// Canadian actress, choreographer and fitness expert Melissa-Jane Shaw launches dance-based workout program FITPOP

TORONTO – Getting healthy has never been this entertaining! Canadian actress, choreographer and personal trainer Melissa-Jane (MJ) Shawrevitalizes working out with the launch of her signature fitness-based cardio-dance program, FITPOP.

FITPOP raises exercise to the next level, bringing out everyone’s inner dancer. Set to classic pop hits and the newest Top 40 favourites, FITPOP takes workouts from basic to invigorating with original dance fitness routines that shape the body mentally and physically, burning up to 500-800 calories per class. Class choreography can also be accessed online, allowing participants to practice and perfect at home.

“Dance is one of the best ways to get people excited about exercise while promoting body positivity and being comfortable in your own skin," said Shaw. "FITPOP is designed to make everyone a dancer! You will learn steps, styles and moves to bust out on the dance floor (or in your living room), all while getting a killer workout! Whether you danced back in the day or you've always wanted to, FITPOP classes create a space and a community where you can learn, let go and have FUN!"

FITPOP is the newest fitness program released by Shaw’s company, Dynamic Fitness and Retreats, which also offers personal training, group fitness classes (such as Tabata Bootcamp and LeBarre in a Bar) and family-friendly mom and baby sessions. Using encouragement, knowledge, positivity and a healthy dose of fun, Shaw navigates individual fitness journeys and helps clients achieve visible results. Offering more than just exercise, Dynamic Fitness and Retreats takes a holistic approach to wellness with insight into the relationship between nutrition and physical activity, fertility and fitness, pre- and post-natal care, and injury prevention and rehabilitation. Similar to her work in the arts, she specializes working with and empowering women.

MJ Shaw’s FITPOP class.
Photo credit: Brian Walters

Along with dominating the realm of health and wellness, Shaw has made her mark on the entertainment scene as an actor, choreographer and theatre director. She is most known for her multiple comic appearances in film and TV, such as CBC’s fan The Baroness Von Sketch Show (where she also the choreographer), Odd Squad (PBS), The Beaverton and 3 seasons on NBC’s This Howie Do It.  Currently, you can watch her as Melanie Truscott on the original medical series Hard Rock Medical (2013 - 2018).

Shaw will reprise her role in season 4 of the favourite drama set in Northern Ontario about a diverse group of medical students navigating their way through the world’s most challenging medical school. The show airs Sundays on TVO in Ontario and returns for its final season in Winter 2018.

 MJ Shaw
Photo credit: John Bregar

About Melissa-Jane (MJ) Shaw:
MJ Shaw is a fitness expert, choreographer and performing artist who has been teaching dance and fitness for over 20 years. Working as part-time faculty member at the University of Toronto/Sheridan College "Theatre & Drama Studies" program teaching dance and movement based classes, Shaw imparts her knowledge of movement to the next generation of performers. She has taught at countless studios and events across Canada and the US as well as presenting at canfitpro. Shaw is a Master Trainer for Tabata Bootcamp and LTS LeBarre, both of which she teaches weekly in Toronto. She has been featured on Idea City, the Dr.OZ Show, Steven & Chris Show (CBC), Much Music and MTV as a guest instructor and fitness expert. Her certifications include: ACE (PT & Group), AFAA, canfitpro (PT & FIS), Yoga Alliance and many more.