To Spilt or Not to Split ... Zina's Aerialosophy - July 2024

Zina's Aerialosophy

(Get it? aerial +philosophy)

To Spilt or Not to Split . Those of us in aerial arts all want splits. We all want those ever-elusive splits...
But did you know that the shape of your pelvis could affect which type of splits you might be better at?

What if your hip bones are more to the side? What if your hip bones face more forward?

There are so many factors to consider when we start working on more advanced positions of the body. For example, everybody has a different amount of collagen and varying muscle fiber types. Are you hypermobile? Are you not hypermobile? Are you stiff? What type of job do you have? Do you sit all day? Do you stand all day?

The next big thing is, "Oh, flexibility will give me splits." Flexibility is a great buzzword, but do you have the strength to hold a limb or your body at end range?

We need to create core strength and mobility. Holding those extreme positions without getting injured should be the goal versus trying to do something more intense too quickly and possibly ending up injured.

Now, does that mean we can't do splits or we shouldn't do splits? Quite the contrary! It's always great to train these skills. After all, we are doing aerial and circus arts, so there are some shapes that need splits. We just need to learn to train them safely.

Consider these points: core strength, keeping your hips square, knowing how to use your core, keeping your quads and your hamstrings active. Do you know how to use your hip flexors and your glutes on the other leg? Do you think about how you breathe and use your core and pelvic floor? Are your ribs down in line with your hips?

I know that's a lot, but it's important to start thinking about these things when you want to start training. A quick fix for a lot of this is making sure you know where your core position is and that you can breathe properly.

Are your ribs over your hips? It sounds too easy, but if you can't breathe in a position, then you're not strong there.

If you have any questions, please reach out.

Bella - Teacher Tips and Bio July 2024

Meet Bella, a long-time student turned dedicated teacher at Aerial Fun and Fitness. Bella started her aerial journey with us when she was just 9 years old. Over the years, she has grown into a skilled and passionate teacher.

Hello, my name is Bella, and I’ve been teaching hammock for a year now! I’ve taught at a children’s summer camp and I teach Monday night Level 1-2 Flexibility & Flow. I will be heading off to college this August, but I plan to bring my hammock with me to school and hopefully find a way to continue aerial!

During my classes, I really enjoy seeing my lesson plans come to life and testing out new skills and flows with my students. When teaching new skills, I get to see what my students enjoy the most and what they need more help with, which helps me gauge which skills are appropriate for future classes. It’s also nice that I get to basically take the class along with my students since I demonstrate in the hammock for them, haha.

Some advice for students coming into my class is to be vocal about your needs. If a certain body part is hurting on a class day, let me know so that I can help you work around it. If you feel particularly uncomfortable in a pose, I can help you adjust until you feel it working the right muscles without pain.

I hope to see you all in some of my last Monday night classes before I leave for school!

Student of the Month - Shepherd - Age 11

Student of the Month - Shepherd - Age 11

When did you start at Aerial Fun & Fitness? I started in August 2023.

Why did you start aerials? I started aerials because it looked fun! I first saw it on YouTube and that made me want to try it. I love to try new things.

What made you come back and stick with it? I really liked the people. Everyone was really nice. I love aerial

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? Keep trying and do your best. It can be hard at first but don’t give up!

What have been some of your challenges? Some tricks are challenging if you try them for the first time. But after trying them a few times, I can figure it out.

What apparatuses do you train on? I do hammock, lyra, and sling.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it? All drops, cross back, seahorse, and double horse. I like drops because they’re scary at first but after you’ve done it, it’s fun! Something I like about cross back is it’s challenging at first, then you can learn to do a lot of things from it. Seahorse is pretty, fun, and you can do perch from it! I love the drops from double horse. 

One word that defines you? Courageous. I’m not scared to try new and challenging things!

What path would you like aerial to take for you? I want to perform in concerts, musicals, and the circus!

Showcase Sign up 2024 OPEN

IT IS HERE!! TIME to start planning

We have in person and video options - if you cant be here for the live performance, or just shy, away at college, or want to be a part but live in say “the virgin islands”. (wink) Make sure to fill out the form so we can communicate with everyone.

Practice starts Week of Sep 8th - Performance is Nov 9th and Nov 10th. Due to the high demand we will have a Sunday Matinee for friends and public. Limited tickets will be available as we can only seat about 24 each show.

