Student Spotlight - Alexandra

We are pleased to introduce our amazing student Alexandra!

We love featuring Aradia Fitness Calgary students on our blog. These women embody our community and demonstrate that they are positive, supportive and powerful. For May, we are featuring Alexandra! She is so much of an inspiration to our instructors that she was the overwhelming favourite this month! Alexandra took her first pole class with us in January 2019 and since then has been committed and focused on her progression (which is outstanding by the way). While remaining focused on her pre-med studies, she has tried out just about every single Aradia class. We are all envious of her perfect toe-point, definitely a ballet background! She is an absolute joy to have in the studio and always has a smile on her face.  Here is her story.

Where are you from? 

I’m from Calgary – not too interesting in my mind, but during university, I’ve lived in England for a year and Ontario for a semester.

Favourite pastime (outside of pole and aerial)?

I feel like I’m almost passionate about too much sometimes! I’ve been involved in dance and music all my life. I’ve been involved in ballet, jazz, and modern dance, and I’ve played violin and trombone. (I don’t have many pictures unfortunately but here’s an old ballet picture)

I also love science. I’m hoping to go into medicine, as I’ve found it fascinating since childhood. I’m working on my undergraduate Life Sciences degree, then hoping for med school! 

What do you love most about the aerial arts?

I’ve wanted to try pole dance and aerial arts for so many years and I’m so happy to have the opportunity. I find it gives me an opportunity to connect with my body in a meaningful way (after struggling with body image for many years I find that so important), as well as an opportunity to be artistic and creative.

What is your favourite move, pole or aerial?  What is your favourite class?

My favourite move in pole is the backwards spin, and my favourite Lyra move is probably mermaid, just because I know how to transition it well. My favourite class has to be Lyra – it hurts but it’s so worth it.

What keeps you motivated to come to your classes consistently?

What keeps me motivated is just the classes themselves! I look forward to it every day I go. The instructors are always so supportive and encouraging, while still pushing me to improve.

When did you first start coming to Aradia Fitness?

I started coming at the end of January and couldn’t get enough. I think I’ve gone to nearly every class I could since then – including some aerial hammock classes, some chair dance classes, and a FlexAbility class.

What surprised you about pole dance and aerial fitness?

Being someone that started in ballet at a young age, I was honestly surprised by how kind and welcoming the instructors were. Not to say that ballet teachers aren’t lovely people, they just tend to be a tad harsher – especially with exams and performances always on the horizon. Aradia has been an amazing experience for me. Also, I was surprised with how quickly I could pick it up – at the beginning of pole, I was convinced I’d never be able to move up a level, yet I’m nearly there now!

Why should someone join Aradia Fitness Calgary and start flying today?

If anyone is considering Aradia, I’d tell them to just go for it! I know all the barriers that seem to stand in the way – you’re not fit enough, skinny enough, strong enough – I was there just 1½ months ago. I love everything about the studio and it’s been an amazing experience – it genuinely brightens up my day knowing I have a class coming up.

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Interested in taking Alexandra’s advice to just go for it? We’d love for you to come try a class. We currently have some special $10 day time classes and every other Friday! Check them out on our schedule.