A diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes at age 30 and a regular fitness routine gradually led to a business called Empower Fitnezz by Dorothy.
“Empower Fitnezz with Dorothy is a welcoming fitness and wellness community dedicated to helping people of all ages and fitness levels build confidence, improve their health, and have fun while staying active,” said founder Dorothy Penny. “Through line dancing, group fitness classes, special events, and community engagement, we empower individuals to move their bodies, connect with others, and become the best version of themselves.”
Penny, age 59, has enjoyed line dancing since she was 21 years old with her daughter, Christina Daniul. A car accident triggered the onset of her diabetes, when doctors told her she would have to monitor her blood glucose regularly and take insulin for the rest of her life.
“It was scary to hear from doctors that I could lose a foot or my eye sight if left untreated,” she said. Currently, there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes which affects roughly 1 in 300 people, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Monitoring her diet and nutrition, not drinking sugary soda or eating lots of ice cream are tips Penny learned along the way to living with diabetes. Movement seemed to be key to her managing her disease without feeling like she is depriving herself of all sugar.
Line dancing does not require a partner or cowboy boots. Class participants can wear sneakers, socks or boots. The music is not exclusively country music; Penny plays rock music and hip hop beats as well.
“Line dancing has become increasingly popular because it blends fitness, fun and social connection in a way that appeals to all ages and skill levels,” Penny said. “It’s an easy, low-pressure form of exercise that doesn’t require a partner, making it very accessible.”
She started Empower Fitnezz by Dorothy six years ago. She rented space at the Foothills originally and then moved to the Southside Mall. She offers classes there four times a week at $10 per session.
“Right now, I have classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m., Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.,” Penny said. “I encourage beginners who are coming to my classes that they show up 15 minutes before class starts so we can go over a few basic steps.”
About six to 20 students come to class regularly.
“I have a good number of women who come, but I actually have been seeing more men join in on the fun as well and I love it.”
Her Wednesday and Friday morning classes appeal to retirees and attract a range of dancers 30 to 80 years old, she said. Empower Fitnezz has no employees. Daniul helps market the business on Facebook and Instagram.
She plans to offer two-step line dancing in the future, which requires a partner. The partner can be a mother-daughter duo or other combination.
In addition to classes in her studio at Southside Mall, Penny has attracted as many as 65 people to her line dancing class at Ommegang Brewery on Fire Pit Friday.
“I also love taking line dancing into the community. I regularly partner with local businesses to host events that bring people together for a fun and unique experience,” Penny said. “I have a wonderful group of followers who enjoy getting out, supporting local businesses, and spending time together while having fun and staying active.”
In June, Empower Fitnezz by Dorothy will be in Schenevus, Oneonta, New Berlin and Norwich. Dates and times can be found on the company’s Facebook page.
Shannon Oberacker comes to class at the Southside Mall. In turn, Penny brings line dancing to Oberacker’s barn dances at The Sparrow Hawk, a wedding venue and special events modern farmhouse in Schenevus.
“We have also taught a bunch of classes at the Van Hornesville Community Center, “ Penny said. “I am willing to travel … We are always looking for other businesses to partner with.“
Asked how she came up with her company’s name, Penny said, “I want people to come to my classes to learn and have fun, not be perfect. Empower was the perfect word for that.”
She credits a supportive family as a key to her success. “My husband and I spent hours trying to get the floor (laid) and making the place look nice.”
John Penny has a construction business called Well-Grounded. After a leak in the mall’s roof warped the dance floor they installed, Penny and her husband are looking to repair sections of it.
“People are drawn to line dancing because it’s a full-body workout that feels more like a social event than exercise,” she said. “It improves coordination, cardio health and mood while building a strong sense of community.”
She has been a certified instructor since 2021 for Country Fusion Line Dancing with Dorothy. Line dancing is not all that Penny does. “I am an instructor in piyo, shine dance fitness, and I am coming up with a new one wall program for my timeless steps group.”
“I think that’s why I love doing what I do because this is helping people with movement, strength, cardio health and memory,” she said. “I thrive on being there for people.”
Find Empower Fitnezz by Dorothy online at https://www.facebook.com/EmpowerFitnezzwithDorothy.