The Magic of Aerial Practice
Finding my voice in the air
Three months ago, I walked timidly into my first aerial yoga class with shaky legs and the confidence of a newborn deer. I couldn’t hold inversions for more than a few seconds, I had almost no core strength, and my balance was about as stable as a house of cards.
Despite a lifetime of sport and a decent level of fitness, aerial yoga surprised my body with unique muscle engagement and balance challenges.
While I enjoyed the slow, restorative stretches, I was always most excited about the final 20 minutes of acrobatics. I’ve had a lifelong fascination with circus performers, fuelled by frequent trips to various circuses as a child. But when I think about it today, I realise that I’m drawn to it because of the years of gymnastics, dance and ballet I practised as a child. There are many similarities—flexibility, coordination, body awareness. These sports allow for creative movement and storytelling, thrill and grace.
As a sensitive young girl, I often found it difficult to express my feelings. I struggled to effectively communicate what was going on within and often used my body as a vessel for these unexpressed feelings. Gymnastics appealed to the wilder, more rebellious side of me. Ballet allowed me to channel my graceful and disciplined self. Dance provided an outlet…
