Basically, I created this blog and a twitter account to log my progress for my senior project. I decided to learn how to perform on the aerial silks. So how exactly did I come up with this idea? Well after the Senior Project Director, Mrs. Manlin, presented to us the concept of senior project, I brainstormed what I might like to learn. I had it narrowed down to snorkling/scuba diving and documenting the extent of coral bleaching on the Caribbean island, St. John, relearning the level four gymnastics routines, or learning how to perform on the aerial silks. I threw out the St. John idea because it just seemed too complex and expensive for my purposes. I threw out the gymnastics idea after realizing that I was at least 6 years older than everyone who would be in my potential class, and private lessons would again be too expensive. So, I chose the aerial silk option.
For those of you who may be wondering exactly what aerial silk performance entails, this is what it is for the most part. Think of Cirque du Soleil. During the show, there is usually a performance that involves a thin, flexible acrobat flipping and twisting, and falling, and tying themselves up in two strips of fabric several meters of the ground. That is what I am learning.
So how did I find this? Well my friend, whose name rhymes with Shmulie Shmaters (I have not asked her for permission to publish her name online) works as an instructor of aerial acrobatics at Independent Lake Camp. She takes classes at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. That is where my idea was born. I simply did a google search until I found a circus/acrobatic gym in the Philadelphia area. Only after considering the program did I learn that Shmulie also took classes there, and she wat able to tell me more about her experience in the classes. Once my class began, we occassionally ran into eachother.
That is how my project started. more to come on the actual experience and progress.
here is a video (admittedly not of me) of what a Cirque du Soleil aerial silk performance looks like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zty1Lql09P0&feature=related
it's out of control cool, but i doubt that I will ever be that flexible. I would be content being able to do variations on some of her tricks.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
What an AWESOME job you have done explaining the strength AND illusion of ease necessary for performing on aerial silks. I'm excited to read more about your first week, especially since you began taking the advanced class. How much more challenging, both physically and mentally, is this class than the beginner classes that you previously took? Looking forward to reading more.... Ms. Pratt
ReplyDeleteYou have selected an unbelievably great YouTube.com clip to explain what aeriel silk performances look like. I am going to forward this and your blogspot to friends of mine, so that they understand what you are learning/doing for your senior project. BTW, don't short sell yourself on your abilities. I have visually witnessed your progress over the past 16 weeks...I was there for EVERY class. You never cease to amaze me with your flexibility, grace and lack of fear when learning tricks. Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteJanuary 4th - February 22nd was my Beginner A class. My Beginner B class ran from March 1st - April 26th. Currently, I am taking a Beginner B, Aerial Conditioning, and Intermediate/Advanced Aerials class that began May 11th and will end July 2nd. I will be blogging about all of my classes to log my progress thus far. Since I am counting their hours toward my 100 hours of experience, this will also act as my reflective journal.
ReplyDelete