Introducing…Vlada! Vlada is an aerial instructor who specializes in Lyra, but also teaches Dance Trapeze and a lil bit of pole! We asked Vlada to share insight on the important things that made her journey to becoming an instructor and performer successful! We are lucky to have her on the team. Read on to find out her secrets of the trade.
Name/nickname: Vlada (Slava)
What is your profession?
Research Scientist and part time Aerial Instructor.
What makes you passionate about pole/circus?
It's the feeling of freedom while moving through the air. The childlike joy of playing on the
playground. The feeling of accomplishment that fill you whenever you nail a new move. The
sense of euphoria from executing something graceful and challenging. The fulfillment that
comes from pushing your body beyond what you thought was your limit.
What do you love sharing with your students?
I love sharing the joy of movement and the confidence that comes with mastering something
new. Aerial arts can be challenging, but I love helping students push past their limits and realize
they’re stronger and more capable than they thought. Whether it’s their first time in the air or
they’re refining an advanced skill, I find so much fulfillment in seeing their progress and
excitement.
I also emphasize the beauty of creative expression; aerial arts isn’t just about mastering a
move, it’s about telling your own unique story through movement. Ultimately, I love sharing the
idea that our practice is a blend of art and athleticism—a way to build confidence, foster
resilience, and experience the joy of movement.
What makes you feel sexy and/or good about yourself? (Mood, music, clothing, etc)
I love dressing up for myself. Just in general, I love putting on a cute outfit for the day - so
naturally this translates into my training. On days when I find it hard to motivate myself to go and
work out, I will trick myself into going, because I just have to have an excuse to wear my new
cute fit.
What is your fav move (on or off apparatus)?
I love transitions, anything that looks flowy or dynamic. At the moment on hoop my favorite
move is a Lion Roll - it requires incredible mobility, strength and flexibility. It is extremely
challenging, beautiful and painful - a perfect combo.
What is your fav grip aid?
Dry hands for pole and rosin for aerial!
Fav brand of pole shorts/training ‘fit?
Don't really have any preferencesnfor brands, if I like something I'll get it. I do have an unhealthy
preference for quantity over quality when it comes to training clothes, as it's hard to keep fits in
pristine conditions when they're being repeatedly abused by an aerial apparatus. I usually thrift
for cool fits, but will buy an occasional statement piece while online shopping.
Heels or no?
For pole - yes! How else are you going to do all the kips and drops? For aerial, however, I prefer
to slow my movements down and I find that heels don't quite work for me as my legs get stuck
on the apparatuses.
Do you have any personal pole/cirque goals you’d like to share?
I have a few nemesis moves , but they always come and go. I just strive to be a little better each
time I practice than I was the day before. One of my goals is to perform more as forces me to
polish and perfect familiar moves.
Any advice for newbies?
Don't skip the foundation. Its really fun to explore new movements on a new apparatus, but your
body should know the basics so that you always have a safe exit strategy through a familiar
pathway. It's not only important for safety and muscle memory, but it also provides you with the
building blocks in order to access more complex shapes and pathways. Knowing your basics
also provides you with a strong foundation for creative exploration, allowing you to add nuances
and personal interpretation to your movements.
