3 million.
Shark(s) name
Offer & Demand
Counteroffer
Accepted?
Kevin O’Leary
Out
N\A
N\A
John Daymond + Mark Cuban
$100K for 20% equity
$100K for 50% equity contingent on deal with Zumba
Yes
Barbara Corcoran
Out
N\A
N\A
Robert Herjavec
Out
N\A
N\A
The Owner’s Backstory
Billy Blank Jr. comes from a fitness family. His father, Billy Blank is the American taekwondo and karate practitioner who basically created Tae Bo exercise. Growing up, Junior Billy also followed his father’s path but also incorporated dance in his method of exercise to ensure both fitness and entertainment for the fitness freaks. His dance incorporates all types of moves including Hip Hop, hula dance, and Bollywood.
Billy came on the show to highlight his program capabilities in front of the sharks and get a deal. He requested $100K for a 20% equity stake. His program is an amalgamation of both fitness and dance moves, to pull people out of boring and customary fitness struggles.
Queries about the Product
Kevin was the first to ask questions regarding the expensive launch of the program and the very reason for his coming on the show. Billy pointed out that he is on the show for his instruction certification program. He has already launched two DVDs in different markets like Target, Walmart, etc., and has also contracted an agreement with them for three more DVDs.
He wants to have a live program launch and for that, he is also instructing teachers to help him out.
Cuban then asked about the business model for the live program. He replied that he plans to get $250 dollars from the consumers first, then they will do the two-day course to get enrolled for a whole year.
Herjavec then asked about his plans to make the program launch on a larger scale and his revenues. The owner confirmed that he will leave ten master trainers in each city to make the program known to everyone. Additionally, he highlighted that he doesn’t know the revenues right now as his DVDs have just been released.
Cuban then told him that he wanted to invest in his retail business and Herjavec also affirmed Cuban’s point and highlighted that Billy is the one who constitutes the brand. So, the wholesale must be combined with the retail.
Daymond then asked him if he was willing to combine them. Billy answered in the affirmative.
Corcoran was curious to know about his father. The owner related that his father invented Tae Bo which is a karate-based fitness program and it’s the highest-selling fitness DVD in the fitness industry. He also highlighted that his father has not invested in his business as he wanted Billy Junior to earn on his own. He was basically homeless while working on the program and made it through with the help of his wife.
Shark’s Response and Final Decision
Corcoran was the first one out. Although she praised his independence she doesn’t feel good to invest in it.
Herjavec also praised his story but he can’t be of any value for him in the program. Thus, he backed out too.
Mr. Wonderful always looks for ways to get money flowing in. As he is unable to see any profit in the business he dropped out.
Daymond offered $100K for 50% equity contingent on a partnership with Zumba if Cuban also got involved in the same deal. According to the shark 12M people are interested in Zumba so it will be easier for them to get introduced to such a large mass. Cuban accepted the collaboration.
Billy initially pointed out that he struggled a lot to make his program different from other forms of fitness like Zumba. He also negotiated with his wife about the deal.
Billy then pleaded with them to just separate his brand from the Zumba program while the part of the deal with 50% equity remained the same. They didn’t accept the deal and so he left.
But then all of a sudden Daymond went after Billy and explained the deal further. The shark made it clear that Zumba won’t make his program theirs but only act as a medium to channel it. Finally, Billy Black Jr. accepted the offer.
Product’s Availability
Billy Blanks Jr.’s “Dance With Me” program gained significant success following its appearance on Shark Tank. It was later rebranded as Dance It Out and continues to thrive today. In addition to the program’s success, Billy has launched several other ventures, including starring in the Lifetime show Dance It Out. He also takes his popular routine on the road with the Dance It Out tour, bringing it to audiences around the world.
Conclusion
Billy made an impression on the show by not only getting a deal from two sharks at a time but also getting Daymond to convince them to get the deal. Moreover, the program was rebranded by the name Dance It Out and made a very successful entry into practical life.
Hey there, it’s Andaleb Youns. I am a freelance content writer and am currently pursuing a BS in English Language and Literature. I have expertise in writing Blog Posts, social media content, and copywriting. I know how it feels to be a student and still be dependent on parents to fulfill even basic daily needs. This realization became apparent while watching Shark Tank. Although I started watching this show out of boredom, it proved to be an inspirational show. The show made me realize the importance of hard work, being independent, and of having a business of my own. I still look forward to it for entertaining and inspirational content.
