At the heart of South West London, nestled in the vibrant Fulham Broadway, AerialActive stands as more than just a pole fitness studio—it’s a space where strength, confidence, and transformation thrive. But behind the studio’s success is an inspiring journey of passion, perseverance, and community. This is the story of Lana, the founder of AerialActive, and the incredible path that brought her here.
From Latvia to London: a passion for movement
Lana’s journey into the world of fitness began long before AerialActive was founded. Originally from Latvia, she made the move to London in 2001. While always an active fitness enthusiast, it wasn’t until 2010, at the age of 35, that she first tried pole fitness—a long-held interest that would soon become a passion.
From the very first class, Lana was captivated by the unique challenges of pole fitness. Her background in fitness helped her progress quickly, but pole brought something new and exciting to her routine. Soon after, her passion evolved, and she embraced the art of heels pole dancing, a blend of elegance, strength, and performance that captivated her even more deeply.
Turning passion into a studio
Lana didn’t stop at her own growth. In 2010, she took her dedication further, earning certifications in pole teaching, aerial hoop, and yoga instruction. This training laid the foundation for what would become her biggest venture yet—AerialActive.
In 2013, Lana opened the doors to AerialActive in Fulham Broadway. It was a dream come true, a place where she could share her love for pole fitness with others and create a supportive community. AerialActive quickly gained a reputation for high-quality classes that welcomed everyone, from beginners to seasoned pole dancers.
Overcoming challenges
But Lana’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. In 2016, her life took a drastic turn when she sustained a life-threatening injury that left her unable to walk for two months. Doctors couldn’t guarantee she’d ever dance again. It was a devastating moment for someone whose life revolved around movement and fitness.
However, Lana wasn’t alone. The pole fitness community she had built over the years rallied around her. With immense support from friends, students, and fellow instructors, Lana began her road to recovery. Remarkably, she was back to teaching within two months, even using crutches to lead her classes. While the injury meant she could no longer pursue heels pole dancing, her passion for pole fitness never faltered.
A growing community
Lana’s resilience and dedication paid off. In 2018, she co-founded Hemera, an aerial arts studio in Kilburn, alongside her student and instructor, Gera. Together, they nurtured a thriving community centred around creativity, fitness, and support. Although Gera left the business in 2024, Lana continues to carry the vision forward, maintaining Hemera’s core values of inclusivity and empowerment.
AerialActive also continued to flourish. After eight years at Shepherd’s Bush, the studio returned to Fulham Broadway in 2022, marking a new chapter. AerialActive had grown into a vibrant, dynamic space known for its welcoming environment and expert instruction. Today, the studio offers a wide range of classes, from beginners’ sessions to advanced techniques, ensuring there’s something for every pole fitness enthusiast.
AerialActive today
At AerialActive, it’s not just about fitness—it’s about community, confidence, and transformation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pole dancer, Lana and her team of skilled instructors are there to guide you every step of the way. The studio has become a place where people of all backgrounds and fitness levels come together to build strength, improve flexibility, and gain confidence in a fun, inclusive environment.