Job Title:
Owner & Instructor – Aerial Dance Studio
One Sentence To Describe Work Role:
I am the owner and an Instructor at my Aerial Dance Studio, Aerial Fitness Factory, in South Africa.
Number Of Years Dedicated To This Field Of Work or Lifestyle:
6
Category Of Work:
Employment – Paid Work
Country / Area of Work:
South Africa
Industry:
Arts/Entertainment/Publishing
Type:
Employment
Key Skills For The Job:
- Passion for all aerial fitness & dance
- Dedication to your students and work
- Hospitality
- Empathy
- Supererogation
- Experience in aerial arts
Vital Key Skill:
Passion
Your Personal Experience Of Entering This Role:
Learnt On The Job
Tips For Undertaking This Work:
Although this can be a profitable career, I personally do not think you will succeed if you do not have a passion for the positive impact aerial arts can make on the self esteem of students.
Future Progression Or Developments:
Start by going to an aerial dance classes, be it pole fitness, aerial silks, aerial hoop, static trapeze or aerial straps.
You do not need any amount of upper body strength to begin training Aerials – that said the stronger you are, the easier it will be for you to progress quickly.
You will find an Aerial or Pole Studio in most cities around the world.
Try all of the different art forms and pick one or two that suits your personality the best.
I would suggest no less than 3 classes a week.
Depending on your general health and how often you attend classes, after 2 years of training you should be ready to teach.
Find a place near you or enroll for an online beginner aerial teachers training course. After completing your beginners course you can do your intermediate level teachers training and finally do your advanced course.
This is a career which you can easily do while having a day job as well.
Networking in the aerial community is extremely important if you are thinking of being a studio owner one day, so attend or take part in as many competition and shows you can in order to build good relations with other aerialists and studio owners.
The aerial community is usually a very supportive community.
Do not wait for approval from friends and family, or let it stop you from following your dream just because it isn’t the same as theirs for you.
Do not let anyone tell you that you cannot make a success out of something you are passionate about!
What Are The ‘Tools Of The Trade’ Used Daily:
A sense of humor, compassion, patience and a good attitude.
A Typical Day’s Duties:
Work out a class plan for students attending the class. Make sure your studio is clean. Go through your health and safety checklist in order to see if all your equipment is still in a safe working order. Supervise the classes. Pack away equipment and do reports on the day.
Is Travelling A Regularly Part Of This Work:
Yes
Weekly Working Hours:
Flexible – Own Choice
Type Of Hours Arrangement:
Hours By Rota / Roster – Changes Regularly
The Best Thing About The Work You Do:
The happiness and sense of achievement my students experience when they master a move they thought they’ll never be able to do.
Your Least Favorite Thing About The Work You Do:
Seeing people give up aerial because they compare themselves to someone that has been training for years and not realizing that we all have different strengths and we all learn at a different pace.
Any Duties You Hadn’t Anticipated Prior To Undertaking The Work:
None.
The Top Perks Of The Work:
Meeting amazing people with the same dreams and aspirations you have. Staying super fit and strong.
Other Work In The Same Sector:
- Aerial/ Pole Fashion/ Apparel Designer/ Supplier
- Aerial Equipment Supplier
- Aerial Instructor Training Facility
What Professional Organisations Are Associated With Your Work:
- REPS SA
- Aerial Yoga
Additional Info You Wish To Share:
Owning an aerial dance studio besides being a mother is the most rewarding thing I have done with my life thus far.
It’s entirely true that you may come out of your first aerial class having done everything wrong! There are a few things to keep in mind when you start aerials and whenever you’re feeling frustrated. Learning aerials is incredibly hard. A skilled aerialist will make everything they do look easy but try not to forget that not too long ago they were beginners too.
Where People Can Visit For More Details On Your Work:
https://www.facebook.com/aerialfitnessfactory/
