Dancing Alter-Ego
Picture it: It is a cold and snowy winter Tuesday night in January, not a single car on the road. You pull into the AD parking lot and there aren’t but a handful of cars in the usually bustling spaces. The sky is dark, as it is 7:50, and class begins in 10 minutes, but the snow on the ground makes the air seem bright and calm. You walk into the studio and see there is only one other pair of shoes as you kick off your boots, wondering if you are somehow just really early for once. As you get ready for class, you continue to listen for the door to open over the light beat of the warm-up music. The door never opens; it is simply you and two people you have never met before: one instructor and one other student. Small class, no worries, right? What could possibly go wrong? What could possibly be different than a normal class? Well, this class ended up being more like a private lesson, which was truly a gift in disguise as we were able to focus on what skills we were struggling with or moves we were curious about. However, roughly 35 minutes into class, I was thrown for a loop when our instructor said we were about to try something I had never done before. She was going to choose a song, and we were going to free dance for every second of the song without stopping. There were no guidelines, rules, except that we couldn’t stop dancing. WHAT?! As a type A person I was so scared- what in the world was I going to do? I didn’t have a random routine made up in my mind- you want me to be creative on the spot? Enter my dancing alter-ego. The song came on and at first I just started moving back and forth, did some walking around, a few climbs and then something switched and I just pretended to know what I was doing and acted as if nobody could see my dancing. This resulted in 3+ minutes of non-stop dancing and an immeasurable amount of joy. Who knew I was capable of such creativity and freedom? I was so proud of what I had done and felt like my confidence was bursting through my smile. Pushing limits and comfort zones is a specialty of Aerial Dance, and regardless if you are ready for that or not, it will come to you. PS, you ARE ready! Aerial Dance offers a variety of classes, all with different structures and styles! Come check out Intro to Pole or Intro to Aerial and find out how you like to move!
Stick With It!
I started my pole journey March of 2022. It is one of the best decisions I have made and the most fun I have ever had doing any type of work out. Working out at the gym made me feel awkward and out of place, and I felt like everyone was judging me. But at Aerial Dance there is no judgment. I am not one to keep up with something, when things get tough I quit. I n my high school career, I quit cheerleading and track. Thinking back now I wish I would have stuck with it. I was stubborn then and I am still stubborn to this day, but I realized I needed to take chances in life, see what would happen or where it could lead me. Even though pole is not just something you can be great at right away, I still love going no matter how difficult it gets, I stick with it! I wanted to continue with the beginner class but, the instructors were like you are ready to move up. I still debated about it, and then I bit the bullet and moved up into the intermediate class. The instructors there allow you to move up when they believe you are ready. Granted there are times where I am exhausted, but I still pull myself together and get my butt to class. I have a new job and I work 7:30 a.m. until 5 or 6 p.m. with a half hour drive each way. Plus, I work part time with kitties. I need to go to practice more, but unfortunately it is not working with my new schedule. It is putting me behind in class and it sometimes makes class tougher, but the instructors are always there to help and coach you no matter what level you are at. When I was in beginner pole I made 95% of my practices. I liked being able to drop in with another class and practice with another group of girls. Because I need instruction and structure, I think I would be overwhelmed if I had to practice alone and do my own thing. I am excited to keep working at this, and I hope one day to be an awesome pole dancer. I want to continue to do this for as long as my body will allow me too. Summer is a busy time, and I personally am gone quite a bit, but I somehow have found time to make it to my classes. Sometimes I wish class could be 2 times a week with a practice. Practice makes perfect, and I hope you all continue to work hard and show up! Curious about pole? Sign up for our one-time, trial class Intro to Pole!
Use Your Skills!
