Meet Stephanie Christopherson | Group Fitness Instructor & Director of Learning and Client Engagement

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Christopherson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve been in the group fitness industry for over 15 years, and it’s always been more than just a job—it’s a passion. When the pandemic hit, like many in the fitness world, I lost my regular classes, and it felt like a huge part of my identity and community was suddenly gone. At the time, I was teaching a format that had a lot of restrictions on where and when you could offer classes, so I found myself at a crossroads. I knew I wanted to keep teaching, but I needed a format that offered more flexibility and aligned with my values.

That’s when my good friend Ellie introduced me to SHiNE Dance Fitness™. I took one online class—and that was it. I was hooked. The music, the energy, the inclusive vibe—it was everything I loved about dance fitness wrapped into one format. But what truly sealed the deal was the freedom SHiNE™ gave instructors to build their own community and lead classes on their own terms.

That flexibility opened the door for me to start SHiNE TRIBE 5280 and bring this incredible format to the Aurora area. I didn’t just want to teach again—I wanted to build something new that could grow, evolve, and truly serve people in a joyful, supportive, and fun way. And that’s exactly what this tribe has become.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
SHiNE TRIBE 5280 is what I like to call my “fun job.” By day, I work for a global company leading the Learning and Client Engagement department, and I hold a Master’s in Adult Education and Curriculum Design. So yes—I’m a total learning nerd at heart. Helping people grow and thrive has always been my passion, so group fitness was a natural (and way more sparkly) extension of that.

What started as a hobby quickly turned into a calling. I used my business background to get SHiNE TRIBE 5280 up and running, and in the beginning, it was just me—one instructor, one dream, one playlist. Fast-forward to today and we now have four SHiNE instructors in the Aurora area. That growth didn’t come easy. We’ve had to move locations more than once, each time reintroducing SHiNE™ to a brand-new community. And because SHiNE isn’t yet a household name in Colorado, that meant a lot of explaining, demonstrating, and dancing my heart out to spread the word.

One of the biggest personal challenges? This introverted gal had to push way outside her comfort zone—recording videos, posting on social media, and really putting myself out there. But I’ve learned that showing up consistently matters. It’s not about perfection, it’s about passion.

What sets SHiNE TRIBE 5280 apart is the community we’ve built. It’s joyful, supportive, inclusive—and honestly, it just feels good to be there. My biggest takeaway so far? Say yes. Keep showing up. And don’t be afraid to hustle in sparkly sneakers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, you’re in for a treat—Colorado is packed with adventure, beauty, and so many ways to soak up the vibe, whether you’re outdoorsy or just here for the views (and the food).

First stop: hiking! Don’t worry, I’m not taking you on a death march up a 14er. Colorado has so many beginner-friendly hikes with jaw-dropping views—places like Red Rocks, Garden of the Gods, or even just a casual trail around Cherry Creek Reservoir. Trust me, the air is fresher here, and your camera roll will thank you.

Next, I’d take you to The Wild Animal Sanctuary—this place is incredible. It’s not your average zoo—it’s a sprawling refuge for rescued animals like lions, bears, and wolves, and walking above them on the mile-long skywalk is an unforgettable experience. It’s educational, heartwarming, and awe-inspiring all at once.

For a little more classic fun, I always love a trip to the Denver Zoo or Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (bonus: the giraffe feeding is top-tier). And if you’re a museum or art buff, we’ve got some gems like the Denver Art Museum or Meow Wolf—a truly wild, immersive experience.

As for food, we’d hit up a few local faves—maybe brunch at Snooze, tacos at Tacos Tequila Whiskey, and a treat from Sweet Cow or Little Man Ice Cream (because life is short, eat the ice cream).

Now, I’ll be honest—nightlife isn’t my scene (this dancing queen prefers fitness studios over clubs), but if you’re in the mood to party, Downtown Denver has plenty to offer. Think live music, rooftop bars, and even silent discos if you’re feeling spicy.

Oh, and no trip would be complete without dancing it out at a SHiNE TRIBE 5280 class—you didn’t think I’d let you visit without a little sparkle and sweat, did you?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! First and foremost, a huge shoutout goes to my friend Ellie—she’s the one who introduced me to SHiNE Dance Fitness™, and truly, that one class changed everything for me. Without her, SHiNE TRIBE 5280 might never have existed.

I also have to give major love to Claire and Bonnie—my ride-or-dies from day one. These two incredible women have supported me locally every step of the way, cheered me on when things were tough, danced in empty rooms when I was just getting started, and helped create the strong, sparkly community we have today. Their belief in me and in this TRIBE has meant the world.

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but having people in your corner who believe in your vision? That’s the magic.

Website: https://shinetribe5280.com

Instagram: @shinetribe5280

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shine5280