Our next featured Aerial Dance instructor is Ashley, a 30-year-old histotechnologist by day, who has been coming to ADWI since the first open house at the Green Bay studio. The youngest of three (baby of the family), Ashley is mom to two wonderful fur babies, kitties named Loki and Hades.
Q: Tell us about the first class you took. What was it like?
I was very nervous in my first class. I came in all by myself and was very uncoordinated. The class was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but the instructor was very encouraging. I slowly started to feel more comfortable and it turned into a great class.
Q: What advice would you give to women who feel too intimidated to start?
We have all been there at one point or another. Everyone is on a different journey. I was the kid who walked the mile in gym class or sat in the goal picking grass during soccer. I never thought I would have the strength or physicality to do this sport. Starting is the only way to help silence those fears.
Q: What is your favorite apparatus? What are your favorite moves (or combos) to teach on it?
My favorite apparatus is pole! Each class is different but one of my favorites to teach is a double knee hold. It’s tricky but I love seeing the joy on my students’ faces when it finally clicks.
Q: How do you handle days when your own progress is slow?
I condition! If I’m not getting the tricks I want, or if the grip gods have forsaken me, I go back to my conditioning. It is the building blocks for everything we do and by doing it I still feel like I made progress.
Q: What’s one trick or skill you’re currently working on mastering?
My reverse grab on static. Static is not my favorite form of pole but it is definitely pretty cool.
Q: Which do you prefer – performing in shows or helping others perform? Why?
That’s a tough one. I honestly love both. I do believe for the same reason though. I get to see someone truly come out of their shell. I get to see them grow not only physically but mentally as well! There is almost nothing like putting your heart and soul into something to then hear the roar of the crowd. It fills all of the little cracks in my heart.
Q: What do you hope students take away from your classes?
That our minds are our biggest adversary, and the way that you speak/think matters. This sport is hard for everyone, not just you. So, give yourself some grace and throw that negative self talk out the window. Easier said than done, I know, but when you actively try, you will be amazed at how much farther you will go.
Q: Please share a favorite class or performance memory.
One time I was teaching a hammock class. It was a full class which was a little overwhelming for me. I had a few new students that had never taken the class before. I thought I had fumbled the class because it was quieter than usual. Until the end of class one of the new students came up to me and gave me a hug, thanking me for a great class. She had been having a rough day and said class had brightened her day. That’s what we are here for.
Q: If you had a walk-up song, what would it be?
Untouchable by Motionless in White
