10 Lessons Learned from an Aerialist of 18 Years

Get ready to be inspired as we uncover the wisdom gained from a life spent soaring to new heights.

10 Lessons Learned from an Aerialist of 18 Years

 
Here's my experience as an aerialist of 18 years, as I explored the incredible world of aerial arts.  In this blog post, I'll delve into the valuable lessons learned, as I pushed boundaries, and found freedom in the air.

1. Embrace Fear and Push Past Limits
Aerial arts demand courage and a willingness to face fear head-on.  As a long term seasoned aerialist I learnt to embrace fear as a catalyst for growth, pushing past self-imposed limits to achieve new heights of performance and mindset.

2. Patience and Persistence Pays Off
Mastering the art of aerial performance takes time and dedication.  As an aerialist I slowly cultivated patience and persistence, navigating the inevitable setbacks and challenges that come with the territory. This has given me powerful and useful skills for life and business.

3. Trust in Yourself and Your Training
Aerial arts require a strong foundation of trust, both in yourself, those around you and in the training received.  It was a journey to develop and nurture self-belief and trust in my own skills in the air, that let me move freely in the air with confidence and joy.

4. The Power of Collaboration
Aerial arts often involve working with others, whether it's partnering with fellow aerialists or collaborating with choreographers and directors or working closely with your rigger.   You can harness the power of collaboration to create awe-inspiring performances that are greater than the sum of their parts.

5. Embodying Grace and Fluidity
Aerial arts is not just about physical strength, it also requires grace, fluidity, and a connection to the music and movement.   You can learn to improve your ability to embody these with practise, feeling more comfortable in your body and it's movement.   When your body and movement flow, your thoughts and mind naturally match it.

6. Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success
In the world of aerial arts, failure is inevitable. However, as a seasoned aerialist you consistently learn to embrace failure as a valuable learning opportunity, and use it as a stepping stone to refine your skills and reach new levels, within your mindset and body.

7. The Importance of Self-Care and Injury Prevention
Aerial arts can be physically demanding, being proactive with self-care, injury prevention is crucial. I explored lots of self-care practices whilst training, and if I'm honest, I did feel guilty for resting - which was not helpful thoughts at the time.  Looking back, I feel this is the main area that was my weakness and I didn't truly tap into the understanding and importance of self care and injury prevention

AND...

I feel that that's where AERIAL PILATES, was born.  Through my own struggles, is how I created a consistent, method and syllabus that combines the precision of the Pilates method with the liberation and powerful movement experience of Aerial.

8. Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places
Inspiration can be found in the most unexpected of places. You can nurture and build practises for this. Drawing from various areas, whether it's your own life, thoughts, feelings and experiences or just exploring different art forms, nature, and everyday experiences to infuse your movement or performances with creativity and originality.

9. Celebrating Progress, Big and Small
Progress in aerial arts is not always straight upwards, but it's so important to celebrate both big milestones and small victories along the way!   It's key to acknowledge and appreciate your progress and special moments, this nurtures a great mindset and fuels continuous passion and growth.

10. Sharing the Joy of Aerial Arts
Lastly, I understand and have experience of the transformative power of aerial arts and the peace and joy it brings, being playful and expressive.  

You too can learn how you can embrace the role of a mentor and Aerial Pilates teacher!   Sharing your knowledge and passion with others, and inspiring the next generation of Air movers. 

Conclusion

What I've learnt is that the journey of an aerialist is one of constant growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

Through these 10 lessons learned as an aerialist of 18 years, I hope to inspire you to experience your own journey, embracing the beauty and challenges of aerial arts and Pilates with open arms.

Click here to get access to  2 classes with foundational Aerial Pilates content 

So, spread your wings and soar! 

Air Hugs

Debbie