The Controversy Surrounding Dirtylicious Dance Fitness in Provo
A dance fitness class known for its energetic routines and empowering message has been abruptly shut down by city officials in a conservative Utah town, sparking widespread outrage and debate. The cancellation of Dirtylicious Dance Fitness classes has ignited a fierce backlash from the community, with many accusing the city of suppressing women’s empowerment under the guise of morality.
The classes, which blend high-energy choreography with fitness, have been a popular choice for adults, particularly women, who seek to reconnect with movement, confidence, and a sense of community. For three years, the Provo Recreation Center hosted these sessions, offering four weekly classes due to high demand. However, this all changed last month when the city announced that the program would be permanently removed from the schedule.
In a June 23 email, the city notified Erica Tanner, the founder and CEO of Dirtylicious, that the program was being discontinued. The management stated that the decision was made to align with the center’s new programming goals. However, the abrupt nature of the decision left many questioning the reasoning behind it.
Tanner, who launched the program in 2019 with co-founder Chelsey Curtis, expressed frustration over the lack of communication and clear justification. “It was not just devastating but deeply unjust,” she said. She emphasized that the program had never received specific feedback about what was considered inappropriate or how the instructors could improve. “They were asking our instructors to follow policies that had never been created or communicated,” she added.
The controversy escalated after a man watched an old promotional video of the class and raised concerns about the content. This led to a review by Provo staff, who determined that the choreography did not align with the city’s “moral standards” and “family-friendly values.” Cathy Smits, the recreation center’s programming director, explained that while the class started as a fitness-focused activity, it gradually incorporated more adult-themed moves that conflicted with the facility’s guidelines.
Despite this, Tanner argued that the classes remained appropriate for their adult audience and followed the same standards as other programs at the rec center. “Why was Dirtylicious singled out when we follow the same norms, same standards, same unwritten policies as other city-sanctioned fitness programs?” she questioned.
At its core, Dirtylicious is designed to empower participants through dance, blending physical exercise with self-expression. Each class teaches a short routine broken down into manageable steps, emphasizing posture, control, and confidence. “Many adults used to dance when they were younger,” Tanner explained. “We’re reclaiming that. You don’t stop being expressive or joyful just because you’re older.”
The classes attract a diverse group of women, ranging from their 20s to their 60s, many of whom are mothers, professionals, or individuals seeking a safe and supportive space. “For a lot of women, especially mothers, this was the only adult interaction they had all day,” Tanner said. “It wasn’t just a workout. It was a lifeline.”
Since the cancellation, the Provo Rec Center has faced significant online criticism, with numerous one-star Google reviews accusing the city of censorship, sexism, and hypocrisy. A petition demanding the reinstatement of the class has gained over 500 signatures in a short time. Many members have canceled their memberships and are urging others to protest the decision.
“This is about fairness,” Tanner said. “Provo says it’s inclusive. But when a class that celebrates confidence, fitness, and sisterhood gets shut down—without transparency—that tells a different story.”
While city officials have hinted that the class might return if the choreography is modified, Tanner insists that this contradicts previous communications. “They told us in an email that Dirtylicious classes are officially canceled forever,” she said. “We want to collaborate. But we need fairness. And we need clarity.”
Despite the setback, Dirtylicious continues to operate in gyms and studios across Utah, with additional classes in Arizona, Hawaii, Texas, and Florida. The program remains a powerful symbol of empowerment and community for many.