Student Showcase 2024

• Showcase interest form - fill out if you want to participate this year!

• Movie themes this year

Details about the showcase will be sent after we finalize our list.

Our new Brand Video 2024

WATCH HERE

See how Aerial Fun started, meet the amazing people involved, and learn about Zina's passion and heart to inspire others and why we are here and why this type of movement is so fun and empowers others at so many levels.

Thanks to ​​​​OnSetMG Productions and Jaciel Sanchez for their fantastic work in putting this together. We also want to extend our gratitude to all the students, clients, and wonderful folks we’ve had the pleasure of teaching since 2012. Thanks to all who took time out of their day to help us film this and be a part of our story.

Watch the video and be inspired by our journey!

Gwen - Student of the Month - June 2024

Gwen - Student of the Month

When did you start at the studio?
Late July/ early August of 2023

Why did you start?
I had aged out of most colorguard performance opportunities around 2020 and was looking to pick up a new kind of performance art. A lot more aerial videos were starting to show up on my social media feeds around that time, so I'd been interested for a while, but I hadn't found a place close to me to try it out until the studio moved to Hockessin.

What made you come back and stick with it?
I immediately fell in love. Getting to spin and climb was reminiscent of the pole dancing classes I was taking, but the added rolls and drops added another element of excitement. The staff are also super supportive! They encourage me to grow at my own pace and push me to try harder skills they know I'm capable of.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?
Give yourself the grace of the 24 hour rule. Sometimes you just need to sleep on a trick before it makes sense.

What have been some of your challenges?
Flexibility. It's something I've always wished I had more of and continuously have to work on. I've made a lot of progress since coming to the studio, and wanting to be able to hold better shapes/lines in the air has given me more motivation to keep working on it.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?
Lyra, hammock, and sling, but I would like to add on more.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
I like leg tangles that keep me supported while allowing me to explore different shapes and expressions. It lets me bring my own creativity and characterization to the pose.

One word that defines you?
Curious

What path would you like aerial to take for you?
I think I'd like to get back into competing/performing again. Not exactly sure how to get there, but it's a goal to strive towards.

Featured on Fox 29

WATCH HERE

Circus Tricks at Aerial Fun & Fitness

Bob's flying through the air! He went to get a workout at Aerial Fun & Fitness, where he learned some moves from bungee fitness, aerial yoga, and circus arts!

By Bob Kelly

Posted June 13, 2024 10:14pm EDT

Our Values, Mission, and Vision

Join us as we move together. Our commitment is to our craft, our community, and our connections.

Values

• Treat Everyone Like a Friend

• Meet Everyone at Their Unique Starting Point

• Build Aerial Expertise Within Our Community of Students and Instructors

• Move with Purpose

• Raise Each Other Up and Be Amazing!

 

Mission

Welcoming you inside our family-friendly aerial community to experience the fun of being in the air with a safe and encouraging environment, enhancing your quality of life by transforming you to move freely and fully.

 

Vision

Leading and inspiring students and instructors into the next generation with education and passion. Cultivating and creating a unique movement community.

Gwen - Teacher Bio - June 2024

Our NEW Teacher Spotlight  BIO
Gwen is one of our newest teachers and is one of our higher level lyra, hammock and sling students.

Hi, my name is Gwen Snavely, and I'm excited to start teaching! I've been a performer since I was 3, with a long history of performing arts from classical dance (ballet, tap, jazz), to color guard, to musical theater, to pole dancing, and now aerials. I've coached/choreographed for color guard at the collegiate level and competed at world championships at the "A" level for 5 years. I have a strong understanding of movement foundations and a passion for movement and dance as a form of self expression and creativity. Come hang out!

Core for More - Zina's Aerialosophy

Zina's Aerialosophy
(get it - aerial +philosophy)

Core for More
Sounds funny, right? But seriously - the better you can learn to use your breathing and core, the more efficiently you can transfer forces and learn flows, tricks, and fun stuff. We are not stable in the air, so we need to create that from … yes, our core and where we are attached to an apparatus.

Learning how to stabilize the sides of our core to create that full cylinder all the way around.

What does that look like?
Try this: place your hands on your belly and on your chest - take a deep breath - which moves first?