You never know where you’re gonna use the skills you’ve learned in class in real life. Learn how to have fun everything you do. I’ve seen plenty of photos on Facebook of the girls from my classes doing stands and climbs on stoplights and roadsigns and other posts. It’s just something that just feels fun. Don’t be afraid to let loose and enjoy your life for what it is. Be safe of course, but let loose and bring joy to others around. You know, you’re paying good money to do these Pole classes so you’d better enjoy it outside of class as well. I went to Virginia last summer and found a tree that looked fun to climb. I’ve always been into climbing trees. It’s just something that I truly enjoy. I ended up finding the perfect tree to do a leg hang off of. I remember doing an inside leg hang up in this tree. My friend decided to take a picture and honestly, the joy that you could see on my face made me so happy. Could I hang upside down from a tree if I didn’t do Pole? Probably not. Recently, I went on a date to a trampoline park. Definitely one of the more fun things I’ve done as of late. Simple date idea but more fun than you could imagine. You don’t need kids to go to a trampoline park! At this park there was an obstacle course, and in this obstacle course they had silks and hammocks for people to try and walk past. Because of Pole I was able to win the race and get to the end of the obstacle course. I blew through those silks so quickly. When we were done, I ended up going back to the hammocks and doing a straddle back into a few other moves and ended up rolling down from the top. It was very fun and I’m happy that I could show off my skills a little bit. Pole has helped me find my strength, coordination and balance, and it’s helped me with my confidence levels tremendously. Moral of the story is just don’t forget to have fun and use what you’ve learned in class wherever you can. Want to learn how to climb on pole, hammock, and silks?! Try it out at Intro to Pole or Intro to Aerial!
One Good Life Choice Leads to Others
I have always had a really hard struggle with my weight and being healthy and into fitness. I always found it to be really boring and never was able to keep myself motivated and wanting to go to the gym or do anything like that because I would just get sick of it after a short amount of time. Since I started doing aerial, I find myself to be really excited and motivated to go to the gym. I have started to actually watch what I put into my body and am a lot more healthy than I used to be. My one choice has snowballed into many that have been healthy changes in my life. I really am enjoying the variety of different classes that are offered because it helps me to not get bored of just the same thing all the time. I enjoy being able to share my passion with a lot of other wonderful women who also enjoy the same things. It really does feel like one big family to me and nobody is ever judgmental of each other, we all lift each other up and support each other. I am thankful that I decided to make the choice to try this, I find myself to be getting stronger every single day in ways I never thought I would be able to! My overall muscle tone is so much better and my mindset is great because I feel like I am able to accomplish many of the things I did not think I would ever be able to. I love that I find myself wanting to learn new things and pushing myself harder than I thought I would be able to. It was very difficult at first, but the instructors really come down to your level and help you every step of the way so you are able to accomplish the moves that you want to. They are all very uplifting and have such a positive attitude, you can tell they are definitely passionate about their job. Meeting other women in the same/similar situations as myself has been so beneficial for my fitness journey as well. Working out side by side and talking to other adult women has been so refreshing. It doesn’t even matter what we talk about during class, it just feels good to be engaged in adult conversations with other women. I had struggled being new to the area to make meaningful connections and friends, but the women at the studio welcomed me and made me feel like I belong. That sense of belonging makes it easier to want to return and get my booty kicked day in and day out! Come see what Aerial Dance is all about! Try Intro to Pole or Intro to Aerial!
Pole Kisses
Each week, I look forward to my pole classes. I am excited to learn something new and take something home to practice. It’s definitely an activity you cannot get sick of! There are a lot of things that comes with being in a pole class: strength, flexibility, positivity, and BRUISES! When it comes to building strength, it takes a lot of determination! However, it is the first change that I noticed in myself after going to a couple classes. My first time going, I have to admit I was pretty weak. After a while, I could lift myself about halfway up the pole, then fully up the pole, and now I can do multiple pull ups on the pole. That is so impressive to me! I used to hate carrying cases of water bottles after grocery shopping. Now it’s a breeze and I can stack items on top of the case to take one trip! When it comes to flexibility, that is something I still need help in. I am not a bendy person. I believe that my body is not made to bend at all, but I keep working stretching and warm-ups so that the flexibility comes with practice, time, and patience. I would love to do the moves that I was shown already. That to me seems impossible due to leg placement or even just straightening my leg to make the move look ‘pretty’. Since I have to work on this part A LOT, joining the Elite membership gave me access to all of the workout classes, instead of “just” my pole classes. This way, I have even more help in teaching my body the art of flexing! When it comes to positivity, it’s easy when you’re in Aerial Dance! Literally everyone there is supporting you, cheering for you, and helping you learn all of the things! It’s such an uplifting place to be. Even if you don’t get the move you’re working on right away, everyone offers tips and advice on what you can practice in order to get better, and once you get it, they are all SO HAPPY for you. I am not a naturally cheerful person, but like I said, it’s easy to stay in the positive mindset when everyone is so great! Lastly, BRUISES! Or, like the everyone in Aerial Dance likes to call them, POLE KISSES! They are like little trophies you get to bring home after each class. Every time there is a new one, I have to show it off! Try Intro to Pole or Intro to Aerial today and come chat about which membership will work best for you!
