CINCINNATI — With their bats swinging and their skirts twirling, the women of Dance Flash Fusion have grown into a fan-favorite act in the annual Reds Opening Day Parade.

The two-time spirit award winning group made its Reds debut in 2019 and ever since, co-founder Katy Martinez said the parade is a highlight of their year. You’ll recognize them in their Rockford Peaches dresses, amping up the crowd as they march.

What You Need To Know

  • Dance Flash Fusion will dance in its third Reds Parade.

  • The group has won two spirit awards at its previous Reds performances

  • Any woman of any age and ability is welcome to join.

“I mean, that’s a Cincinnati staple,” she said.

The group got its start in 2016 when Martinez said she and a few other women in her exercise class wanted to make the experience more fun and interactive.

“We always wanted to try to find out how we can take the party from the fitness classroom out to the streets,” she said.

They trained for their first few parades, Cincinnati Pride and Bockfest, and soon, Martinez said their group started growing bigger and bigger.

“People saw us and they reached out and they’re like, ‘How do I join such a fun group?!’” she said.

Martinez said any woman with a passion for moving and performing can join. She always envisioned Dance Flash Fusion as an inclusive group.

“We have women that are 20 to 72,” she said. “Any dance ability. As long as you want to have fun and dance in the streets, then we welcome anyone.”

Since its founding, the group has grown to roughly 70 active members and Martinez said about half of them will dance in the Reds parade.

At its heart, Martinez said the group is about building a community among Cincinnati women, finding a healthy way to keep everyone moving, and most importantly, having fun.

“You gotta smile!” she said.