1. Chest - less efficient and we want to get the breath lower into the belly

2. Belly - this is what we want - now can you breathe into the lower belly?

3. Other - reach out and I would be happy to give you some pointers.

Remember, make sure the exhale is a little longer than the inhale to help with feeling of lightheadedness, unless you really like that! 😂

Let’s breath better, (for) better core function, (to) function better in the air, (making) aerial skills easier, wink. (see what i did there? ha)

I also wrote a core challenge for our NEW APP and am working on 3 more courses to learn how to take your aerial skills to the next level. If you like to learn and can spend about 5 minutes 3 days a week on your own, reach out and we will get you the details on HOW to do this.

Can you say, Game Changer? Think you have a strong core? I bet you can find some challenges here that are aerial specfic  since most gyms are not flying through the air like you are.

Current courses: 

1. Core Corset/Cylinder: learn to control it all the way around

2. Hips and Core: in process

3. Shoulders and Core: coming Fall 2024

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Alicia Rivera - August/September 2022

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Alicia Rivera

August/September 2022

Growing up Alicia was not much for organized fitness.  She did not participate in any organized sports as a youth, and it wasn’t until reaching her 30’s that she saw the importance of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  One year she received a gift certificate for Christmas to attend an aerial yoga class.  It took one class for her to realize that this needed to be a part of her fitness routine.  While she enjoys a variety of different types of fitness, Aerial remains the constant. She has been practicing as a student at Aerial Fun and Fitness for the last 4 years and her growing interest has led her to get certified as an Aerial Technique TM aerial fitness instructor so she can teach and share her passion.

By trade Alicia is a Physical Therapist Assistant in which she has served the local community for the last 12 years.  In her career Alicia has found passion in encouraging and challenging people of all ages to achieve activities they never imagined, and she now brings that drive to the Aerial Fitness world. Her knowledge of the human anatomy helps keep her students safe and challenges them to achieve their aerial fitness goals. Flips and tricks are Alicia’s go-to aerial moves to practice but no worries she can cater to all levels so that everyone can enjoy the fun!

Showcase Sign Ups 2023 are OPEN

SHOWCASE SIGN UP IS HERE

Here is the form to fill out to JOIN our AMAZING students to show off all the work you have been doing. 

This is the initial form to gauge interest and how many pieces we will need to choreograph.   Yes we will also be featuring tweens, and our remote teachers and/or students that consider us their 2nd aerial home when they are in town. 

https://forms.gle/noFA8PGTiJWK3Z1B9

Add your name to the list if you are interested in being a part of our showcase this year.  We can’t wait to see who wants to join us this year.   This year we will be able to record our dress rehearsal night and perform live for our friends and family.  

Dates Sept 10 - thru Nov 11  

We will send out an email toward the end of the month with the details and casting information. You will be required to attend at least 8 practices and Dress rehearsal(s).

If you already know you are joining - you can register here - and still use the form above to send us the details.

Registration Fee of $30.00 placeholder on FITLI  is Sep 3rd.  This is to help cover setup, extra cleaning, choreography time, etc… 

Live in Person - 8:00 am - is the placeholder for sign up

https://app.fitli.com/business/aerial-fun-fitness/schedule#session-2554921

Remote Performance - 9:15am is the placeholder for this group

https://app.fitli.com/business/aerial-fun-fitness/schedule#session-2554922

 * There may be a small additional video fee, but we try to keep that cost down for everyone.

Georgia Cox - Student of the Month- Oct / Nov 2022

Georgia Cox
Student of the Month!

Oct / Nov 2022

When did you start at the studio?  I started at the Aerial Fun & Fitness Studio a couple months after Christmas 2021. I was 9 years old.

Why did you start?  The reason why I started aerial hammock was because I thought it would be a great way to challenge myself. 

What made you come back and stick with it?   The reason why I suck with aerial hammock was because Zina was very nice and it was fun learning something new. 

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?  That if they stick with aerial hammock they will get higher and higher in skills and get more and more flexible along the way. 

What have been some of your challenges? 
Some of my challenges have been trying to do some really hard poses and remembering to breathe. 

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?
My favorite and the one apparatuses I train in the studio is aerial hammock/sling, but I have tried lyra and silks.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
My favorite poses on aerial hammock are the ladder climbs and mermaid because they are both fun and challenging poses. 

One word that defines you? 
Bendy. 

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I would like aerial hammock to take me on a path that would get me to do my first showcase beautifully. 

