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.