PHOENIX (STN) – Rick Coffey, better known as Big Kid Rick, is living proof that passion, joy, and showing up can change lives.
As the founder of Dance Fitness Tempe, and now a viral sensation with more than 5 million followers across social media platforms, Rick’s journey from burnout to boundless energy is resonating with people around the world.
As Rick told the live studio audience during the Season 4 premiere of ‘It Happens at STN,’ it didn’t start with fame; It started with frustration.
“I used to hate when gyms asked me what my goals were,” he said. “I didn’t know how many pounds I needed to lose before I could fall in love with my body.”
Then one day, Rick stepped into a dance fitness class. At the end of that hour, something clicked. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t feel shame or judgment—he felt joy. He felt pride. And he wanted others to feel that too.
Big Kid Rick dances his way into hearts and healthy habits:
Since then, Rick, who lives in Arizona, has built a global community online rooted in joy, movement, and evolution. His motto? There are no mistakes—only accidental solos.
On stage with STN’s Vanessa Ruiz, Rick reflected on how more than half the people who register for his beginner classes never show up—for fear of failure or embarrassment. But showing up, he emphasized, is where the magic happens. Even if you stumble, even if you’re scared, just showing up is an act of self-love.
“I’m not here to sell products,” he said. “I’m here to influence people to live a lifestyle of evolving unapologetically and showing up as best as they can.”
From corporate speaking engagements to local dance floors, Big Kid Rick’s movement is more than choreography. It’s a call to move with joy, to show up even when it’s hard, and to love yourself right where you are.