GC bye bye. 

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Amanda Anderson - Oct / Nov 2022

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Amanda Anderson

 Oct / Nov 2022

Amanda is an Intro/Level 1 teacher here at Aerial Fun and Fitness.

The reason she made the decision to become an instructor is because she wants to share the joy she feels while she is at the studio with others. She is a big proponent of "fitness is for everyone" and would like to share that sentiment with the students she has the privilege to teach! 

She has been practicing aerial fitness for the better part of three years! She began her aerial fitness journey after moving to the Wilmington, DE area in 2020. She was looking for something to do in her free time that was active and fun. After she took her first class, she was hooked! The instructor was positive and encouraging, and the environment was uplifting and non-judgmental. After about 2 years, Amanda decided to take the plunge and get certified to teach!

Outside of teaching aerial, Amanda is a 4th grade teacher at a local charter school. She enjoys reading, going to concerts, and cooking! Amanda wants everyone to know that this is an accessible fitness activity for pretty much everyone and would love you to come fly with her sometime!

Student of the Month - Abby Myhre - August / September 2022

Abby Myhre
Student of the Month!

August / September 2022

When did you start at the studio?   4 years ago

Why did you start?   Was looking for a fun way to get exercise

What made you come back and stick with it?    Aerial fitness was more fun that I could have imagined and the classes are never the same so i don’t get bored. Although classes were challenging I could see and feel improvement after just a few classes.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? Aerial fitness is the most fun you will have while getting strongWhat have been some of your challenges? 
Remembering to what side i did first. Remembering to breathe and engage my core.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio?
 Lyra and hammock/sling

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
Delilah in hoop because it’s very bending and graceful feeling! Cross back straddle in hammock just because it’s fun!

One word that defines you? 
Strong (mind and body)

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
Aerial has helped me improve pain and discomfort associated with hypermobility and other joint issues. I hope to keep improving strength while improving my stability/flexibility. I would like to continue improving on current skills and learning new one and as always just have fun!

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Sarah Willsey

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Sarah Willsey

June / July 2022

FROM A TEACHER PERSPECTIVE

When did you start at the studio?:
I started at the studio back in 2018

Why did you start?:
I started because my gymnastics team took a class at Zina’s studio and I fell in love with aerial.

What made you come back and stick with it?:
I came back because I wanted to start teaching at Zina’s studio. 

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?:
I would tell them to just relax and allow to have themselves to have a wonderful time! I would let them know that no one is there to judge you, so have loads of fun!  Also, I would tell them to not be afraid to ask for help or to ask the instructor to re-explain a question they do not know. Lastly, I would tell them that as an Instructor that I am there to make this experience amazing for them!

What have been some of your challenges?:
One of my challenges was slowing down to learn the intro/level one tricks I have trained on single silks, hammock, Lyra, sling, and bungee I can’t pick a favorite I love them all! Fun!  

What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?
I have trained on single silks, hammock, Lyra, sling, and bungee.

Your favorite pose(s) and why do you like it?:
I can’t pick a favorite I love them all! 

One word that defines you?:
Fun

What path would you like aerial to take for you?:
I want to keep teaching and help people find something that works for them that they love doing and can be proud of!

Student of the Month - Jecilyn Stanley - June/July 2022

Student of the Month!
Jecilyn Stanley

June/July 2022

When did you start at the Studio?:
I started at the studio in December 2021. 

Why did you start?:
I am a figure skater, and since I was eight years old, I have wanted to skate with Disney on Ice. I started at the studio because I wanted to build up my skill set and increase my chances of being selected for my dream job. 

What made you come back and stick with it?:

I wanted to try aerials for a long time, and Zina was awesome.  I instantly knew I could learn a lot from her! I knew she could help me achieve my dream! It’s also really fun to fly! 
 

What would you tell someone just starting Aerial Fitness?:

Engage your core, listen to your body, and HOLD ON!  
 

What have been some of your challenges?:

Some of my challenges have been engaging my core, listening to my body, and holding on! Zina is awesome at providing gentle reminders to assist me.  
 

What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?:

I have worked mostly in the Hammock, but I have also done a little bit of Lyra.  I am hoping to get to learn a little more about everything. 
 

  Your favorite poses(s) and why do you like it?:

There is a specific pose that I really like. I like this pose because I like being upside down and it feels natural.  
 

