Student of the Month - Tya Pope - June 2021

Student of the Month
Tya Pope

June 2021

 

When did you start at the studio? 
I signed up for my first class January 1st, 2019.

Why did you start? 
Each year I try to challenge myself to do something new that I've always wanted to try. After seeing the studio many times, I decided it was time to just do it. I'm so glad I did!

What made you come back and stick with it? 
I loved the environment and instructors. Everyone is so kind and patient. You need a lot of patience with me. I'm not the most confident, but I wanted to prove to myself I could do it if I stuck with it. I ended up doing the Student Showcase almost right out of the gate. That was the thing I needed to show me, you know what, you can do this.

What would you tell someone just starting aerial fitness? 
If you've always wanted to do it, this is the perfect studio for you. If you're not really sure, this is the perfect studio for you. If you've never considered aerial and you're reading this, this is the right studio for you.

What have been some of your challenges? 
Consistency and confidence. You get better with practice and I beat myself up over how much work I still need for some of the basics. That in turn leads me to avoiding then it becomes a vicious circle. My confidence has grown for sure, but I still have some way to go.

What apparatuses do you train on at the studio? 
I'm pretty much Hammock only, but I have taken a class or two on Lyra. I would really love to do silks.

Your favorite pose(s), and why do you like it?
 Sleeping bear and other relaxation poses. After a great class I love being able to just lay in the Hammock and say to myself, Tya you did it, while I gently swing back and forth. It's such a great feeling.

One word that defines you? 
Meticulous

What path would you like aerial to take for you? 
I would love to get to a place where I go to class and I'm not paranoid about being in the front. I want to feel comfortable and confident in growing while still learning. I want to learn to give myself grace. All of these things will undoubtedly transfer into my day to day life. I think that's the beauty of aerial. So much of what I learn about myself in the studio are life lessons I can take home. I'm so grateful to Zina, Kelsey, and all the folks who make the studio such a warm and welcoming place to be.