Author Archives: Lewitwer

How Old Is That In Cirque Years? The Truth About Aging In Circus

By 81 commentsAttitude, Training, Uncategorized

At the ripe old age of twenty four (you can’t see me right now, but I’m snickering in a very snarky way), I decided to run away and join the circus. Among the many sensitive and caring questions I got from friends and family was, “Aren’t you a little old for that? I thought you had to be born into the circus!”. The short answer is no, I wasn’t, and no, you don’t. Let’s unpack this, shall we? Here’s the straight talk about age and circus.

The Downside of Starting Later

You want the bad news first? You got it. Now, when I say “later”, I mean anything after sixteen (brutal, right?). If you are lucky enough to be born a Wallenda, you start training practically in utero. Some lucky kids get hooked up with awesome youth circuses like Circus Smirkus, and are performing at a professional level before they’re out of junior high. But what about the rest of us who didn’t discover this wacky world of circus until (gasp!) their twenties? Thirties? Forties and beyond? 

The downside is this: you have to work much harder, and the older you are, the longer it takes to bounce back from injuries. Jumping in without a warmup is no longer an option, and you may find that you spend more time with frozen peas taped to your shoulders that not. BUT. That’s it. That’s the whole downside, people  – hard work and some frozen peas.

The Upside of Starting Later

I began my training with the legendary Tanya Gagne in New York City.  When I kvetched about my age, she set me straight in a hurry. She told me she had never felt so strong (seriously – she could squash a watermelon with her bare hands), or had mastery over so many skills. She assured me that with patience and hard work, I could have my dream.  She was right! There are real upsides to starting later: intense focus, greater vision, perseverance, resources, and more. Did you know that your thirties are a spectacular time to pack on major muscle? Our perceptions can age us faster than our bodies ever could.

 So, what are you waiting for, friend? Here’s a quotable from Julia Cameron:
 
“Question: Do you know how old I’ll be by the time I learn how to play the piano?
Answer: The same age you will be if you don’t.” – Julia Cameron, “The Artist’s Way”
 
Deep thoughts, people! If you’re using your age as an excuse not to try aerial arts, or anything for that matter, knock it off. Get going – there’s living to be done! Love and pull-ups, Laura
 
PS – check out this quick video from Marie Forleo about this very thing – highly entertaining! 

Sitting On Your Own Head: The Joys And Perils Of Increasing Flexibility

By 5 commentsFlexibility, Uncategorized

I am not a contort-y person. For the last twenty years or so, I’ve had a recurring dream in which I sit on my own head (a perfectly reasonable dream for a circus performer, I assure you); I kick up into a chin stand, bend my knees, and my feet just gently float down to the floor on either side of my head – I can actually FEEL my ankles in my hands! Well, in my dreams is the only place I will ever do that, or someone will have to call an ambulance. Today, we’re going to chat about the bendy-flexies, and what you can do to increase the likelihood of a Gumby Moment. Join me, won’t you?

Not Fitting Into Your Genes 

Alas, genetics are a massive factor in determining the bulk of your flexibility. Some folks are like walking rubber bands, others have to chant, visualize, and sacrifice a virgin once a week to be able to touch their toes. What gives? Your genes, my friend! They affect:

  • thickness of spinal cartilage (a big factor in back flexibility)
  • the structure of your joints
  • length/tension/attachment of connective tissue

ALL of which play a huge role in whether you’ll be billed as Courteney the Contortionist or Rodney the Rigid.

Why Bother To Stretch If It’s All Genetics?

Because it’s NOT all genetics, Negative Nancy!  It’s a good thing to know where you are in the Great Pantheon of Stretch-iness, as it can help you keep your expectations realistic; you can’t change the thickness of your cartilage, but you can stretch your glutes. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Work those muscles hard! And then streeeeeeeeeeeetch them out when they’re hot hot hot. Don’t stretch cold (put a rubber band in the freezer, then try to stretch it and you’ll see why). Save your deepest stretching for AFTER your training.
  • NEVER stretch to pain – only to sensation. Why? Because if you tear the muscle, it creates scar tissue which is less flexible. And that sucks. Some days will be tighter than others – work with where your muscles are TODAY!
  • Be consistent. 10 minutes of stretching 5 days a week will yield greater results than 60 minutes once a week.
  • Be patient – it takes muscles and joints a very, very long time to truly become more flexible. Don’t get frustrated, it will just make you all mad and reckless and then you decide you’re going to do a split right this second and you do it and pop your hamstring and then you can’t do a split for the next 8 months. Be patient, friend.
  • Spice it up! We often spend most of our flexi-time doing passive stretches, but a solid amount of research shows that you’ll get the best results from a combined approach! Include:
    • Passive stretches held about 30 seconds each
    • Active flexibility training (strengthening the muscle at the end of it’s range of motion).
    • Dynamic stretching (stretching through broader movements)
    • PNF training (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)

