Heather Dodt Stover is the Founder, Co-Owner and Executive Director of AntiGravity’s Aerial Acrobatic School, which she founded in 2011 at the National Training Facility with guidance from Daniel Stover. In this role, she oversees all facets of the school, including instructional programming, curriculum development, student performances, apprentice training, talent recruitment, coach training, safety aspects and student account management. Heather directs the integration of AntiGravity’s school with the entertainment division to provide professional performance opportunities to aspiring talent. In 2014, Heather created AntiGravity’s STARZ Program for young gifted aerialists, which prepares dedicated students for professional opportunities on stage and beyond through individualized training and thoughtful mentorship. Under her leadership, the school has grown into a respected training ground for both recreational and professional aerial artists, while maintaining a strong pipeline into AntiGravity’s professional entertainment division.
With over 20 years of professional experience in dance and aerial arts, Heather currently performs as a Principal Aerialist with AntiGravity® Entertainment, appearing in high-profile special events and corporate engagements. She is deeply involved in the artistic creation, production, and casting of AntiGravity’s local theme park productions as well as international performances and tours. Heather is passionate about developing unique aerial elements that have been used in staged productions locally and internationally. Heather designed AntiGravity’s innovative Gravitron apparatus and choreographed, produced and performed in AntiGravity’s original show ‘Forces of Nature,’ featuring an all-female team of aerialists that entertained guests daily at Disney’s Epcot park. Heather co-directed two full length, original productions, ‘Aire’ and ‘Cosmos’ at Maltz Theatre in Jupiter, FL in which nonconventional aerial acrobatic acts, dancing and singing combine with an original storyline and characters to create an high energy themed production within an intimate black box theatre setting. Seasonally, Heather also directs and choreographs an inspiring holiday themed production at Lake Nona Town Center. Every year, an original concept for Lake Nona, including innovative outdoor staging and fly systems, is used to develop a unique family-friendly production in which AntiGravity pro performers are integrated with talented aspiring students.
Heather has enjoyed being involved in the development of a range of long-term theme park shows, including Universal’s ‘Superstar’ Parade and ‘Mega Movie’ Parade, Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights ‘Nightmare Fuel’ acrobatic shows, and Disney’s Festival of the Arts ‘Art Defying Gravity’ handbalancing show. In 2025, Universal opened their newest park, EPIC Universe, in which AntiGravity performers became an integral part of ‘Le Cirque Arcanus’ within the Fantastic Beasts land. Heather assisted in the creation of the Quiddich Witch aerial act, which she continues to perform as a soloist in daily performances along with ongoing management of performers and equipment. Her other career highlights include USO international performances in Okinawa, Japan, and at Guantánamo Naval Base, Cuba; specialty aerial work in Disney’s ‘Tarzan’ and ‘When You Wish’ with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma; a Broadway production of ‘Swing!’ featuring a bungee act aboard Norwegian Cruise Line; and AntiGravity’s original aerial-acrobatic production of ‘The Rocky Horror Show.’
Heather’s classical ballet training began in Chicago, where she studied at the Faubourg Ballet Academy and the Avnun Yakabov Cultural Arts Center. She graduated with Honors from the University of Central Florida, completing the Honors in the Major program. Her undergraduate research in sports psychology received formal recognition from the UCF Honors Thesis Board of Directors. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Dance and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology.
In addition to her academic background, Heather is an AFAA-certified personal trainer with multiple group fitness certifications, as well as current First Aid and CPR credentials. She has extensive experience both performing and teaching a wide range of aerial disciplines, including Aerial Hammock, Silks, Lyra, Cube, Web, Harness, Frame, Bungee, Straps, Cloud Swing, and Carousel. Heather’s interdisciplinary foundation in dance, psychology, and fitness are reflected in her teaching philosophy and creative leadership, emphasizing safety, technical precision, innovation, thoughtful mentorship and artistic expression across every aspect of her career.
