If you haven’t met Instructor Chrissy, Aerial Dance Manager and conditioning queen, you are truly missing out! This 36 year old Leo and her boyfriend Dan have two furbabies – Shitty Kitty and Donkey – but Chrissy grew up around all kinds of animals on a farm in Mosinee. She brings that work ethic to her duties at Aerial Dance, and leads classes with a sense of humor and fun socks! Read on to hear what Chrissy had to say about her ADWI journey.
Q: How and when did you first get started in the pole/aerial world?
A: I tried an Intro to Pole in October of 2014 and signed up immediately! I actually walked in and Paula was at the desk — I was so excited that I told her I wanted to be an instructor some day! Haha total cringe moment, but here I am 12 years later, instructing for almost 11 years.
Q: What advice would you give to women who feel too intimidated to start?
A: Anyone can do it! Pole and Aerial can be whatever you want it to be!! I grew up on a farm with no dance or gymnastics background and I didn’t let that stop me. Choreo and musicality things were not natural to me and honestly still aren’t. It has taken years to feel confident in my own skin and how my body moves. And I love it! You just have to believe in yourself!!
Q: What is your favorite apparatus? What are your favorite moves (or combos) to teach on it?
A: Over the years it has changed but my all time favorite is pole. I love teaching long combos, strength moves, transitions, static pole and Pole/Heels Flow. I also love heels and have been training in them consistently for almost 2 years. My personal heels training has helped me in so many ways to connect with who I am and I never would have imagined loving doing pole in 8 inch heels! My favorites are Iron X and handsprings!
Q: How do you stay personally motivated to train?
A: Over the years it has ebbed and flowed. Lately I have been focusing on my happiness and making sure that I have my weekly heels training time and play time. I also get motivation from social media, and it is so cool to see what the pole community comes up with and then add my own spin on it. I grew up working on the farm so hard work and dedication is ingrained in me. I also was a personal trainer for years so I love working out and moving my body.
Q:Which do you prefer – performing in shows or helping others perform? Why?
A: I prefer helping others and seeing them shine. I cry at every show watching everyone because I am so proud of them. To see their excitement when they get off stage makes my heart so happy!
Q: What makes the Aerial Dance community special to you?
A: The community is so special to me because we are all here for each other in so many ways. I went through rough times and the studio helped me grow into who I am. All of the students and instructors are always so supportive. They are all my friends!
Q: What do you hope students take away from your classes?
A: I hope that students take away that they are badasses! Like seriously, we get to do so many cool things with our bodies that most people wouldn’t even dream of doing
Q: Final thought: If you had a walk-up song, what would it be?
A: Pretty sure most Aerial Dance students think of me when they hear “D*** in a Box” by Lonely Island haha It brings that BDE (big d*** energy) out of me in a classic way!
