If you saw the Season 3 finale of Shark Tank, you probably remember the guy who made everyone cry. Including the Sharks. Billy Blanks Jr. walked into the room with his then-wife Sharon, a massive smile, and a story that felt like a Hollywood script. But it wasn't a script. It was a guy who was literally sleeping in a motel while trying to build a fitness empire.
Honestly, it’s one of the most raw moments in the show's history. Daymond John actually walked out of the Tank to track Billy down in the hallway because the deal almost fell apart over a Zumba partnership. People still talk about it. But what’s the actual billy blanks jr shark tank update for 2026? It’s not just about one TV deal; it’s about a massive pivot and a brand that outlasted a marriage.
The Deal That Almost Wasn't
Billy and Sharon came in asking for $100,000 for 20% of their company, "Dance With Me." They had the pedigree—Billy is the son of Tae Bo legend Billy Blanks—but they were flat broke. They were living in a hotel and sneaking into a 24 Hour Fitness to teach classes.
Daymond John and Mark Cuban offered the $100k, but they wanted 50%. The catch? They wanted Billy to partner with Zumba. Billy hated that. He thought it would kill his brand. He actually said "no" and walked out.
🔗 Read more: Stanley's Hardware Philadelphia PA: Why Locals Still Skip the Big Box
Daymond followed him. He gave him a "real talk" moment in the hallway, basically telling him he was being stubborn and passing up a chance to change his life. Billy listened. They took the deal.
Turning "Dance With Me" into "Dance It Out"
Soon after the show, the name changed. "Dance With Me" became Dance It Out (DIO). Why the swap? Branding. It sounded more like a movement and less like a wedding dance studio.
The growth was explosive.
By 2026, the company isn't just a workout; it’s a global certification machine. They’ve certified over 1,000 instructors worldwide. If you go to a high-end gym in Japan or a boutique studio in Connecticut, there’s a good chance you’ll see a DIO class on the schedule.
Life After the Divorce
In 2016, Billy and Sharon announced they were divorcing. For a lot of fans, this was a shock. They were the "power couple" of the Tank.
But business-wise? Billy didn't slow down. He moved to Greenwich, Connecticut. He didn't just open a studio; he became the Artistic Director of the Wall Street Theater in Norwalk. He’s basically become a fixture in the New England arts scene while keeping the fitness brand alive.
The Lifetime Network Era
In 2020, right when everyone was stuck at home, Billy launched the Dance It Out TV show on Lifetime. It wasn't just a workout video. It was a "moving talk show." He’d interview people about their struggles—mental health, weight loss, grief—and then they’d dance.
It worked because Billy is actually empathetic. He’s been "in the dirt," so to speak. He knows what it’s like to have a famous name but zero dollars in the bank.
📖 Related: How to Close Citizens Bank Account Without Getting Charged Extra Fees
Where is Billy Blanks Jr. in 2026?
As of early 2026, Billy’s net worth is estimated at roughly $5 million to $6 million.
Compare that to the guy who was "homeless" during his Shark Tank pitch. That’s a massive win. But his focus has shifted lately toward inclusivity in fitness.
The Kibu Partnership
Billy recently took on the role of President at Kibu.
This is a platform specifically designed for people with disabilities. It offers live and on-demand classes ranging from dance to martial arts.
"It means a lot to have overcome so much and to be at this very meaningful moment," Billy said in a 2025 interview.
He’s not just trying to sell DVDs to people who are already fit. He’s going after the demographic the fitness industry usually ignores.
Why the Shark Tank Deal Still Matters
Most Shark Tank deals die in "due diligence" (the boring legal part after the cameras stop rolling). Billy’s didn't.
🔗 Read more: President Zelensky Net Worth: What Most People Get Wrong
Daymond John remained a mentor. Even though the "Zumba partnership" eventually faded into the background as Billy grew his own independent brand, the initial push from Daymond and Mark Cuban provided the capital to stop living in motels and start building a legacy.
- Global reach: Classes in over 20 countries.
- TV presence: Continued syndication of his fitness content.
- Digital Pivot: He launched a dedicated app in 2021 that continues to be his primary revenue driver today.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Billy rode his father's coattails.
Actually, the Shark Tank pitch revealed a lot of tension there. His father wanted him to "earn it" on his own. And he did. He didn't use the Tae Bo name to get ahead; he created something entirely different that focused on fun and dance rather than the "bootcamp" intensity of his dad's program.
It’s also a common misconception that the business died after the divorce. While Sharon is no longer the face of the brand, Billy has managed to keep the DIO flag flying solo for a decade.
Actionable Insights for Entrepreneurs
If you're looking at Billy's journey as a blueprint, here is the "non-corporate" reality of what made it work:
- Protect the brand, but listen to the money. Billy almost lost the deal because he was defensive about his "vision." If Daymond hadn't chased him down, he might still be teaching classes for $20 a head.
- Adapt to the medium. He went from DVDs to a certification model, then to a TV show, and finally to an app/streaming platform. You can't stay in one lane.
- Use your story. Billy’s vulnerability about being homeless is what made the Sharks (and the audience) invest in him as much as the product.
To follow Billy's current projects, you can check out the Dance It Out app or look into the Kibu platform for inclusive fitness resources. He remains one of the most successful "personal brand" pivots in the history of the show.