Fitness instructor Cassey Ho creates ‘Great Gatsby’ workout

by Brittany Anas · May 10, 2013

By Brittany Anas

Let us count the ways we love Cassey Ho, a fitness guru who runs the wildly popular Blogilates site. For one, the pilates instructor’s motto is “train like a beast, look like a beauty” and she takes a fun-loving, high-energy approach to fitness. Then, in the fall, Ho caught Forbes’ attention for being one of YouTube’s “rising women of power,” surpassing the 20 million viewer mark.

And now, just in time for today’s movie release of The Great Gatsby, Ho has channeled her inner Daisy Buchanan and gifted the World Wide Web with a dance workout video that would floor even Jay Gatsby. For the dance, she mixes jazz with Beyonce’s Crazy in Love song. How Baz Luhrmann of her! The video is full of sculpting Charleston kicks and some flirty hip action.

Leading up to the release of The Great Gatsby, we had a chance to talk with Ho.

ShopAtHome.com: What’s your dance background? And, how does dance do a body good?

Cassey Ho: I have a love for movement and did various dance forms as a little girl, then dabbled in ballroom in college. Dance is my favorite way to do my cardio because it’s fun, you can add flavor and style and when you’re done, you’re super sweaty!

SAH: What’s your advice for those who are hesitant to try a dance class or video because they “lack coordination” or have never been dancers?

CH: Dance isn’t about getting the steps perfect, it’s about expressing your energy to the music. Who cares if you miss a step? If you’re smiling and you move like you know what you’re doing, you’re going to look and feel like a confident dancer.

And if you’re still scared…my Great Gatsby Workout comes equipped with a practice video that breaks down the routine.

SAH: One of the features we love on Blogilates.com is the “before & after” section where your fans, or POPsters as they’re called, share how you’ve helped them improve their health. Your site is truly motivating. Any stories or anecdotes that have really touched you?

CH: Everyone’s story is unique and everyone’s journey is so inspiring to hear. Whether girls are looking to lose weight, battle an eating disorder or makeover a healthy lifestyle, what I am always impressed by is a person’s resilience — and the positive attitude in which they chose to transform their lives.

SAH: We’ve got to know — where did you get that ’20s-riffic pink flapper dress and headband? What are your plans for the Gatsby premiere?

CH: I got it at Make Believe Costumes in Santa Monica. They lady who helped me there – her name is Paige – was so wonderful in helping me pick out a bob, the pearls and suggesting character shoes. I love local mom and pop shops. Gatsby premiere!? Oh, I’ve celebrated all week and even went to the Cicada (a vintage nightclub) in downtown Los Angeles to Charleston with other 1920s enthusiasts. Can’t wait for the movie to come out; I’ll be dancing all the way up until May 10th!

Photo and video courtesy of Blogilates.com.

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