Category: Instructors

How long have you been doing aerial?

7 years

What apparatus is your main squeeze? 

Lyra 

What other apparatus do you like to train on?

Trapeze, Sling, Pole, Silks, and Rope

What foundational move was/is the hardest for you to train your body to do? Did it ever click for you? If so, what helped that to happen?

Hip keys on silks. It finally clicked for me after it was broken down for me in a technical way so I could understand what I was doing wrong and correct it. 

What is the most important thing for students to take away from your class?

There is a lot of room for creativity and growth, even when learning foundational skills. 

Why did you become a teacher?

I have always enjoyed working with children, which led me to my first job as a gymnastics coach when I was a teenager. I continued to coach gymnastics for years until I found something I loved even more, aerial! 

What’s your favorite move on your main apparatus?

I tend to gravitate towards “splitty” moves. Gazelle splits are my go-to because they are so versatile.

What’s your least favorite move?

Candlestick

What is your advice for those that are wanting to take a class but are feeling a bit nervous to jump in?

You don’t need any prior acrobatic experience, strength, or flexibility at all to try an aerial class because you will build those things through taking classes! In class you will be challenged in a way that keeps you excited about what you’re learning while also practicing at your comfort level. I focus greatly on making sure that all of my lessons are adaptable to each student on an individual level so everyone leaves class feeling accomplished. 

How long have you been belly dancing?
I have been belly dancing since 2016. My son turned 16 and I wanted to do something for myself for a change. It was the best decision I’ve ever made!

What style do you love the most?
I am a cabaret dancer thru and thru. But coming in a close second is saidi. I love the sharpness…and the hopping.

What foundational move was/is the hardest for you to train your body to do? Did it ever click for you? If so, what helped that to happen?
Vertical figure 8’s reduced me to tears and had me ready to swear off belly dance for good. One day, I was standing in the kitchen talking to my son and not really thinking about what I was doing when I realized I WAS DOING THE THING! I cried over that move (happy tears) for the last time.

What is the most important thing for students to take away from your class?
Do not get discouraged! In 2010 I took a belly dance class-ONE-after being inspired by the lovelies at Ren Faire. I left that class cussing my uncooperative body and didn’t think anything else of it for years. Foundations is a class where we start telling our body how it’s going to behave and that’s a big battle. Belly dance is a skill that requires honing after learning, and I promise I’m working on my technique as I’m instructing you!

Why did you become a teacher?
I believe that everyone deserves to feel comfy in their own skin. Belly dance is strong, beautiful, and empowering and can be played out on any canvas. I want to share this amazing art form with all you.

What’s your favorite belly dance move?
I can’t pick just one favorite move! My favorites change with the wind, from omis and mayas and big mamas and on and on. But right now I’ve been working on different variations of 3/4 shimmies. 

What’s your least favorite move?
Really, I have a hard time thinking of a least favorite move. It would probably be choo choos. I have a hard time making them smooth. 

What is your advice for those that are wanting to take a class but are feeling a bit nervous to jump in?
Do it! You’re new to bellydance. Guess what…I’m new to teaching. Everyone there is learning, including me. Come on in, be your beautiful self, try it out, ask questions, but most of all have fun. You’ll never know if you don’t try.

We are so happy that Casandra joined our team last year! She is an experienced aerialists, as well as a phenomenal teacher that has so many skills and plenty of training information to share. Catch her Lyra Foundations class on Thursdays at 6pm!

How long have you been doing aerial?
5 years

What apparatus is your main squeeze?
Silks and Lyra! 

What other apparatus do you like to train on?
Trapeze and straps

What foundational move was/is the hardest for you to train your body to do? Did it ever click for you? If so, what helped that to happen?
Single knee hangs! I was so terrified of hanging by one knee it took me over 6 months to finally work up the courage to try! I just kept doing drills that consisted of slightly lifting one knee off and tons of sporting and encouragement from my coach finally helped me get there.

What is the most important thing for students to take away from your class?
I want my students to feel confident and strong! I never want them to leave feeling judged or like they are in competition with anyone else.

Why did you become a teacher?
I love helping people accomplish goals and seeing growth in people. Having a hand in people’s journey and seeing them meet goals makes my heart so happy!

What’s your favorite move on your main apparatus?
I love ankle hangs!!

What’s your least favorite move?
Back balances.

What is your advice for those that are wanting to take a class but are feeling a bit nervous to jump in?
Go for it! There are so many apparatuses to try so if the first one you try doesn’t sing to you, try another! Just know that it isn’t about being perfect, it’s just about showing up and trying your best and having fun!