Sky’s the limit as Aerial studio lifts off
Te Awamutu’s Ascend Aerial Fitness is soaring under new management. Seren Pruden has recently jumped at the opportunity to operate Te Awamutu’s Ascend Aerial Fitness after the closure of TA Aerial Arts at the end of last year.
Juggling two jobs, one at LIC as a research assistant, then teaching and operating the studio leaves 26-yearold Seren’s time a bit tied up.
At first, she thought it would be impossible but with the help of her assistant and mother Maureen Pruden, previous owner Karl Donovan, and instructors Kathryn Johnston, Jen Parker and Scarlett Lea, it is manageable.
“All of us have worked together so well to keep this Aerial studio open and to make it an awesome space for others to escape to,” says Seren.
Aerial and pole is part of the performing arts but has quickly become a super fun new way to work out.
You get to advance your strength and flexibility, all while learning to elegantly move around an apparatus. Putting moves together creating beautiful combinations not only gets your heart rate up but also gives you a huge feeling of satisfaction.
Seren has always loved dancing and aerial arts and has had it in the back of her mind that she would like to start a studio of her own one day.
Luckily for her, TA Aerial Arts decided to close its doors late last year.
After being a student there for four
years and an instructor for one, Seren had built a great relationship with the previous owner.
The timing was crazy and ended up being the perfect opportunity for her to start her own business and continue on from TA Aerials Arts with Ascend Aerial Fitness. Karl has been
her biggest supporter and all of his hard work with TA Aerial Arts, especially the curriculum, still shines through the studio today.
Ascend Aerial Fitness is open Monday to Thursday afternoons for ages 8+. Classes include silks, sling, pole and hoop (lyra).
Eventually, Saturdays and weekday classes will be added, if there is interest.
Lessons are tailored for beginners and experienced aerialists.
“We are operating the same as a fitness centre. Vax passes are required but we would love to include everyone as soon as that is possible,” says Seren.
Costs range from $15-$20 a class, depending on age/student/membership. Keep an eye out for upcoming giveaways and specials.
Three-week trials are $55 for adults (16+) and $40 for youth (15 and under).
Ascend Aerial Fitness also offers strength and flexibility classes, which 80 per cent of the students choose to add to their membership — a great way for beginners to speed up progress and get the best results.
The curriculum has been designed by Karl (certificates in performing arts, personal training, Pilates and functional training) for people to slowly and safely develop the skills required for the aerial arts in the safest way possible.
“People find different elements of the apparatus hard at points, but that’s the fun of it. The sense of achievement after trying something new and nailing it,” says Seren.
With the traffic light settings and times being tough, any support from the community would be appreciated.
View her Facebook page: Ascend — Aerial Fitness Te Awamutu. Located at Landscape Lane, Te Awamutu.