Molly Day transitioned from performing in front of thousands at Madison Square Garden to creating an online fitness program, Moves With Molly, that teaches thousands of viewers how to move to metal music from the comfort of their homes. The former Knicks City Dancer has found a unique niche by combining her passion for rock and metal music with her background in dance and fitness.
Day has always believed that metal music deserves to be celebrated on the dance floor. “It sounds just as danceable as a Sabrina Carpenter song to me,” she says, expressing her conviction that all music can inspire movement. “Whether it’s Dying Fetus or Sabrina Carpenter, I want to dance the same exact way to it. And I just knew that there had to be people that felt that same way.”
Becoming a Metal-Loving Knicks City Dancer
A self-described “alt kid,” Day grew up immersed in the sounds of Slipknot, Linkin Park, and My Chemical Romance, alongside her passion for dance. Her journey in dance led her from Connecticut to New York University, where she pursued her dream of performing at a higher level. However, in the competitive world of dance, she felt the need to hide her “alt kid” persona.
“I kind of put that on the back burner because I just wanted to fit in,” she recalls. Her determination paid off when she successfully auditioned for the Boston Celtics dance team, but her ambition didn’t stop there. Day aspired to join the New York Knicks, which she regarded as “the best of the best.” After two remarkable years as a Knicks City Dancer, an eye procedure forced her to step away from the spotlight.
With over a decade of experience in fitness training and professional dance, Day attempted to collaborate with various fitness companies. However, she quickly realized that her love for metal music did not align with their vision. This realization sparked the creation of Moves With Molly.
‘She Doesn’t Belong Here’
Moves With Molly is an innovative fitness program on YouTube that merges Day’s expertise in psychology, fitness, and dance. Her routines, which feature diverse music genres including rock and metal, offer an outlet for people to express and release their emotions. “Being able to find a different way to have that outlet that isn’t just going to a concert and being in a mosh pit – it can be at your house, and it can be fun,” she explains. “You just turn it on and let those feelings out.”
As Day built her social media presence, she encountered mixed reactions from metal fans. “I think it’s more the fans that see me in my smiley, bubbly vibe and are like ‘She doesn’t belong here,'” she says. Despite some negativity, the overall response has been positive, with many fans embracing her unique approach to fitness. Day has created routines set to music from a variety of metal bands, including Bring Me the Horizon, Slipknot, and Sanguisugabogg. Her month-long program, Metal Moves With Molly, features dance, sculpt, and strength classes set to rock and metal tracks.
Day’s efforts have not gone unnoticed; she has received messages of appreciation from musicians like Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 and members of Sanguisugabogg. She even had the opportunity to connect with Matt Heafy from Trivium, sharing a memorable story from her teenage years about a black eye she got in a mosh pit at one of their concerts.
The Importance of Inclusion in Metal and Fitness
Inclusion is a core value for Day, both in her personal life and within the metal community. Her experiences growing up shaped this perspective. “I’m super dyslexic, super ADHD. I had to go to a special ed high school because I couldn’t read. So I feel like, in a lot of ways, music-wise, culture-wise, alternative, being special needs, I felt ‘othered’ so often in life,” she shares.
Day dismisses accusations that she is using metal for “clout,” instead viewing her fitness routines as a means to reach and empower individuals who may not have had a platform before. “I think my biggest thing is making classes that help people feel included and then also fall in love with moving again,” she explains. Her goal is to help people rediscover the joy of movement, reminiscent of carefree childhood play.
For those hesitant to embark on their fitness journey, Day advises starting with just 30 minutes of movement each day, regardless of the intensity. “Unless you’re a professional athlete, that’s enough,” she states. Her mission is to make fitness accessible and enjoyable, providing a safe space for everyone to engage with their bodies in a positive way.
Conclusion
Molly Day’s journey from a Knicks City Dancer to the creator of Moves With Molly exemplifies the power of passion and inclusion in both fitness and music. By combining her love for metal with her expertise in dance, she has carved out a unique space that encourages people to express themselves physically while embracing their favorite music. Day’s story is a testament to the idea that fitness can—and should—be for everyone, regardless of background or musical preference.
FAQs
What is Moves With Molly?
Moves With Molly is an online fitness program created by Molly Day that combines dance, fitness, and various music genres, with a special focus on rock and metal music.
How can I participate in Moves With Molly?
You can join the Moves With Molly program through her YouTube channel, where she offers a variety of fitness routines that you can follow from home.
Is the program suitable for beginners?
Yes, Molly encourages everyone to participate, regardless of their fitness level. She aims to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for all.
Can I use my favorite music while working out with Moves With Molly?
Absolutely! Molly emphasizes the importance of using music that inspires you and makes you want to move, whether it’s metal, pop, or any other genre.
What if I have physical limitations?
Molly includes options for various fitness levels and encourages listeners to adapt the workouts to their needs, ensuring everyone can participate safely.