  One word that defines you?:

Determined. (Also…EMPLOYED!!)  I got my dream job! I’ll be leaving this June for my first tour with Disney on Ice!
 

  What path would you like Aerial to take you?

I will be attending Aerials Camp with Disney on Ice. I am hoping to not only skate with Disney on Ice, but also to fly with them too! I cannot thank Zina enough!

Time to set up RIG's to fly outdoors.

Zina's Aerialosophy 
(get it aerial + philosophy) 

March/April 2022

Time to set up RIG's to fly outdoors.
Did you inspect it?  Did you check the textiles (fabric or any of your nylon or polyester parts) for abrasions, rubs, and nicks?  Do you have crash mats?  Do you have a spotter or someone around?  Remember safe training - only do things you are confident in.  When trying new things make sure to have a spotter or coach. You can get STUCK, TWISTED, or LEFT HANGING (pardon the pun).   If you have any questions please reach out and I will be glad to assist you. 


Exciting Teacher Training news -  Look for 2 amazing students who have there own story and journey of Aerial here with us.  Stay Tuned for Apprentice teacher classes coming in May.  They will need help getting there apprenticeship so tell all your new friends who want to try some aerial. 

Congratulations to JoAnne Stout for completing and maintaining all her Aerial certifications and extra training and mentor hours for her new studio Uplift Aerial Arts.  Her studio is now an APPROVED LOCATION under our Aerial Technique tm program, which means she upholds and follows our safety and program guidelines.  So glad you still in our Aerial Family. 

You do you, each day!

     I celebrate you!  Zina    

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Janice Giannini

Teacher Tidbits Corner - Janice Giannini

March/April 2022

Getting Started and Determination  -  From CEO to Aerial Aficionado

I am not what you would  expect as an aerial fitness instructor.  I’m not a gymnast, triathlon person  or lifelong athlete. I’m not 20 something with the flexibility of someone whom you would think has no bones and joints in their body. I have spent 30 years in Corporate America mostly with Fortune 50 companies. There was no mountain too high and steep that didn’t capture my attention, excitement  and perseverance. During those years I have run companies, product development, manufacturing and technology. As a leader my values always drove me to do what is in the best interest of the company and the people; treat everyone with  fairness and respect, and value everyone’s contribution.

A few years back I left when my husbands’ health started to decline.  I “bumped into” aerial fitness   at my ballroom dancing studio. I was instantly captivated. I was not a natural when I started , but in a few short years you wouldn’t have predicted how far I’ve come.  

You be the judge !

My dream is to reach out to all of those folks who for whatever reason may not have been as active as they would want or need to be. I offer a supportive attitude, patience and fun in order to get started again.

As little as 2 hours a week of some physical activity, does wonders for peoples’ physical, mental, emotional  and psychological health. I would treasure the opportunity to  meet and help each and every one of you .

No matter what you current fitness level is or is not  or how old you are; if I can do it anybody can do.  I hope you will come  meet us and join me for a class; to see just how much fun it is.  Though I cover and fill in for classes, my specialty is Aerial Thai and Low Hammock.  

Have a wonderful day, Janice

Student of the Month - Rachael Brunner-Henry - March/April 2022

Student of the Month
Rachael  Brunner-Henry

March/April 2022
Showing our new Double Hammock classes we are adding in .

When did you start at the studio?:

     October 2021.

Why did you start?:

     I was in the process of trying out a lot of different exercise classes and thought aerial hammock sounded fun.

What made you come back and stick with it?:

    I was so amazed at what my body could do in the first class, and how supportive the teachers, and students were. I was hooked!

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness?:

    Just do it! Trust the instructors, ask questions, and have fun! 

What have been some of your challenges?:

     I can get frustrated when a move doesn’t come easy to me. I can get pretty fixated on trying to master a move.

What apparatuses do you train on in the studio?
     Hammock, bungee, and I have recently started dabbling with Lyra.

Your favorite pose(s) and why do you like it?:
     I really like the climbing Horse. It’s a love/hate relationship haha. I love how powerful I feel when I climb up to horse, and learning different moves from horse has really made it one of my favorites.

One word that defines you?:
    Relentless

What path would you like aerial to take for you?:
    I don’t have a set path for aerial but whatever path it is, I am happy to go down it. As long as it’s fun and challenging, I’m in!