 Many of us in the circus world are reasonably flexible – we may not all  be able to sit on our own heads, but we can pop out a decent splits and get at least one toe to our noggin after morning coffee and a running start. Flexibility differs from joint to joint, day to day, even hour to hour. Remember: the goal is not to be able to trot out a cool trick at a party (that’s just a fringe benefit); your goal is to keep your muscles and joints healthy, and increase the possibilities in your work. With that in mind, work consciously, consistently, and  gently – you’ll be straddling your ponytail in no time (or at least be one inch closer). Happy bending, my loves!

NEED HELP WITH YOUR FLEXIBILITY? I’m an American Academy of Sports Medicine certified flexibility coach! Zap me an email and let’s get a program going for you.

As always, if you like this post, share it on your blog, FB, Twitter, and wherever else you crazy kids are posting things these days!

Rig Bags – Why The TSA Loves Us

By 1 commentRigging, Uncategorized
Rig bag fun!

Raise your hand if you LOVE trying to explain to the TSA agents at airport security a) what the heck that heavy spinny screwy thing in your bag is and b) what you plan to do with it. OY! (Here’s a helpful hint – just tell them it’s rock climbing equipment, it’s more likely to get you through without having to pantomime a 90 minute show.) In any case, that bag they’re so carefully scrutinizing is your rig bag, and we’re going to chat about what you might want to have in there. This is a whopper of a topic, so expect more posts on this down the line.

First, your bag should be sturdy canvas, denim, or other heavy material. I like a zippered closure, and it’s really nice to have several pockets on the inside to separate out some of your gear. Speaking of gear, let’s get to it! Here’s what we bring to a “light” event, meaning we know ahead of time that we will only need the bare essentials (rigging to pre-hung truss for example). Remember – it’s better to be looking at it than looking for it!

  • steel carabiners (for load bearing points) in the appropriate size for your apparatus
  • aluminum carabiners (for non-load bearing points – to swag your apparatus off, for example)
  • span sets/slings of varying lengths (we prefer black for masking reasons, not because we’re New Yorkers)
  • at least one large span set with cable running through
  • tie line for making yourself crazy when you tangle it swagging equipment out, and at least one pulley
  • swivel(s)
  • duct or electrical tape to safety the gate on carabiners or keep them from flipping when swagged (also great for marking/identifying your equipment, or for shutting up that obnoxious guy who keeps asking you if you’ve ever tried trapeze naked)
  • assorted clips of varying sizes come in handy here and there
  • a small flashlight on a cord or a head lamp (you’ll look so cool)

Those are the basics! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then you don’t need a rig bag, you need a rigger. Start educating yourself TODAY – your life depends on it. Happy dangling, my loves!

As always, if you like this post, share it on your blog, FB, Twitter, and wherever else you crazy kids are posting things these days!

Pullups – The Most Important Exercise On The Planet

By 12 commentsExercises, Training, Uncategorized

As an addendum to my previous post about circus being durned hard, I wanted to address one very concrete thing you can do TODAY to begin to ramp up your training. Friends, I give you (cue confetti canons)… the Humble Pull-Up. That’s right – hauling yourself up and down using your well-on-their-way-to-being-super-strong arms is my number one essential training tool, and it should be a part of your regular training at least a few times per week.

A matter of discipline

Yes, I’m aware that you hate pull-ups. I don’t leap out of bed every morning shrieking, “YAAAAY! I get to do some pull-ups today!!!!” either.  Thing is, it doesn’t matter whether or not you hate them – you just have to do them. I’m willing to bet that one of the biggest reasons you hate them is because they’re really tough and they hurt and you suck at them. Am I right? It’s OK! It’s OK that they’re tough; it’s OK that they hurt, and it’s OK that you suck at them, but that will change. I promise you – train them, and they will suck so, so much less. First, you’ll do one, then another, then another, until you are kickin’ some serious tushie.

