Studio Glow - Tauranga
Having felt that unbeatable glow performing on stages on cruise ships all over the world, Abby began dreaming of a different kind of glow..
Growing up immersed in everything dance training in ballet, tap and jazz, Abby always had a passion that eventually led to her to teach dance, discovering while finishing up her training in Hamilton that she was well rewarded by passing on knowledge to younger students. A dream of a dance career then led her to Auckland to train full time in Musical Theatre and Teaching.
Abby had big dreams even at that point, once her travel days dancing were over, of having a space of her own that she would be able to deliver classes as she enjoyed for so many years.
Studio Glow was born of the idea that everyone needs to find their glow, because they deserve it!
For Abby a glow came from within by performing. She then found the transformation of spray tanning was something she enjoyed the effect and confidence boost of.
Fitness has been something that allows Abby to feel alive and glowing. By working towards qualifications and building experience in these areas, she has now managed to build a boutique studio and create an atmosphere in a space that allows women to feel a sense of belonging and be challenged in their own unique ways to become better.
Studio Glow was born of the idea that everyone needs to find their glow, because they deserve it!
We believe in building strong women who glow from the inside out and we deliver on that - just ask a Glow Girl when you see one!
Abby Strong (nee Dutton)
Company Director, Professional Dancer, Personal Trainer, Glow Group Fitness Instructor
Abby is a classically-trained professional dancer, growing up in Hamilton passionate and immersed in everything dance. She then went on to gain a Diploma of Musical Theatre and Dance Teaching qualifications after 2 years full-time training at the Apollo Theatre School in Auckland. She has travelled the world extensively onboard cruise liners and danced in the Bollywood Film Industry in India.
Throughout her careers, highlights include, role of Dance Educator for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Guest teaching, Adjudicating at dance competitions nationwide, Choreographing competitor routines and show work, Super Rugby Cheerleading, Managing and Instructing at several performing arts workshops, and mentoring young, upcoming performers on the Dance Industry.
Following study in the fitness industry while working abroad, Abby is a Registered Personal Trainer and Group Fitness instructor with a great passion for holistic wellness and the fitness industry. Dance, Fitness and Beauty are Abby’s passions and she believes there is huge power in finding exactly what makes you glow.
Whether under the lights, in a layer of perspiration or in the shade of bronze, all that matters is that you find YOUR GLOW. Studio Glow is where you head to do just that.
It's a sad farewell to our Hamilton Studio after 7 years...
Studio Glow Hamilton studio will host its final classes on February 3rd 2023, after completing our Welcome Back Block.
Having won Studio of the Year in its 3rd year trading and growing and strengthening with the addition of other professionals and their skills brought to our offering - Heather, Liv, Millie, Larissa, Sue, Sally, Lizzie, Tayla, Tess, Candice, Ari, Niamh, Ella – each of these ladies bought their own glow and with that so many styles of classes have taken place in these walls.
Fast track to 2020 and Studio Glow was robust enough to make its way through a global pandemic with support from Glow Girls all over the country and their patience to roll with our introduction to a completely fresh business model, with new systems and use of technology like never before!
However, ultimately, Studio Glow is about connection and having woman feel seen and able to be true to themselves, which is what has made the task of directing the company from afar such a challenge and essentially making up the why behind our decision to close this year.
We spend a lot of time, effort and resources keeping a business afloat, and the dream is to own a business that provides the incredible buzz received from interacting and supporting women through dance and fitness – everyday, however since my move to Tauranga, owning a business that I am unable to step foot in day to day disables me from this, while also affecting the level of energy and time I can offer those in my presence in my new city.
So, while we close the doors on our space and the heart of Studio Glow in Hamilton, it is not goodbye.
Studio Glow as a brand still remains and will continue to grow and blossom from small beginnings here in Tauranga - I have hopes it is able to reach women here in the way it has managed to over the years it has been in Hamilton.
However, the difference being, I will be able to interact with the people who choose us, see woman progress and adore moving with us, and feel the reward of what I actually designed my career to be – all of the things I have so missed about not being around our Glow Girls day to day.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and for the part you have played to allow Studio Glow Hamilton to be the very special place it is.
Many of you have been with us, loyal and true, since day one - and I am eternally grateful for you believing and trusting in me and jumping on my exciting journey!
The friendships, the laughs, the sweat (or glow as I call it) and the memories made in our wee space will never be forgotten!
Abby xxx
Testimonial
"Before starting with Abby I felt defeated and had no confidence in my fitness ability despite having consistently attended the gym for 9 months. I was at a standstill. I can honestly say the last 8 months have been life changing for me. Abby has showed me that I am strong and capable of way more than I could have imagined back at the start.
There are noticeable differences in my strength and abilities, from struggling to do a single women’s push up to progressing to do them on my toes. Abby really listened to my goals and adapts every session to my needs. I am a very detailed orientated person so ask lots of questions Abby is always happy to answer them and always tells me exactly what muscles should be working. Because of this I am so much more confident and can piece together workouts on my own. Having said all this I like most about Abby is that she is technique focused.
I have been to other personal trainers before and this is what really sets her apart. I now find classes I go to harder and more effective because I am using all the right muscles and properly engaging my core. This adds immense value to all the exercises I complete and has significantly improved my strength."
