How do I know so much about circus arts, you ask?

I have a lovely friend that I met through my “day job” who is a fantastic dancer. She has been doing ballet and jazz since she was a little girl and in recent years has gotten into aerial arts. As we got to know each other better, she told me I should try it. She kept telling me how much I would enjoy it.

It started as a fun little girly after work plan to go try a lesson. Several of us ladies from work went together. When we first got there, inside the gym, it was a little intimidating. There were a lot of younger girls there who were already knocking it out of the park, but in we go, hoping to be able to hold our body weight up. Or not get so dizzy that we make ourselves sick in public.

We tried the class on aerial silks, which is this long silk looped through a swivel and tied at the very tippy top of the ceiling. You start by learning how to tie your foot in it and then from there you could try to imitate poses. It was pretty rocky, of course. Many people don’t realize how much strength and range of motion and flexibility and bravery it takes to climb that thing and then get into position and hold a pose.

I tried a few more classes because I thought, “this is definitely a workout,” and then before I knew it, I was addicted. Always wanting to perfect a move or learn a new trick and eventually trying to psych myself up to attempt the drops. I ended up taking classes every week for a couple years. It was a wonderful experience and I still like to take classes whenever I can. Along with silks, I also really love aerial hoop and hammock aka sling. I even tried aerial rope once or twice; it’s super tough.

Learning aerial arts with other women was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had as an adult because it creates an environment of support, encouragement, and inspiration. The girls in my class genuinely celebrate each other’s successes. I would love for all women to get to experience that. I would encourage anyone and everyone to take a class! If you can’t try a class locally, I hope you can vicariously with The Marvelous Marvels!