Today we’d like to introduce you to Zina Ditonno
Hi Zina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since 2012 we have been sharing our aerial movement passion, creating community and inspiring others to do the same
The seed was planted years before when I learned gymnastics as an adult. Thinking this was so good, but if you have never worked out, how could I keep adults safe while doing something really fun that makes you strong, resilient, flexible and having a community to encourage you? Fast forward a few years …. I tried out Aerial Yoga and knew that was the tool I needed to build a program and studio. Since then I have studied multiple aerial styles, apparatus and aerial disciplines to build out my community and studio. This led to seeing a gap in the market from super advanced people to those just doing aerial yoga. Using my 25 plus years as a movement professional and personal trainer, I created a program to fill in that gap between the extremes, so that anyone could learn it safely and with solid progressions. Then I launched my teacher training program to train and inspired others to do the same. Been honored to work with dozens of people around the US.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started small and debt free. As I grew, I saved to build out what I needed. It was scary to jump to a bigger space every few years to grow. Yes, 2020 for everyone was a thing. Since I did not have extra debt I was able to stay afloat for the 2.5 month shut down. Now, I am 13 years in and neat to think I was one of the pioneers in this aerial arena in our area that is still around and growing. I am very grateful to do what I love and help others change there lives, mind and body.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in aerial and circus fitness and aerial arts, which include hammock/sling, lyra/aerial hoop, and bungee fitness for starters. I am known for having a family friendly unique boutique fitness, encouraging others to move, building and setting progressions and safety standards for my students and teachers. I love that all sizes and shapes and ages can be together and build each other up.
I am set apart from others in the industry because of my love of coaching, teaching and being able to break down complicated moves and flows into bit sized pieces. This allows the student to learn and grow for their body and to teach instructors to be able to break down these elements to keep all different people safe and strong.
I am proud of the amazing caring teachers that are here and dedicated students that stay and are apart of our aerial community. This combination of the teachers who’s lives were transformed and now what to share that with others. When I stand back some nights and watch everyone interacting, building friendship that last outside of the studio, and just care about each other – I have so much joy to have created a happy and safe place for people to belong too.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you are in the area, we would love to have you visit or be a part of our studio. We have hammock, lyra, bungee fitness for starters.
If you have a movement background reach out and we can see if our skills are a good match for workshops, etc…
We are working on building an APP now to be able to bring aerial master classes, teacher training, online events to broaden our reach.
We are also working toward building a performance aerial arts team for community events, so if anyone has done that we would love to talk to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aerialfun.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerialfunandfitness/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/aerialfunfitness
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aerialfunfitness5558
Image Credits
Jaciel Sanchez For Group Photos / Erin Coyle for Zina’s Photo
