BALLY TOTAL FITNESS FEELS IN THE PINK

Bally Total Fitness, Chicago, extended its endorsement deal (which began via early-2002 TV spots) with pop star Pink last week by announcing a sponsorship of the singer’s concert tour and the launch of a hip-hop aerobics class.

Dubbed Get Your Body Started (spun from Pink’s current hit single, “Let’s Get the Party Started”), the new class debuts next month in 400 Bally’s clubs. It will be introduced through a Get Your Body Started Dance Contest that will let attendees perform before a panel of judges. Contestants with the highest scores in each market earn VIP tickets to meet Pink at a concert; the grand-prize winner will be flown to Los Angeles to dance on-stage with Pink in June. Contests will be held April 30 to June 18 in major markets including New York City, Chicago, Phoenix, Toronto, and Los Angeles.

Clubs will host local Pink Parties during the contests, giving away T-shirts, CDs, and other premiums. National and local print, radio, and TV ads support. New York City-based Clear Channel Entertainment (which manages the tour) will coordinate promotions through its radio station network. Bally handles the contest in-house.