Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasiia Redin.
Hi Anastasiia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been dancing my whole life, and since I was a kid I always wanted to become a dance teacher. For a long time, though, that dream didn’t really go beyond choreographing wedding dances and performing in small international shows. Somewhere between my teenage years and adulthood back in Ukraine, I honestly buried that dream and thought it probably wasn’t going to happen.
I moved to the U.S. four years ago without really knowing what to expect. I had already been a dancer and pole dancer, but aerial was completely new to me. I started training aerial after moving here, simply because I loved it.
And somehow, four years later, that small beginning turned into something much bigger. We just opened our first aerial and pole studio, and at the same time we’re growing an entertainment company that serves events all across Southern California and also travels internationally. We perform aerial and fire shows for weddings, corporate events, brand activations, and private celebrations.
It’s pretty surreal to realize that the dream I thought I had left behind actually came back in a completely different form.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had back problems for most of my life, and doctors were always telling me that I probably shouldn’t be dancing at all. But dancing was such a big part of who I was that I never really wanted to give it up.
About five years ago, I had a bad skiing accident and tore my ACL. I had surgery and went through the long recovery process, which was already difficult mentally and physically.
Then, after I moved to the U.S. and started aerial, I tore the same ACL again. That was probably one of the most depressing moments for me because aerial had just become this new passion, and suddenly I felt like my body was stopping me again.
I had to learn how to be patient, rebuild strength, and keep going without rushing the process. Looking back, those injuries changed the way I train, teach, and work with other performers. They made me much more aware of the importance of proper conditioning, recovery, and listening to your body.
Another challenge has been the human side of running a business. Honestly, this has probably been one of the hardest parts for me.
I tend to take conflict very personally, so having difficult conversations, making decisions that not everyone will like, or sometimes having to be the “bad cop” does not come naturally to me. I care a lot about the people I work with, which is a good thing, but it can also make leadership emotionally difficult.
Right now I’m learning a lot about how to lead a team in a healthier way – how to keep people motivated, excited, and feeling valued, while also making decisions that allow the business to actually grow and make money.
Finding that balance between being a supportive person and being a strong business owner is something I’m still working on every day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Moonveil Aerial?
Moonveil Aerial is both: an aerial studio and an entertainment company.
At our studio based in San Diego, we offer aerial and pole classes including silks, lyra, hammock, lollipop, flying pole, pole silks, flexibility, conditioning, and more. One thing that is really important to us is keeping our classes small. We want every student to get personal attention, corrections, and support instead of feeling lost in a big group.
On the entertainment side, we perform for weddings, corporate events, brand activations, private events, and hospitality throughout Southern California and internationally. Our services include aerial lollipop, silks, aerial bartending, ambient aerial, fire and LED shows, go-go dancing, and custom themed performances.
What makes Moonveil different is that we try to make every performance feel like part of the event itself. We customize costumes, colors, music, apparatus, and the overall concept around the client’s vision.
I’m especially proud that Moonveil brings together so many parts of my background – dance, choreography, performance, photography, video, costume design, and teaching – while also creating opportunities for our team of performers and instructors.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always a bit of a nerd growing up. I danced and played piano as a kid, but dancing was always the biggest part of my life.
I was raised by very strict grandparents who were also huge role models for me. I always felt like I needed to get all A’s, be the best in my group, and work harder than everyone else. I remember studying while my friends were out partying and sometimes thinking I was probably the boring one.
I also grew up with a younger brother, and I was always very protective of him. I felt responsible for him from a young age, almost like I always had to make sure he was okay. I think that gave me a strong sense of responsibility really early in life.
At the same time, I was very independent. I started looking for my first little work opportunities when I was around 13 and have basically been working ever since. My parents didn’t really support that at the time – they would have preferred that I focus on school and help more at home – but I loved the feeling of earning something myself and taking responsibility.
Looking back, I think a lot of the person I am today was already there. I was creative because of dance and music, but also very driven, responsible, protective of the people around me, and probably a little too obsessed with always doing more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://moonveilart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonveil_aerial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Moonveil-Aerial/61581268131570/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/anastasiia-redin-408847393
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoonveilAerial
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/moonveil-aerial-san-diego
