Business Spotlight: Stunt Gym
Dance has always been Ashley Moorefield’s passion.
Moorefield studied dance at Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and took additional dance classes at Point Park University, eventually touring with multiple African dance troupes. She’s also a mother to a young daughter who expressed interest in the similar avenue of competitive cheerleading. Once she entered the cheer world, however, Moorefield had a realization that soon took her down a new path.
“My daughter joined a competitive cheer team, and I started noticing that it wasn’t very diverse,” Moorefield said. “Although we found a great team with children and coaches that look like her, the industry as a whole didn’t have a lot of that.”
As a result of this, Moorefield set her sights on providing marginalized communities with opportunities and experiences that are usually limited to more affluent neighborhoods.
“I noticed that kids in the area were great at tumbling but didn’t have access to the necessary equipment that’s available in more suburban neighborhoods,” Moorefield said. “I thought it would be great if these underserved communities could be exposed to that high level of training and facilities.”
After endlessly searching for studio spaces, Moorefield realized she’d have to think outside the box to find the perfect space for her concept. By chance, she came across a former auto shop on Washington Boulevard in Larimer. Although it needed a significant cleaning job, it was the perfect fit. Moorefield purchased the property and, with some elbow grease, transformed it into Stunt Gym.
Soon after, Moorefield ran into another problem: ensuring she had enough staff to safely operate. Fortunately, her sister told her about Neighborhood Community Development Fund and suggested she reach out. Moorefield contacted loan officer Stefani Smith, who helped her through the process of securing additional funding.
“Stefani was wonderful throughout the process,” she said.
Stunt Gym opened its doors in 2022, offering affordable classes in dance, tumbling and more. The space is also available to rent for a variety of services, from team practices to parties. For parents with kids enrolled in classes, Stunt Gym provides a free fitness center – a place to get their workout in while their children learn.
“The way we look at it, fitness is a family affair,” Moorefield said. “So while your child is getting a good workout, you can take advantage of your time here as well.”
Moorefield has big future plans for the space as well. In addition to Stunt Gym, Moorefield runs a nonprofit transitional home for homeless girls. She hopes to one day incorporate Stunt Gym into her nonprofit work, perhaps as a hosting space for foster families.
“Children in foster care don’t have enough happy and therapeutic interactions with their siblings,” she said. “I would love to connect this space with children who aren’t having the best interactions with the world.”
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3923 Perrysville Avenue,
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
info@NCD-Fund.org
412-322-0290