A matter of skill

I would say a solid 75% of aerial work hinges on variations of the pull-up. It’s that foundational. True – you can crank out some reasonably solid work without being able to do a traditional up and down, but you’re cheating yourself in a huge way. I’ve been around the professional block a few times (that doesn’t sound quite right, but you know what I mean), and I can tell you this: in all my years of performance, I have NEVER worked with a professional aerialist who couldn’t do a pull-up. In fact, the very idea is absurd. So, if you are serious about meaningfully moving ahead in your aerial skills, get to work. TODAY.

A matter of safety

It’s not just a matter of strength; it’s also a matter of safety. Many of you have had the panic-inducing experience of getting into a bad knot on your fabrics, or finding yourself below your trapeze or hoop with little reserves to get back up. This is where your training – the muscle memory, the strength building, the endurance drills – is absolutely essential; it could mean the difference between a successful recovery to a safe position and a nasty injury for you (or someone else if you’re working with a partner). Be responsible and do the work, even if you hate it.

Here’s a good (though admittedly intense) video series for how to properly execute a pull-up, and a link to the bar I have at home (no installation required). I’m also including this link from Cirque Physio which dives deep into shoulder position when hanging with arms extended overhead (required reading). If you’re a beginner, try putting a chair underneath you or using pull-up bands to help you go through the full range of movement. Start slow and small, Rome wasn’t built in a day. For more advanced puller-uppers, you can try varying your hand positions to work the muscles from different angles and keep things interesting. In closing, know this: if you train your pull-ups consistently, you’re gonna love what it does for your aerial work. Surprise and amaze your friends! They’ll think you’re a total Bad Ass Rock Star. Because you are. Love and pull-ups, Ms Laura

PS – click here to download 21 Days of Pull-Ups if you need a little challenge!

Suck It Up, Buttercup! Circus Is Hard

By 53 commentsAttitude, Training, Uncategorized, ,

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

As always, if you like this post, share it on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, and wherever else you crazy kids are posting things these days!

How to Choose a Silk Color (That Won’t Make Your Audience’s Eyes Bleed)

By 3 commentsSilks, Supplies, Uncategorized, , , ,
A stunning custom dyed silk from Swing State Aerial!

So many of you are about to embark on the adventure of Buying Your Very Own Fabric – congratulations! It’s very exciting! Your first choice is the color, and it’s an important one. Why, you ask? Isn’t it just a matter of picking your favorite color from a pretty swatch book and sending in the moolah? Well…. no.

The first thing to consider is where you expect to use it. If it’s just for your rehearsals, then go nuts and pick whatever color you want. BUT, if you’re planning on using this for performance, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind:

  • White and red are the most commonly requested colors for events. When it comes to white fabrics, it’s best to have another color for rehearsal, and to trot out the virginal yardage for performance only (unless you want to spend hours doing laundry). Keep in mind that bleaching is NOT recommended as it weakens the fibers in the fabric.
  • OY, black fabric! Consider that quite a few theaters have black backdrops or curtains – you’ll be the Mysterious Floating Head from Brooklyn! In over a decade of performance, we have rarely been asked to perform on a black fabric. Get one if you really want it, but order a colored one as well to give yourself some options.
  • Many of your performances will involve bright theatrical lighting. That light blue fabric you paid $50 to have custom dyed? It just turned white when the spotlight hit it. Go for a richly saturated hue to reflect the light and make you POP on stage – muted colors often wash out to nothing. Consider the effect you’re trying to create!
  • Want something totally unique and absolutely gorgeous? Several studios sell tie-dyed fabrics and they’re everything you want them to be! Mackenzie at Swing State Aerial is doing some unbelievably stunning ones (I’m going to order one soon!). Interested? Order here , and have a look at her Instagram for gorgeous pics!
  • Great bets for performance silks: white, red, royal blue, purple, teal, yellow, green, orange, saturated pink, you get the idea.

And that’s it, folks! It surely ain’t rocket science, but you don’t want to waste your money. Choose wisely and be fabulous! Stay tuned for future posts about where to buy your fabrics, how to care for them, and whether there’s any way of avoiding that awesome “wet dog” smell during the summer. Rock on, my loves! Love and pull-ups, Laura

Tuf or Buff: How Spray Rosin Might Sabotage Your Training

By 22 commentsTraining,

I have such a love/hate relationship with spray rosin (aka Tuf Skin or Firm Grip). On the one hand, I love the awesome flypaper effect it creates when I’m performing doubles and my partner is being so inconsiderate as to actually sweat. On the other hand, I hate watching my students douse themselves in it in hopes of Velcro-ing their hands to the fabric. So, when is spray rosin a blessing, and when is it like the friend who brings over a pie when you’ve sworn off sugar? Let’s discuss.

