I first met Jessica Johnson last year at a Born to Fly Network Training with Paper Doll Militia. Even though we met very briefly, I couldn’t help but notice her beaming smile and happy glow. She told me she was the owner of Bella Forza, and explained that the name is Italian for “beautiful strength.” Her energy was contagious and I wanted more of it, so I decided to make a visit. So, I packed up the family and production gear and made a road trip to Kentucky.
Bella Forza Lexington is a sister studio to the original Bella Forza Cincinnatti, which is owned by Beth Underhill. The mission of Bella Forza is to “faithfully provide empowerment to women with quality fitness and aerial classes while conducting business morally.” Beth was Jessica’s mentor and helped guide her along the way as she moved from Cincinnatti to Lexington.
When Jessica first moved to Kentucky, she taught out of a gymnastics facility. She opened her dedicated studio space – which is now occupying – about one and a half years ago. And let me tell you, business is booming. She has seen a lot of growth and it was exciting to witness the thriving aerial scene that she has created.
The space that Jessica has secured for Bella Forza Lexington to bloom in is perfect. It has a lovely lobby area with an office for Jessica tucked away behind the welcoming front desk. A message therapist rents space inside the studio so students can have access to massage right after class! The back of the studio opens to 16-19 foot tall ceilings where Brett Copes hosted a rigging workshop not too long ago.
Jessica pointed out the skylight and said that that was one of her prerequisites to her space. Connected to the aerial space is a pole studio, and then we walked upstairs to a room that I wanted to move into and live forever. It was a small corner room with windows on two walls, light streaming in on a marley floor. This room is for their aerial yoga classes, which I immediately wanted to take just to soak in the energy of that room.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet some of Bella Forza’s students through private lessons, jams, and a workshop. Jessica speaks of the atmosphere, “It is very important to me that everyone who walks into Bella Forza is part of our supportive and encouraging community of developing artists. The students here are highly encouraging to one another in class and are truly the rays of sunshine that brighten my days.”
I appreciate Bella Forza for having me out and letting me soak in all of their wonderful energy. They definitely have a good thing going and if you are ever in Kentucky, be sure to drop in and say hello. Learn more at www.bellaforzalexington.com.
For AerialDancing.com Members
Jessica has shared two of her signature sequences with AerialDancing.com all-access members! She taught me how to do a drop from a leg roll up variation and a lovely sequence from a double leg wrap knee hang. Login to the video library to view these sequences. (Check new release section or fabric category.)
