Once upon a time in the year 2020 when things were not like it is today, I decided to try out Aerial Silk classes offered by Moana Loa Dance group.
I keep looking for new activities or a skill to keep myself occupied (and stay out of trouble!). My friend Patricia Mallam introduced me to Dancercise classes that Etu was hosting at the playhouse. I arrived for the dancercise classes and was in awe of the aerialist rehearsing and learning.
Patricia is an advance aerialist herself and would encourage me to give it a try one day. And lo and behold that one day arrived. I decided to have a go at it and quickly realized how fun it is and sure enough enrolled for the adult beginners’ classes.
After finishing a term, I was then ready for the next term being adult intermediate classes. By this point I was getting better at forms and technique on the silks and I loved every bit of it!
I find aerial silks to be a great form of workout, while it has noticeably built my strength and fitness. I also love how it forces me to forget about the rest of the world and just focus on that one thing right in front of me. (while trying not fall off and break my face!)
A friend always teases me to fall whenever I post about it on my IG stories (inside joke), which I have fallen off a couple of times btw, but practise makes perfect and I thrive on improving my own failures.
A lot of you have told me that you want to join but have already made up your mind that it is not for you. Some of you have went on to comment that “oh the silk won’t hold me” “have you seen my size?” “I will start next week, give me details” (never has to date)! But listen how would you know if you never try? Why do we limit our capabilities to our appearances, body shapes and size and the many other insecurities that we have?
I know it is easier said than done, but remember sky is never the limit! I am still overcoming a lot of my own insecurities and I keep trying. I guess you must start somewhere and keep trying without worrying about what people will think or say.
After all, as the Bollywood dialogue goes “Kuch to log kahenge logon ka kaam hai kehna” which translates to “People will say something or the other. It's the job of people to say something”. I hope you get what I am trying to get at here.
The space Ateca has created is safe, accepting, encouraging, loving, and they all root for you even when you fall on your face. Jed and Malina are such talented teachers and I really aspire to perform like them one day!
I finally performed at the end of our term and I was so so so so so so so nervous but I did it! I am not a performer and these things freak me out. Here is the video of my very nervous looking performance! I chose a Hindi song and this one was slow enough for me to perform to and its a beautiful meaningful song.
And dear Patricia, you have been inspiring all along on this journey of mine. You are a phenomenal aerialist and your performance at the concert was beautiful! Thank you for all the tips and knowledge that you share with me. I cannot wait to be as graceful of a performer as you.
Thank you to my family and friends for being encouraging and cheering me on from near and far. Thank you IG family for all your wonderful comments.
Finally, I am dying to get back to classes but alas the current situation that we are in does not allow that. I hope we are all doing our part to break the chain of COVID-19 transmissions. WEAR YOUR MASK, WASH YOUR HANDS, STAY HOME and BE SAFE x
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