Spray rosin, mostly powdered rosin (pine tree sap) and alcohol, can be a God-send when:

  • You’re working with a partner and need a little extra grippy oomph
  • Smoke, fog, or haze will be used during your performance (this can sometimes leave a slick coating on your apparatus)
  • You’re pushing your limits of endurance in your piece, are working at altitude, or are performing multiple acts in a show and want to be conservative with your grip strength
  • You have a grip/hand difference or injury that prevents you from firmly gripping the fabric and you need boosties 
  • It’s seriously hot or humid and you’re sweatin’ like the dickens, causing you to slip and slide in alarming ways
  • You’re recovering from an injury or a break and you need a little grip amplification so you can focus on working safely
  • You’re in a really cold, dry climate and the silks feel slick as glass. Try moistening your hands before you apply powder rosin! No luck? Give a little spray!

When is it not a good bet? During your daily or weekly training if one of the issues above aren’t present. Friend, training your grip is as important as training your shoulders, your core, your pull-ups, etc – if you coat your hands in aerial super glue every single time you touch a fabric, don’t be surprised when your grip is noodle-y and you can’t work without it. It’s like using antibiotics right away for a sniffle – you’re not even sure if you need it yet!

TRY THIS: Each class, try your first climb with no sticky stuff. Feel ok? Carry on! Feels like glass? Rosin up. You’ll notice that some days will feel better than others thanks to the weather, how you’re feeling, how filthy those silks are, etc.

My philosophy is this: use as little Sticky Awesomeness as you’re comfortable with during your training. Use what you need to be safe, but also actively train those fingers to hold tight. You are free to have a differing philosophy, but this is what has consistently worked for my students for over twenty years. I’m not at all anti-rosin – it’s about finding that balance between nothing at all and permanently adhering yourself to a silk. You’ll thank me one day when you can hang on to a trapeze with one finger. While sneezing uncontrollably. Over a shark tank. Love and pull-ups, Laura

As always, if you like this post, share it on your blog, the F-books, Twitter, and wherever else you crazy kids are sharing things these days.

Choose an Awesome Aerial Coach Instead of a *Questionable* One

By 19 commentsSafety,

How do you find a great aerial teacher? Nowadays, anyone can take a few classes, hang out their shingle, and call themselves an instructor; so how do you tell the difference between an awesome aerial coach and a questionable one? Well, Dear Danglers, that’s the question we’re diving into today.

What to Look For

Some things are non-negotiable, and some are purely matters of preference. In the non-negotiable camp:

  • They’ve been around the aerial block a few times. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a newbie instructor – we’ve all gotta start somewhere! That said, an unseasoned coach may not be the best fit for you personally. If you struggle with issues of fear, are working around injuries, or this is your first foray into “organized movement” (think dance, martial arts, etc.), look for a coach that specializes in adult recreational students and has been teaching for a good long while.
  •  A good reputation as an instructor. Ask around! Most aerial coaches are more than happy to give you the names of several teachers they think are excellent, and tell you why.
  •  A low rate of incidents. “Incidents” refer to students falling, injuries, accidents, etc. Trust me when I say that you do not want an instructor whose students routinely drop out of the sky. While the occasional bump or bruise is an unavoidable part of any physical undertaking, if your class is “raining students,” find another teacher pronto.
  •  Rigging expertise. Look for an instructor who regularly takes the time to educate you about your rigging. You need to understand what’s holding you in the air and why – your life depends on it.
  •  Emphasis on safety. Practice safe silks! You do NOT want an STD (Silk Trauma/Disaster). Your teacher should carefully explain how to wrap things. OK, I’ll stop now.
  • Clear methodology and pedagogy. Is there a method to the madness? Does your instructor have a clear teaching philosophy, vision for their students, and a clear roadmap for getting them there? Or are they clearly winging it and teaching whatever bits of flotsam and jetsam they’ve gleaned from Instagram today? 
  • Insurance. Your teacher should be insured by a source recognized in the industry (example: ISERA). This shows a level of professional commitment, forethought, and common sense.

