Suck It Up, Buttercup! Circus Is Hard
The number one question I’m asked by new students? “What can I do to get better? I feel like it’s taking so long!” It’s a fair question, I mean, who doesn’t want to excel at what they’re pouring their hearts and pocketbooks into? But, for many, what they’re really asking is, “Why haven’t I picked this up in ten classes?” Um… because it’s difficult, Buttercup! Ask yourself: would you waltz into a ballet class, having no dance training, and expect to be turning triple pirouettes three weeks from Sunday? Of course not. Then why would you assume that you can do that in an aerial class?
Wise Saying From Laura #1 – You have to be willing to suck at first. A lot.
Perhaps it’s our culture’s growing appetite for Instant Results , or maybe spill-over from social media pressure. Whatever it is, let me be very candid: if you want to get really good at something, whether it’s aerial goodness or accounting, you have to work your ass off for a good long time. That girl with the beautiful lines? She’s been dancing since she was 4. That guy with the bone-crushing grip? He’s been rock climbing for the past 5 years. They’ve all put in the time, just not in my class.
Wise Saying From Laura #2 – Just show up.
I have yet to meet a student who was a truly hopeless case – just about anyone in reasonable health can become proficient in an aerial discipline. I’ve watched some students throw themselves into classes, train on their own, and fight for every victory they got on the silks. That kind of hard work inevitably pays off. I have one student who couldn’t even hold on her first class, and cried in fear the first time she did an ankle hang; she’s now performing beautiful pieces in showcases and making me proud. She showed up. She put in the time (several years, to be exact). She’s reaping what she’s sown. You will too, friend.
Wise Saying from Laura #3: It’s an awesome adventure, my love. Quit focusing so much on the destination.
Here, in a nutshell, is how to get better, and enjoy the journey.
- Quit taking yourself so damned seriously, it ain’t the Peace Corps. A light heart and the ability to laugh at yourself will make training more enjoyable (for both of us). Frustration is a roadblock, laughter is a detour.
- Be a student. Check your ego at the door, and be willing to be really, really bad at something. Think of it this way – you can only get better!
- Accept instruction graciously. It’s what your paying your coach for! When you’re tempted to argue, defend, or get all grumpy, take a deep breath and simply say, “Thank you.”
- Ask questions. Not sure why something works the way it does or why you’re supposed to do something a certain way? Ask!
- Just show up – to class, to workouts, to your training time. I strongly recommend at least one class and one practice session on your own each week. Regular workouts can be tailored to support your air time – Pilates, deep stretching, weight training (PULL-UPS), and more can make your class time more productive.
- Don’t compare yourself with others. Apples, oranges. Focus on YOU.
- CELEBRATE EVERY VICTORY!!! Don’t sweep it under the rug, you worked hard for it!
It’s not Insta-Aerial, ya’ll! It took me over a year of training almost every day to get to a reasonably professional level on fabrics, and I still had miles to go. You can do it. Here’s what I can promise you: show up, do the work, and you’ll see results. Now, suck it up and get to class! There’s work to be done and fun to be had! And no whining. Love and pull-ups, Laura
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