Open a Dance Studio Franchise for Adults: No Dance Experience Required
DivaDance® is an adult dance studio and dance fitness franchise with 48 franchises awarded, classes at more than 100 studio locations, and a total investment starting at $56,700 (2026 FDD). Started as adult dance classes in New York City in 2003. Founded in Austin, Texas, in 2015 and franchising since 2016. Recurring membership revenue, full HQ training, turnkey operating playbook.
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Who Makes a Great DivaDance Franchise Owner?
We succeed when you do. Our most successful owners are:
- Community-minded entrepreneurs who thrive on local networking and team building
- Passionate about creating inclusive spaces for adults of all backgrounds and identities
- Ready to follow a turnkey operating playbook, then add their own creative spark
- Confident leading a small, part-time staff of instructors and front-desk team members
- Former attorneys, teachers, fitness professionals, music-industry alums, and corporate refugees (no dance background required)
How Much Does a Dance Fitness Franchise Cost?
A DivaDance® franchise costs $56,700 to $148,500 to open in partner studios, or $84,000 to $226,200 with a dedicated studio (2026 FDD, Item 7). Most owners start in partner studios. They rent space by the class, which keeps the investment low and skips the long-term lease. You don't need a lease to open a DivaDance.
Every line item is in Items 6 and 7 of our Franchise Disclosure Document, and we walk you through each one on your first call.
Figures from our Franchise Disclosure Document issued April 30, 2026.
Meet our Franchise Owners
Carolina V.
Owner
DivaDance Ciudad de México
During my time working internationally in the US, I decided to become a DivaDance franchise owner. My journey began as a member and then an instructor, and I developed a strong desire to share the core values of trust and community with the people of Mexico City upon my return. Dance has always been therapeutic for me, and DivaDance's values resonated deeply with my own beliefs. Recognizing the lack of non-competitive spaces for adults to share their passion for dance in Mexico, I was inspired to establish a successful company dedicated to empowering others. My goal was to provide especially women my age with a place where they feel amazing, can be unapologetically themselves, and form new friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
Lexi L.
Owner
DivaDance Chicago
I was a member in Houston, and then I moved here [Chicago]. I started taking classes, and then I started working at the front desk, and then I started teaching classes. Then, I got this amazing opportunity to become the owner. To own a studio, it feels very liberating. You know, being a first-generation American, I never thought this would happen to me.
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Danielle L.
Owner
DivaDance San Antonio
I had a strong desire to create a space where people could feel loved and accepted and beautiful just as they are. Once I felt the power of that room I knew this is exactly what I wanted to bring to our city. We are growing together, learning together, and impacting San Antonio together one sexy, sweaty class at a time.
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The heart of our company, our high-energy dance fitness classes are what keeps our clients coming and memberships form the basis of those long-term relationships. This recurring revenue structure is the key to helping our franchise owners maintain a wildly successful business!
How Does a DivaDance Franchise Make Money?
DivaDance® franchise owners generate revenue through three streams: recurring class memberships, private parties (bachelorette, birthday, corporate), and performance programs (recitals, video series, sports halftime shows). Memberships drive predictable monthly cash flow while parties and programs add high-margin revenue on top.
Recognition
Award-Winning Franchise
Independently ranked by the publications franchise buyers already trust, year after year.
Top Franchise for Diversity
Entrepreneur Magazine · 2023 & 2024
Two-year recognition from Entrepreneur Magazine for inclusive franchise ownership.
Top 10 Hot Franchise Trends
Entrepreneur Franchise 500 · 2023
Named to Entrepreneur Franchise 500's annual list of the fastest-rising franchise concepts.
Top New & Emerging Franchise
Entrepreneur Franchise 500 · 2022
Recognized among the most promising emerging franchise opportunities of 2022.