Thief of Joy
We have all heard the phrase growing up “comparison is the thief of joy”; and it still applies as an adult. You see, I have never truly been what others have considered to be athletically talented. Sure, I can pick up a game of volleyball or basketball, but I sure wasn’t going to be a Varsity starter! Except, I could have been if it weren’t for my own thoughts. You see, I was constantly comparing myself to others; peers, professional athletes, my coaches, etc. I was never perfect, therefore I wasn’t good at all. This stole every ounce of my joy and I have felt this throughout my journey at Aerial Dance as well. So now what? Comparison steals your joy, you have recognized it, and you are in a standstill. Stop, and take a minute to be mindful of your environment. As so many of my sisters have written before me, our studio is uplifting, empowering and helps you to embrace all of your strengths. It is so easy for us to see the beauty and power that each other holds, it is time to look in all of those mirrors, and see them in yourself as well. Easier said than done, I know. I thought about this a lot this term as my anxiety and self-doubt started to creep in, and I wanted to share a few tips that got me through. First of all, find a studio sister who can hype you up! Thankfully my best friend and I are able to take classes together so I have a built-in studio sister. I have also gained so many sisters throughout my journey, and lean on them when I am feeling down. Second, lean on your instructors! If you are feeling like you aren’t sure of a move due to confidence, skill level or memory, TELL THEM! They are here to help, and want to see you succeed. And last, be your own hype man! I started a playlist simply for my drive to class and it makes me feel like the queen I am! Sure, comparison can be the thief of joy, but there is so much the studio offers to support you through those struggles. Remember to utilize the relationships you have built in the studio with other students and your instructors! Rising above the need to compare yourself is tough, but you my dear, are so much stronger than that. Come be a part of a community! Try Intro to Pole or sign up for a Beginner Pole Term today!
Bonus Benefits of Aerial
I want to share my experience on unexpected benefits along my journey. When I started my journey with Aerial Dance I was shy and timid. It didn’t take long after I started to feel like like I belonged to a supportive family. I could see that this was a true sisterhood. I made friends quickly and I have connected with several of these girls on Facebook and other platforms. It’s nice to interact and get to know other adult women who share similar interests as me. My confidence levels rose quickly just from the girls I did pole with. Everyone is so supportive and kind. When you feel like you are not growing or getting anywhere with progress they are there to encourage and give pointers. We help each other, like a team. You can’t ask for a better support network. Aerial Dance has also helped me grow strength and confidence. Never did I imagine that I would be able to be as strong as I have become whilst doing pole. I remember the first time I saw I had triceps that popped. I was in a conditioning class with Instructor Olivia. She was working me hard because we were just one-on-one for that class. She was full of energy and pushing me to my fullest potential. I was on the ground doing some form of push-ups and she complimented my triceps. I got so excited I swear I felt invincible. After, I remember showing my family with a sense of accomplishment. I don’t know if I would have noticed without her pointing it out, but I am so grateful she did. I felt very proud and motivated. Thank you to all of the instructors for never giving up on us and always pushing us the way we need to be. Join our community and gain, strength, confidence, and meet amazing people along the way!Try Intro to Pole or Intro to Aerial and see what classes are all about!
Photoshoot of a Lifetime
Shortly after starting my journey with Aerial they had announced they were going to be hosting a free fall themed outdoor photoshoot and I was ecstatic! I had never done a photoshoot before and had no idea what it was going to entail, but I was ready to take it on anyway. They had picked a beautiful park with stunning fall colors in the trees. It was a little chilly of a day but we all did the best we could to make it work. When I had gotten down to the area where they were shooting the photos, I was so amazed to see how many people showed up. I knew there were a lot of people that went to the Appleton location with me, but I had no idea just how many people between both locations there were and I’m sure what I was seeing was only a small fraction. There were students, instructors, and the photographer all set up waiting while everyone was all lined up getting ready to go. Being able to watch the people in line ahead of me definitely helped calm the nerves a little bit. It was really amazing to watch students who are newer like myself at the time, instructors, and students who have been attending for years walk up with such ease and do their moves. It was really nice how Paula (the founder), an instructor, and the photographer would help each of us out once it was our turn. Everything was a fast paced, yet the event ran smoothly. When it was your turn to go, you would simply walk up let them know what poses you were going to do and then once you were in the pose if you needed assistance to not spin as fast, add a little spin, adjust the outfit you were wearing, fix your hair, reminder to point your toes, whatever it may have been, they were right there to help. It was such a relief. I have the worst time at remembering the names of the moves. When it was my turn I was asked what I was going to do first, I simply told them I honestly didn’t know the names. I was just going to go into it and hope for the best. They were so great at helping me adjust my pose and let me know the names of them once I was in it also letting me know when to hold it for the photographer and it just made the whole experience so rewarding especially for it being my first one. Start your pole journey today! Try out Intro to Pole or sign up for a full, Beginner Pole term!
