Full Breakdown
Ashley Hayward: Bridging Nightlife and Fitness in Los Angeles
12/16/2025, 12:56:39 AM
Dual Life as a Performer and Instructor
Ashley Hayward is a multifaceted figure in Los Angeles, balancing her roles as a Pilates instructor at WundaBar in Los Feliz and a performer at the iconic Jumbo’s Clown Room. By day, she leads energetic Pilates classes, captivating students with her dance-inspired routines. “There’s more fluidity to her Pilates routines akin to dancing,” says student Hannah Benson, highlighting Hayward's unique approach to movement. By night, she commands the stage at Jumbo’s Clown Room, where she has been a beloved dancer since 2018.
The Evolution of a Performer
Hayward's journey began in Oregon, where she initially pursued a career in music and dance. After feeling restricted in commercial dance, she discovered burlesque, which allowed her to express herself fully. “It changed everything for me,” she reflects on her experience at Jumbo’s Clown Room, where she found the freedom to dance full-time. In addition to her dance career, Hayward fronts a live show called Night Scene, which combines rock ’n’ roll with burlesque, filling a niche in Los Angeles nightlife.
Rediscovering Pilates
Hayward's relationship with Pilates dates back to her high school years, but it was reignited after the pandemic. Drawn to the flow and style of WundaBar, she pursued instructor certification with encouragement from the studio's owner. “I felt I had learned everything as a student, but I wanted to go deeper,” she explains. Her background as a dancer complements her Pilates instruction, allowing her to integrate strength training into her performances.
Impact on Health and Performance
Pilates has significantly influenced Hayward's physical and mental well-being. She notes, “I have gotten so much stronger since I started Pilates, and it has helped me onstage.” Her classes emphasize a health-focused mentality, encouraging students to view workouts as beneficial rather than punitive. “My body and everything changed when I changed my mentality,” she states, promoting a positive approach to fitness.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Hayward aims to expand her fitness career by developing her own workout method and opening a studio. “A dream of mine has always been having my own workout method,” she shares. She envisions creating an inclusive space that merges her nightlife experiences with fitness, inspiring a diverse audience to embrace movement.
Criticism and Opposition
While Hayward successfully navigates her dual career, some critics may question the sustainability of balancing nightlife with a fitness regimen. However, she counters this by asserting that it is possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle while engaging in nightlife activities. “You can exist in both worlds,” she emphasizes, advocating for a balanced approach.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It changed everything for me. It was the first time I was able to dance full-time,” — Ashley Hayward
- “Working out is always going to be good for your brain, and that’s the best anti-aging tool we have.” — Ashley Hayward
Ashley Hayward continues to inspire her students and audiences alike, proving that fitness and nightlife can coexist harmoniously in the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles.
