Joozy Dance Fitness Rising

Lyndall Marney has always found confidence through dance. From a young age, she was often teased for her weight, labelled the “big” girl. But when she danced, she was free—unbothered by criticism, unconcerned with others’ opinions, and uninhibited by where she was. As long as there was music, Lyndall moved. Dance wasn’t just a hobby for her; it became a lifeline, a way to let go of all insecurities and fears.

“I dance a lot,” she reflects, her words underscored by a profound sense of joy. In fact, she dances for at least three hours a day, most days of the week. For her, it’s not just about the movement but the emotional release it brings. “I’m happy…truly happy,” Lyndall shares. “I go through life with a smile, despite the challenges, and people know this about me. It’s because I dance.”

For Lyndall, dance is therapy. “Nobody ever says they don’t have stress, but dancing helps me deal with whatever life throws my way.” It’s through dancing that she has learned to stay present. “In my classes, if I ever make a mistake, it’s because I’ve let my mind wander. Being present is everything, and it’s something I’ve had to teach myself.”

Her relationship with dance has also transformed her physically. Regardless of her weight or body size, Lyndall’s energy and flexibility are undeniable. “I can do so much in a day,” she remarks. “It’s about doing the most with what you have, no matter what it looks like.” Confidence, for Lyndall, is deeply tied to her daily dance routine. “I’m not the best dancer, but I love what I do, and that’s enough. I’ve embraced my uniqueness. I’m confident, flexible, and happy all because I dance.”

The birth of Joozy Dance Fitness came from a place of personal hardship. During a particularly rough season in her life, Lyndall found herself needing a way to support her family while still doing something she loved. She had initially been attending Zumba classes at her local gym when her instructor fell ill. His replacement, however, left her feeling underwhelmed. “I thought, ‘I could do a better job,’” she recalls with a laugh. And so, she became certified to teach Zumba, subbing for the original instructor.

Within a year, life threw her a curveball. As the breadwinner for her household, she suddenly found herself on the outs with her parents, in need of a place to live. “I had no idea how I was going to pay for rent, the bond at home, or two cars—let alone daily living expenses,” she remembers. Miraculously, things fell into place, and Lyndall moved to Kempton Park, securing a charming cottage and a hall where she could teach dance classes in the evenings.

But she couldn’t afford the ongoing costs of maintaining her Zumba licence. Out of this necessity, Joozy Dance Fitness was born. Joozy, a slang term from her youth meaning something stylish or attractive, was the perfect name for her new venture. She wanted to create a space where people could rediscover their confidence through dance. Even as a full-time working single mother, Lyndall found time to teach. Her classes were affordable, charging R150 a month for four sessions a week. And yet, her students would often give her more money, saying the value she brought to their lives was priceless.

In February 2022, Lyndall’s life took another sharp turn. She was unfairly dismissed from her 9-to-5 job. A month later, she found new employment, but by September, she was retrenched. It was a challenging time, but, as always, she turned to dance. “I now dance full-time,” she proudly states. With 11 locations around Pretoria and Johannesburg, five instructors she’s personally trained, and an ever-growing online class presence, Joozy Dance Fitness was thriving.

She’s even expanded into creating a Joozy-branded clothing line and teaching dance at schools. “If I look back, I never would have imagined that my love for dance would inspire so many people or lead me to where I am now,”.

 Lyndall firmly believes that passion is intertwined with purpose. “I give God all the praise, honour, and glory. My goal is to share the gift of dance with as many people as possible because dance heals, and we could all use a little light today.”

Before diving into the world of dance instruction, Lyndall worked in the cleaning and hygiene industry. She sold industrial consumables—everything from toilet paper to dispensers. As strange as it may seem, that experience helped her build the strong business foundation that supports her 11 dance studios today. “Sales taught me the value of customer care,” she says, smiling at the memory of her early career. “Even if it was just toilet paper, I made sure my clients never ran out because I genuinely cared about their needs.”

Customer care remains at the heart of Joozy Dance Fitness, even in the age of digital acceleration. “What is a business without customer care?” Lyndall asks. “If the head doesn’t care, the body won’t either.” Her philosophy extends to how she manages her staff, too. “When I worked for someone else, I always hated how companies placed the resource before the human in ‘human resources.’ I make sure to see the person first, then the resource.”

Her management style is inclusive, respectful, and, above all, fair. “We’re here to make money, yes, but we also need to take care of each other,” she explains. “If we don’t have people to share it with, what’s the point?”

Lyndall’s advice to young entrepreneurs? “Be rich, respected, and reasonable. Money is important, but never forget the fundamental principles of humanity. You want to leave a legacy behind, so how do you want to be remembered?”

For anyone feeling stuck in their career and scared of the financial risks of change, Lyndall encourages faith. “You need to believe it will work out because it always does. Be calculated, but don’t let calculations feed procrastination. Believe in yourself, and the right doors will open.”

As Lyndall continues to inspire others, she holds onto her favourite quote from Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”