We had the pleasure of visiting The Hot Project Studios a few weeks back. Our embarrassing attempt at pole dancing was a fun filled experience that we feel everyone should try out. The Hot Project is a fitness studio with so much to offer.
We caught up with founder Laurisha Lowings to let us in on her journey.
So who is Laurisha?
I grew up in Walvis Bay and we moved to Windhoek after my parents got divorced. I came from a house where you had to work for what you wanted and I value this till today. I matriculated from Academia High school in 2004. I worked as a waitress and clothing shop assistant from the age of 15. I bought my first car after I finished school and paid my own studies. I am a Technical Financial Accountant (currently still furthering my studies) with a love for fitness. I’ve always been an athlete, but never did any dance or gymnastics in my life, although I ‘dance like nobody is watching’, all the time. I am a proud wife and mother of two very active boys, 11 and 9 years old.
How and when did you get into dancing?
I decided to do my teacher Training in Pilates, as I truly believe in this method to cure back injuries. It was the only form of exercise that healed my pinching lower back. I qualified in 2015 and fell in love with teaching and the feeling of seeing my clients improve and grow fit and strong. I did a few pole fitness classes in South Africa in 2012, but wasn’t sure if Namibia was ready for pole dancing as a form of fitness. It was in 2016 that I decided to do an instructor course and open the first Pole Fit studio in Namibia. The response was amazing and we’ve been growing ever since. Currently we have incorporated aerial silks and aerial hoop and we are on a fast track to a full-blown circus school.
How have you managed to balance your career, family and The Hot Project?
Spreadsheets and lots of coffee! Luckily I have a very supportive husband, who is also an engineer. This, of course, counts in my favour when it comes to setting up and rigging aerial equipment. He is my support system. I have also been so lucky to have the best clients/students who have evidently also become my friends. We are our very own community and we stick together. Being an accountant and knowing the ins and outs of the trade, makes me less stressed. I can think clearly and I’m realistic when it comes to decision-making.
Tell us a little more about The Hot Project and what it offers…
The studio opened in May 2016 and is in Hochlandpark. Our classes are small and cater for individual attention and focus on technique. Safety first! Our classes run from beginner to advanced level, where each move you learn is a stepping stone to another trick. The excitement never ends. There is always something new to learn. We have extra flexibility and Cardio Pilates classes too. Once a month we have an Exotic flow class to bring out the femininity in the ladies who attend. It’s great fun. I’ve never seen positivity and support like I’ve experienced in the Pole dancing classes. We are currently building new rigging equipment and will be offering kiddies and adult aerial Hoop and aerial Silks classes from 2019.
What’s your favourite thing about what you do?
I enjoy what I do because I get to spend time with my friends and children in a productive environment. We keep fit together and enjoy each other’s company. I enjoy seeing the people in my classes enjoy themselves and improving their strength and getting their nemesis moves.
Who is the target market for your classes?
We currently have an age group variation of 15 – 63 years old. All female. My boys do pole, aerial hoop and aerial silks. For the younger children it’s more about climbing and swinging, than actual dancing.
We have separate kiddies (6-13 years) and adult classes.
What do you want your clients to leave with at the end of the day?
I want my clients to feel accomplished and proud of themselves. I want them to be excited about the new skills they are learning. I want them to see how amazing they are. Hard work pays off.
How does one sign up?
We have a booking App, Box Champ. Download the app www.boxchamp.io and look for The Hot Project.
There are also easy to follow instructions on our website www.thehotprojectwhk.com
Follow The Hot Project on social media and see what they get up to.
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