Sexy, liberating, spiritual, high energy, inclusive, loving, and visceral, are just a few of the adjectives clients use to describe a workout with Marissa “Moe Joe” Joseph.
Joseph is a dancer and choreographer who performed on the Acura Stage with Dr. John at this year’s Jazz Fest. She loves performing but teaching just may be her true passion. It is also her business — Bounce Fitness and Dance, LLC. She offers dance and fitness classes, health education and personal empowerment. Each one of Joseph’s classes is a unique experience motivated by community and tradition, and features a wide variety of music including bounce, hip-hop, blues and even zydeco.
Beginning in June, Joseph will have a flagship location, a permanent space in the New Orleans Healing Center. She will, however, keep offering her workouts throughout the community. Her dance moves and the exercise are important but she also strives to make sure her classes are socially engaging.
“I want to promote confidence, cultural understanding and unity,” she said. “When class is over we always join in a circle for a discussion. We hug up and share and say thank you to one another, because everyone is helping others get what they need. We create something positive and it’s a great support system.”
Growing up in New Iberia, Joseph began dancing at an early age and said she danced all the time. She also watched exercise videos by the likes of Jane Fonda and Kathy Smith. However, she said her life flipped when she saw her first Tae Bo video because it was much more her speed — high energy.
“And MTV and the Grind were also so good because they combined all those great dance moves,” she said.
While getting a bachelor of arts in communication studies at LSU, Joseph was on the LSU recreation staff where she taught dance and fitness. She’s trained in all types of dance but she says her identity is Creole. That’s at the very heart of her work.
“It’s a statement for myself,” she said. “I believe you are responsible to leave your own legacy and it’s important to learn who you are and where you come from.”
She builds her audience by being mobile, authentic and staying involved in the community. Joseph works closely with the Baby Dolls and Irvin Mayfield. She does workshops at venues like Dancing Grounds and Ashe´ Cultural Arts Center. Twice a month she offers Moe Joe’s Bounce Fitness Festival — An Ode to Cultural Wellness at People’s Health New Orleans Jazz Market. The class celebrates Louisiana Creole and southern culture through music and dance. She also offers Caribbean Cardio w/ Moe Joe at Magnolia Yoga Studio.
“She starts the class by giving everyone a hug that creates a welcoming and loving environment,” said client Stephanie Appleton. “She’s a powerhouse of positive energy for a whole dang hour and I love it.”
Bounce Fitness and Dance, LLC
