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Welcome to our Student Spotlight, where we celebrate the amazing aerialists who make Cloud 9 so special!
Each month, we feature students of all ages and skill levels, highlighting their progress, achievements, and love for aerial arts. From strength and skill breakthroughs to fun and inspiring moments in the air, this is where we showcase the dedication, creativity, and joy of our incredible students.
MAY 2026
This month, we’re celebrating Penelope Newbold. Penelope began her aerial journey at another studio across the river and joined the Cloud 9 community earlier this year. She brings a bright, positive energy to each class and is always fun, encouraging, and uplifting to be around. She consistently shows up with a can-do attitude—eager to take on new challenges and approaches everything with confidence. Penelope truly reflects what aerial dance is all about: joy, growth, and discovering what you’re capable of. We’re so happy to have her as part of the Cloud 9 family!
What inspired you to try aerial dance?
I saw aerial performers at Disney on Ice and thought it looked really cool.
How did you feel before your first class at Cloud 9?
Excited, happy, and nervous.
What’s something you’re proud of learning at the studio?
My routine for the Spring Showcase, and when I finally got my cross-back straddle.
What would you say to someone nervous to try aerial?
It’s so fun, and it makes me feel happy if I’m having a bad day. The teacher is really nice too.
How would you describe the class environment?
Safe, happy, and calm. It’s really quiet and peaceful, which surprised me.
How would you describe the instruction at Cloud 9?
Very easy and helpful. Our teacher shows us examples, which makes it easier to understand.
What’s a moment in class that made you feel proud?
When I finally got my cross-back straddle!
How has aerial dance impacted your confidence or movement?
It has helped me feel good about myself and proud of how much I’ve accomplished.
What surprised you most about aerial dance?
How quiet and calm it is.
What’s your favorite apparatus or skill and why?
Bird’s Nest and Flying Dutchman because they’re both really pretty and unique.
If you’ve performed in a showcase, what was that experience like?
I haven’t yet. (But she will be performing next month!!)
Why do you keep coming back?
Because it makes me happy.
Finish this sentence: “Aerial dance has helped me feel…”
Good about myself because I have accomplished so much.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I love it!
March 2026
This month, we’re celebrating Megan and Kahena Dudley, an impressive mother–daughter duo who have been taking aerial lessons together for almost two years. Their dedication, encouragement, and shared love for aerial arts make them a special part of the Cloud 9 community. Watching them train side by side has been inspiring as they build strength, confidence, and beautiful movement in the air.
Megan loves that aerial gives her something special to share with her daughter while also helping her get stronger. Her preferred apparatus is lyra, and she feels most proud when she finally masters a skill she’s been working on for a long time.
For Kahena, her favorite thing about aerial: it’s fun! She enjoys working on silks, and she’s especially proud of learning pendulum climb. She says she feels proud of herself whenever she completes a new skill.
We love seeing their teamwork, perseverance, and joy in the air. We’re so proud of how far they’ve come and can’t wait to watch them keep growing together!