Youth Summer Intensives
This June, we hosted two week-long aerial intensives. The first week there was a total of nine students ranging in age 6-9 years old. The intensives are a huge challenge for new students and experienced youth aerialists alike. We spent three hours a day for five days diving into technique and sequencing in Lyra, Silks, Pole and Trapeze. Students completed what would normally take an entire semester in one week!
Miss Joanie demonstrates for the group of new aerialists. Photo by Ben Shanahan.
Kids commented on feeling stronger and were proud to show off their newly acquired calluses, earned by spending lots of time on the aerial equipment. The first little group of 5-8 year olds grew into a sweet and supportive friend group. Every day at snack, everyone brought enough to share with the group to their self titled “snack festival”. That got us all laughing. They were such a fun group to work with and they came so far in one weeks time!
Photo by Ben Shanahan.
Our second group, (ages 9 and up) was a wonderful bunch . We had peak of thirteen students this week! There was a mix of participants with no prior aerial experience and a few veteran youth aerial students in the mix. We were impressed by the supportive and encouraging tone that our experienced youth aerialists created in this mixed level classroom. Aerial can be intimidating, but everyone in the intensive was so kind to one another.
Aerial is special because it brings people together to bond over a unique experience. Aerial technique and strength are sometimes secondary skills learned in this setting. Us teachers have the opportunity to witness the development of so many important life skills in our work; Trust building, communication, camaraderie, and respect. It is a beautiful thing!
Photo by Ben Shanahan.
Our second week wrapped up with a special surprise; a photographer from the AZ Daily Sun popped in to see us! The kids didn’t mind showing off all of their new skills. We are impressed by the awesome energy that our students brought to these youth intensives. We are so excited to do them again and we wanted to share a gigantic thank you to our students, new and returning, who signed up for them.
Thank you, we are so proud of you guys!
Photo by Ben Shanahan.