If you love Pole, you want the Elite Membership!
I hear it all the time. “I’d love to be an Elite member at Aerial Dance but I just don’t have the time to come enough.” Rubbish! The Elite Membership is priced for you to come once per week and attend two classes, your pole and something else, when you come. That’s it. If you are already attending once a week and can come an hour early or stay an hour after, you will be fully paying for your Elite Membership with just that usage. Do what you’re already doing and stay one extra hour on that trip and you’ll get the financial benefit of the Elite Membership. Anything else you use on the membership after that point would be gravy! You can use your free studio rental every month or attending classes another day that month. The Elite Membership allows you to attend a lot of classes but only pay for the membership you need to attend your Pole class and one other class weekly. That’s it. If you’re already here for your Pole hour, why not take a flexibility class after or a workout class before? The Elite Membership also give you access to Static Pole classes. Our regular sequential pole program teaches spin pole so this is a whole other side of pole that you get unlimited access to as an Elite Member. Give it a try! In addition to unlimited access to static classes, you also get unlimited Spin Pole classes as an Elite Member. Yes! You can take your normal pole class every week and take another of the same level or down a level to keep working on those skills. If you love pole and want to take more Pole, you can do that as an Elite Member. Some Elite Members just use their membership for Pole! That’s ok if that is what excites you! Most Elite Members also take Aerial classes to help cross train for Pole. We have three aerial apparatus to play on: Hammock, Hoop and Silks. If you love pole, cross training will help you get stronger faster. It also reduces your chance of injury by working on skills in a different way. Becoming Elite gives you the option to cross train on other apparatus to improve your pole skills! Flexibility and strength also aid your Pole Journey. With an Elite Membership you can take unlimited fitness, dance and flexibility classes. Work on your cardio for climbing the pole in Dance Cardio or get more comfortable moving around the pole with Floor Flow. Get closer to grabbing your foot in a Figure Skater with Bendy Babe, or simply get stronger, faster with Pole Strong. All the supplemental classes Aerial Dance offers are specifically geared towards helping you get better at Pole. We started as a Pole studio. We LOVE Pole. Everything at Aerial Dance is designed to help you with Pole. The Elite Membership gives you that opportunity to get the full benefits of these classes at a steeply discount price. Plus, there is no hassle of paying attention to how often or what you attend since everything included is unlimited! If you love Pole, become an Elite Member at Aerial Dance. Upgrade to Elite today for unlimited access to all things and to support your love of pole!
Liking Who I See in the Mirror
I have always struggled with my body image my entire life. I have always been jealous of those who were able to get motivated with health and fitness and actually follow through with it. I always seemed to lose interest right away and never have been able to actually stick with anything for a long period of time. I love that with Aerial Dance I never find myself bored. It is very challenging, but it is super rewarding at the same time! I feel so empowered and strong when I am able to do a move that I never had thought I would be able to do. The more I find myself practicing, the better I am getting and I am so much more confident than I have ever been before! I am starting to actually love the way my body looks and I am feeling like I have more muscles than I even thought I would be able to work up to having. The atmosphere is very laid back, but still motivating at the same time. They push you do to better but in a fun way where you actually want to and feel supported. I especially love the pole classes. They are probably my absolute favorite because I feel sexy and strong now! I am able to show my confidence and have become a new level of motivated to do so. I don’t feel ashamed or nervous when I go to classes anymore. The instructors know how to show you the proper warm ups and cool downs to help prevent injury while building strength. They are very well educated on how to stretch and how to make sure you ease into your routine in a way that your body can handle. I love the instructors! They really teach you at your own pace and make sure you only do what you can handle. They are very fun to be around and always encouraging you to push yourself if they think it is something that you are capable of. Thank you for showing me a new version of myself I did not think I would ever see. I am so thankful for it every day and can’t wait to learn more along the way! Join in on the fun at Intro to Pole or Intro to Aerial!
