Provo cancels 'Dirtylicious Dance Fitness' class, says it doesn't align with city values

PROVO — For the last three years, dozens of women and men have been attending Dirtylicious Dance Fitness classes at the Provo Recreation Center, until the city unexpectedly shut down the program last month.

"It's a fun, empowering dance program designed to help individuals, primarily women, feel confident, healthy and connect with others through dance," said Erica Tanner, the CEO of Dirtylicious Dance Fitness.

There were four active classes at the Provo Rec Center due to "strong demand" and a "thriving program," Tanner said, noting that even Provo officials have raved about the program in the past and city employees have attended before.

Suddenly last month, however, the instructors were told the classes would be canceled.

"It was not just devastating but deeply unjust," Tanner said. "With no reasoning, nothing. And so I, myself as the CEO, and also a Provo city resident, was like, 'OK, something isn't right here.'"

Tanner learned from city officials that a man had recently seen a Dirtylicious video filmed at the Provo Recreation Center a year prior and complained to the city government that some of the dancing was inappropriate for a rec center. The city then reviewed the recordings and social media and agreed that the program was inappropriate and didn't align with the city's values, moral standards or policies.

Tanner and her husband and business partner then met with city officials to try to work something out, asking what guidelines had been broken and how they could adjust to keep the classes.

"We asked for specific examples of what they didn't like or specific dance moves. We asked what policies the instructors broke or what parameters were inappropriate. We asked many times for clarification ... and it was discovered there was nothing they could reference," she said. "They were pretty much asking our instructors to abide by policies that had never been created and our instructors had never been made aware of."

After several meetings where Tanner said she was open to change, the city told Tanner last week that her instructors were terminated at the Provo Recreation Center, and all Dirtylicious classes are officially canceled forever.

"It was communicated to us through just an email very plainly saying they decided to 'move in a different direction that aligns with current goals and programming,'" Tanner said.

In an email to Tanner, recreation center manager Cathy Smits said she reviewed class recordings and content on social media from the classes and compared them to standards of conduct for the city's public facilities.

"During our review, we identified elements of the program that did not align with these established standards," Smits wrote, but did not elaborate about any specific elements. "I believe the decision to discontinue the class is both appropriate and reasonable."

Tanner disagrees, saying the classes are "so much more than just a workout; it's a safe space, a source of confidence, and it's a vital part of their weekly routine and their social connection. Tons of mothers, it's their way to talk with adults for the day."

Tanner grew up dancing and wanted to create a space where more adults could safely express themselves and build self-confidence as she noticed there weren't enough opportunities for adults to recreationally enjoy dancing. She founded the Dirtylicious Dance Fitness program in 2019 which now has several instructors, classes conducted at gyms, studios and recreation centers all over Utah and has even spread to Arizona, Hawaii, Texas and Florida.

"It builds a vibrant supportive community, where people come to find joy and improve their mental and physical health and boost their self-esteem in a safe and inclusive space," Tanner said.

A double standard?

With some similarities to Zumba, the Dirtylicious workout classes is unique as an entire dance routine is taught each class and the instructors break down the choreography so the students can learn and feel confident in each move.

Tanner said it feels like there is a double standard as other classes at the center feature similar movement styles, lighting, music and social media promotion.

"Why was Dirtylicious singled out when we follow the same norms, same standards, same unwritten policies as other city-sanctioned fitness programs? We never have been given a real answer still," she said.

Many in the community who supported or participated in the program are not happy with the decision. Dozens of negative Google reviews have been left online for the rec center, citing disappointment and outrage at the classes' cancellation.

"It has been so wild. I'm talking hundreds of women and men are speaking out, memberships are being canceled, reviews are being posted. The outcry is real because Dirtylicious Dance Fitness meant something to these people," she said.

Tanner said Dirtylicious Dance Fitness has received "overwhelming community support" from people who are begging for answers. "They're hurt, and they're confused and angry why a popular and empowering class that was filled each class is being targeted," she said.

While Dirtylicious classes are still available elsewhere around Utah, Tanner said the fight in Provo isn't over. She is proud of what her instructors built in Provo, and she isn't going to give up on providing a space for people to dance.

"I hope the city reconsiders and corrects this. It's not too late. We're willing to follow any clear consistent policies, but we can't comply with vague shifting expectations that aren't even written," she said.

As a Provo resident herself, Tanner said this situation highlights a more serious concern of the city claiming it is fair and inclusive but that its actions don't match that. She believes community voices need to be heard on issues that directly impact the residents.

"The community deserve fairness, transparency and a rec center that reflects the diverse interests of all Provo residents and community members," Tanner said.

More than 200 people have signed a petition to reinstate the classes, and community members are encouraging people to reach out to city officials on this issue.

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