Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Brown Kegler.
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started with a passion for helping people feel good about themselves through movement. I began teaching fitness classes in 2009, and what started as a simple love for dance and wellness quickly grew into something much deeper. Over time, I realized people were not only coming for exercise, they were coming for encouragement, connection, joy, and healing.
In 2015, I felt led by God to create something bigger than a workout class. That’s when I founded Dancing Without Sin® Fitness LLC after receiving the message, “Help My People.” I wanted to create safe, uplifting environments where people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels could move freely, improve their health, and feel supported without judgment.
Since then, the business has grown into a community centered wellness brand offering dance fitness, chair fitness, strength training, wellness events, Gospel/Inspirational movement, line dancing, Sinless cooking and DWS Superstar Surprise, an impersonation experience throughout the Fayetteville area and beyond. I’ve had the opportunity to work with recreation centers, employee wellness programs, churches, schools, festivals, and community organizations.
One of the accomplishments closest to my heart is creating the Annual Health & Fitness Cancer Awareness Event, which will celebrate its 10th year Sept 11th-12th 2026, a two day celebration benefiting 1 of Us Cancer Charity. In 2023, I also expanded my vision by purchasing The Dancing Without Sin® Movement Center, a wellness space designed for fitness, fellowship, healthy cooking, prayer, and community connection.
Today, I continue to lead with faith, purpose, and the belief that movement can truly change lives. My mission has always been simple: to help move people physically, emotionally, and spiritually through the power of joy, wellness, and community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has strengthened my faith, resilience, and purpose. One of the biggest transitions in my journey was making the decision to leave my full-time job after 22 years to fully pursue the vision God placed in my heart through Dancing Without Sin® Fitness LLC. This month actually marks one year since my resignation. Stepping away from the security of a steady paycheck was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made because the bills and responsibilities did not decrease just because my income changed. I truly had to step out on faith.
There were moments of uncertainty and adjustment where I had to become more disciplined financially and emotionally. I learned to cut back on unnecessary expenses and became intentional about living differently. During that season, I even started a Facebook campaign called “Shopping in My Closet,” encouraging people to appreciate and reuse what they already have instead of constantly spending. What started as a personal adjustment unexpectedly inspired others in the community to do the same.
What has helped me continue forward has been my faith and the incredible support from the Fayetteville community. The Lord reminded me constantly that He would never leave nor forsake me, and I held onto that promise. The community has shown up for my events, encouraged me, shared my work, and reminded me that what I’m building truly matters. While the journey has not been easy, it has been purposeful, and I believe every obstacle has prepared me for the next level of impact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I do is much bigger than fitness classes — I create experiences that bring people together through music, movement, laughter, and positive energy. As the Founder and CEO of Dancing Without Sin® Fitness LLC, I specialize in a lot of movement exercises but my top two at the moment is DWS BEAT N BURN (a drumstick experience) and toning with light hand weights and bands. My audience is everyone, but I have more seasoned clients who has build confidence. I am also affectionately known as Lil big Mama because I will personally come into your kitchen and cook for your family in order to share healthier recipes.
Hosting events, speaking at events and line dance events as I am known as Fayetteville’s Favorite Line dancing Auntie
One of the things I love most is collaborating with other creatives, organizations, and community spaces to create unique experiences throughout Fayetteville and surrounding areas. I’ve had the opportunity to partner or work alongside amazing brands and venues such as Book Black Women, 1910 West, 226 The Warehouse, Cool Spring Downtown District, the Dogwood Festival, Blissful Alchemists, and The Palace, just to name a few. These collaborations make it easier to create exciting and meaningful events that truly connect with the community.
I also created DWS SUPERSTAR SURPRISE, a fun entertainment impersonation experience that includes personalized videos, pop-up performances, workplace surprises, celebrations, and special occasion appearances designed to make people smile and feel celebrated.
My ultimate goal is to always create something involving music and movement because, to me, that combination turns into magic. And that magic creates fun, laughter, healing, connection, and lighter spirits.
What I’m most proud of is my reputation and believability. People know I’m going to show up, bring positive energy, and create an atmosphere where people feel welcomed and happy. What sets me apart is authenticity. I genuinely love people, I genuinely love creating joy, and I don’t just host events — I create experiences people remember.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Absolutely. I truly believe no one builds anything meaningful alone, and I would not be where I am today without the people God strategically placed in my life. One of the biggest blessings in my journey has been Porcia Brown. She came into my life during a season when I was completely overwhelmed trying to balance the growth of Dancing Without Sin® Fitness LLC, event planning, inquiries, and everyday life. Even when I could not pay her what she truly deserved, she still stepped into the role of Operations Director and has helped me through absolutely everything. She brought organization, structure, and balance into my business and my life. She is also the person who reminds me that I cannot give everything away for free! We laugh about that often, but her wisdom has truly helped protect and strengthen the business.
My greatest cheerleader has always been my mother, Georgia Brooks Askew, lovingly known as “Mama G.” There is nothing like the prayers of a mother, and she constantly reminds me how proud she is of the work I am doing in the community. My faith has also been strengthened tremendously through my pastors, Ronnie Moore and Anita Moore of New Beginnings Christian Church, whose ministry continues to help me grow spiritually and personally.
I’m also grateful for my village, my sister cousins Kira, Duan, and Taressa; my best friends Janice, who I consider my mentor, along with Lindia and Tracey; my Sista Circle, Kalisha, Myra, Kelz, and Tiffany; and my Da’Ville Girlz, Val, Rhonda, Gretchen, Raisa, Fanny, and Nat. My family, including my little sisters Miracle and Domonique, my students known as the DWS 2 Cool Crew, Sara, Shadonna & Anthony have all played a part in keeping me grounded.
These are the people who pray for me, support my events, donate, encourage me from near and far, give advice, celebrate the wins, and wipe my tears during the difficult moments. Their love and support remind me that this journey is bigger than me, and without them, I would not be the woman I am today.
Pricing:
- Weekly classes (3} classes a week $6 drop-in fee or $35 a month
- All other pricing for services can be found at www.dancingwithoutsin.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dancingwithoutsin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancingwithoutsin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancingwithoutsin/
- LinkedIn: stephaniebrownkegler
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dancingwithoutsin1
