Conversations with Lucretia Stenson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucretia Stenson.

Hi Lucretia , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In the friendly words of Biggie Smalls, “It was all a dream.”

I had a dream about myself flying through the sky, and it felt so real that I knew I had to make that dream a reality. So in 2018, I signed up for my very first aerial class, and I haven’t stopped since.

Aerial arts completely changed my life. What started as a dream turned into a passion, which led me into performing, acting, and eventually becoming an aerial instructor. Now, I’ve taken that passion one step further and opened my own studio, Goddess Aerial Arts.

I chose the name Goddess Aerial Arts because I truly believe, hand to heart, heart to heart, the God in me sees the God in you.

Aerial arts may look like beautiful, flowy dance, but make no mistake, it is WORK. It’s essentially calisthenics in the air, and it has helped me stay strong, active, confident, and in shape. But one of the biggest benefits for me has been mental. When I’m on the apparatus, I have to be present. There’s no room to focus on stress, problems, or everything happening outside of that moment. I get to move, breathe, create, and reset.

That’s also the environment I want to create at Goddess Aerial Arts. A place where people can come exactly as they are, challenge themselves, encourage each other, and grow together. Watching someone who just started become stronger and more confident, or seeing students motivate each other through something they’re struggling with, is honestly one of my favorite parts.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason.

I started Goddess Aerial Arts because I wanted to create a space where I could share my art and give other people a place to express themselves, grow, and discover what they’re capable of. But even getting to the point of creating the studio wasn’t easy.

At one point, I had a broken ankle, and I was forced to slow down and really sit in stillness. As an artist who is used to moving, creating, performing, and constantly doing something, being forced to be still was incredibly difficult for me. But that period taught me patience. It taught me that sometimes things have to slow down before you can move forward in the way you’re supposed to.

I’ve had other unexpected challenges along the way too, including recently losing my car in a freak accident, which has definitely been frustrating. But I continue to believe that things happen for a divine reason, even when I don’t understand the reason in the moment.

Through all of it, I’ve learned that there is nothing more powerful than gratitude. No matter what happens, I’m still grateful. I choose to move in love and gratitude no matter what life puts in front of me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is centered around aerial arts, but for me, it’s so much more than just learning how to get on an apparatus and do tricks. I specialize in helping people discover movement, build strength, gain confidence, and express themselves through aerial dance and performance.

Aerial arts is a combination of dance, calisthenics, strength, flexibility, and artistry. I love taking something that can look intimidating and making it feel accessible and fun. Whether someone has never tried aerial before or they’ve been doing it for years, I want them to feel like there is a place for them here.

I’m also really passionate about the performance aspect of aerial arts. I love incorporating drama, storytelling, music, and emotion into movement. I want people to understand that aerial can be athletic, beautiful, sensual, dramatic, powerful, and creative all at the same time.

What sets me apart is that I’m not trying to create a space where everyone has to look or move the same. I want people to come in, be themselves, and find their own expression. Goddess Aerial Arts is about the whole person, not just the trick you can do.

I’m most proud that I’ve been able to turn something that started as a dream about flying into a real space where other people can come and experience that same feeling of freedom, confidence, creativity, and joy. That means everything to me.

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?
There are so many ways to work with and support Goddess Aerial Arts! You can book a class, book a birthday party or private event, come perform with us, collaborate on an event, or simply help spread the word.

Currently for the month of September, all regular classes are $15 and kids’ classes are $10, so it’s the perfect time to come try aerial arts and see what Goddess Aerial Arts is all about.

If you want to collaborate, just message me! I’m very easy to talk to. I don’t bite. I genuinely love collaborating with other artists, which is exactly why we’re located at Maelstrom Collaborative Arts. No idea is too big or too small, so if you have an idea, let’s talk about it and see what we can create together.

And it doesn’t always have to be you coming to me. I travel too!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goddessaerialarts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lucretia_loves_aerial_
• Other: https://gofund.me/ea7f17452