Non Essential

Now, in the “non-essential” category, here are a few things to consider:

  • Pricing in line with industry standards. There’s a place for bargain hunting, but your aerial class is not it. If you have most instructors charging around $35 for a single class in NYC, and one is charging $20, this should send up a big red flag. Price makes a big statement about who you are and what your instruction is worth.
  • A large movement vocabulary. You want a teacher with lots to teach you. Or, train with several good coaches – this is a great way to expand your repertoire of moves and get different feedback.
  •  Chemistry. While technically not essential, you should have reasonably good chemistry with your instructor. Some may favor a driven task-master, some need a sunshine-y cheerleader, some like a super-technical teacher. Find someone who’s style fits with your personality.
  • A word about certifications. As of 2023, there is still no governing body issuing certifications in the USA. What does that mean? Just that there’s no such thing as a “certified” aerial instructor, only instructors who have received certificates of completion from an aerial teaching program (this is kind of a sensitive subject in the aerial community). In essence, a certification does not mean your instructor has met any sort of national standard for accreditation; it does mean that they took a course and pursued teacher-specific instruction. There are some GREAT teacher training courses out there, and I think taking dedicated classes on how to teach aerial skills is PHENOMENAL! We’ll see what the future will bring on this front! Regardless, look for a coach that is always trying to get better and learn new things.

What to Avoid Like the Plague

Well, pretty much the opposite of what I detailed above! Avoid inexperience – that teacher who’s only been studying for a month or two is NOT qualified to teach you. A poor reputation, no clear methodology or pedagogy, cheap classes, students dropping like flies, all things to avoid like the plague.

Hope this helps! As always, if you liked this content, please share it and give me a follow on the socials!

Avoiding Silk Burns: a Hot Topic

By 5 commentsInjuries, Uncategorized

We’ve all been there – you climb up to do a seemingly harmless move and YOWZAHS!!! Silk burn! Never fear, Dear Dangler, help is on the way.

Why We Burn

Why do we burn, anyway? Well, it surely isn’t rocket science – it’s friction! Some friction is good, and helps us maintain our position on the fabric. But, friction has an evil stepsister – HEAT. Sometimes, this heat is barely noticeable; other times, you generate enough heat to actually burn your skin and melt your clothing! Sexy welts, oozing sores, and leperosy open sores are the result.

When you factor in higher temperatures and rising humidity in summer (which, predictably, increase friction), you can really do some damage! I once had to go to the ER to have my costume debrided from the back of my knee – it melted right into my skin after a (particularly epic) slack drop! It really, really hurt, and I still have a scar.

When It’s Not a Burn

When is a burn not a burn? When it’s an abrasion! When the humidity rises, there’s more fun to be had. The silks can scour the skin, resulting in an uneven rash-like boo-boo which scabs over quickly, but is often very sore until it heals. We most often find abrasions on shoulders, lower back, and thighs (again, did I mention how sexy this is?).

OK, Ms Laura, How do we Prevent Them?

Oh, you’re gonna hate my answer: long leggings, long sleeves, and unitards; essentially going “aerial Amish”. We most often burn on the lower back or sides, behind the knee, and the dreaded armpit burn (can we all agree that those are the worst?).

Don’t worry – I’m not suggesting that you don a chunky wool sweater in July, but protective clothing and smart choices go a loooooooong way towards keeping you intact.

  • Thick leggings that come all the way to the ankle make a world of difference. Start there.
  • Unitards or leotards won’t ride up, and are your best defense against lower back and side burns.
  • A long-sleeved t shirt or shrug will help you avoid armpit trauma, and you can take them on and off as needed.
  • In very hot or humid weather, you’ll want to hold off on some of the moves that are almost guaranteed to leave skin on the fabric.
  • All covered up and still getting fried? Try wearing a different fabric blend. Synthetics will often heat up more than thick cotton, so it may be as simple as swapping out your britches.

 First Aid for Your Burned Bod

You want to keep your ouchie moist and covered to help it heal faster, and reduce the risk of scarring and infection. My first pick is Burts Bees Res-Q Ointment – it’s got all sorts of good things in there that will heal you up nice and quick. Aquaphor, Tattoo Goo, and Hustle Butter can work well also. If the burn is very bad, colloidal silver/Silvadene might be a better choice. I don’t love antibiotic ointments because neomycin is a very common allergen – you probably don’t need it unless your burn gets infected (or is likely to). Medical tape and a light layer of gauze will keep your clothing from rubbing against them. Baby the area until it’s all healed up, and you should be right as rain. Believe it or not, high traffic areas will often toughen up over time, and you won’t get quite so much fabric love. Love and pull-ups, Laura

What’s your go-to burn remedy? Share in the comments below!

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