Top Women in Franchising
1851 Franchise Magazine · 2024
Jami Stigliano (Founder & CEO) named to 1851 Franchise Magazine's annual list of women leading franchise growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About DivaDance Franchise Ownership
What is the total initial investment to open a DivaDance franchise?
The estimated initial investment is $56,700 to $148,500 if you run classes in partner studios, or $84,000 to $226,200 if you open a dedicated studio. Both ranges include the $36,000 franchise fee and come from Item 7 of our 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document.
How much is the DivaDance franchise fee?
The franchise fee is $36,000 for one territory of about 150,000 to 300,000 people. It's included in the total investment ranges above.
Do you help with financing?
Yes. We'll connect you with SBA-preferred lenders, 401(k) rollover (ROBS) specialists, and minority- and veteran-friendly funding partners so you can launch with confidence and the right capital structure.
Is a DivaDance franchise profitable?
Our Franchise Development team walks you through how operating studios have performed during your discovery process. After your first conversation you receive our full Franchise Disclosure Document, and Item 19 shows how our operating studios performed, so you can make an informed decision.
How fast can I open once I sign the Franchise Agreement?
About six to nine months if you run classes in partner studios, or nine to 12 months if you open a dedicated studio (2026 FDD, Item 11). Most of that time is training and lining up your first class spaces.
Do I need dance or fitness experience to succeed?
Nope! The ideal owner is a community-minded entrepreneur who can build a strong staff team, manage memberships, and drive local marketing. Our Instructor Development team will get your instructors certified, so they're ready to deliver champagne-quality classes in your studio.
Do I have to run DivaDance myself?
Someone has to run it full time. Your franchise agreement asks your managing owner to lead the business day to day. If that won't be you, you can hire an operating manager who completes our training and takes on daily management. They don't need to own part of the business. We'll talk through which setup fits you during discovery.
Do I need to open a dedicated studio location?
Not if you buy one territory. Most owners start in partner studios and venues, renting space for about $25 to $75 per class instead of signing a lease. If you buy more than one territory, or you want a studio of your own, you'll open a dedicated studio and your investment goes up.
Can I open a DivaDance franchise for under $100,000?
Yes. The partner-studio model starts at $56,700, including the $36,000 franchise fee, because you rent class space by the class instead of building out a studio.
How many DivaDance locations are there?
At the end of 2025, DivaDance had 43 outlets: 40 franchised and 3 company-owned, with franchised outlets in 14 states (2026 FDD, Item 20). Today there are 48 franchises with classes at more than 100 studio locations.
What's the difference between a DivaDance franchise and a DivaDance studio?
A franchise is the business. A studio is where you dance. Each DivaDance franchise is independently owned and covers its own area. Many owners run classes in more than one studio, often partner studios they don't have to build or lease. That's why there are 48 awarded DivaDance franchises but classes at more than 100 studio locations.
What training do new owners get?
New owners complete 98 hours of initial training over about eight weeks: 43 classroom hours and 55 hands-on hours, split between virtual sessions and Austin, Texas. That includes instructor certification, sales and operations, financial training, and our 30-hour Confidence Camp.
Is DivaDance a dance fitness franchise?
Yes. DivaDance is an adult dance studio, and every class is also a workout. Members learn real choreography to pop and hip-hop hits, and our NonStop format keeps them moving the whole hour. You don't need a dance background to own one. As a dance fitness franchise owner, you run the business and certified instructors teach the classes. Many owners get certified and teach too, which we love, but it isn't required.
Can I talk to current DivaDance owners?
Yes. Talking with current owners is a step in our process. Before you sign, we connect you with DivaDance owners so you can ask them anything about running the business.
Is DivaDance a good franchise for women?
DivaDance was founded by a woman and is led by women, and most of our owners are women who came from outside the dance and fitness industries. The model is built for someone starting without a studio: you rent class space by the hour instead of signing a lease, the investment starts at $56,700 (2026 FDD), and training covers running the business as well as the classes. We also connect candidates with financing partners that work with first-time owners.
