Pole4Fit offers aerial hoop classes once a week, and since I’m a member there, I can attend them with no extra charge. I’d been wanting to try it for ages, but I thought it’s always the same people there and they don’t want a newbie like me holding them back. Aerial hoop classes are right after one of my favourite pole classes, and a week ago someone suggested that next time I stay for aerial hoop as well “so that you can write about it in your blog!” How could I resist that?

Aerial hoop, also known as lyra, aerial ring and cerceau, resembles a hula hoop in size and hangs freely from the ceiling connected at one or two points of the ring. Pole4Fit’s rings have a double tab configuration, which makes them a bit more steady and hence easier for beginners, like me. Aerial hoop is a circus sport and doesn’t really have anything to do with pole dancing, but nevertheless I found many similarities. To a pole dancer inverting comes naturally, we are used to being upside-down and have the required strength to pull ourselves up. For the first time in my life I didn’t totally suck at a new sport. You should see my bruises, though. Three days later the backs of my knees and my lower back are still sore. I don’t think I’ll be ready to go back next week, but maybe the week after that…

No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t straighten my arms. I’ll get back to my bridge stretches…

Pole4Fit Helsingissä tarjoaa myös rengastrapetsitunteja. Tankotanssiharrastuksesta oli selvästi hyötyä renkaalla, mutta komeat mustelmat siitä sai…

Yeah, that. And for the last two months, as much as I missed my pet blog, I was prioritizing my life the way that made sense to me. Something terrible happened, some amazing things happened, and now poof, I’m living outside the great state of Texas for the first time in 5 years.

Now that I’m in Nashville, I am BEYOND ELATED to be only 7 miles from the nearest Trader Joe’s (I could go on forever about why it is the greatest grocery store ever, but I doubt you care — especially you Texans to whom I would just be rubbing it in your face.) I am in grocery heaven. And I haven’t quite decided what to do about fitness, but I have a few options. Given that it will likely snow tomorrow and drop into the 20′s by nightfall, being outside is ohsoverymuch NOT one of those options. A shame, since I’m in a really gorgeous part of town sort of tucked away in a woodsy area, and I’m sure this city has pretty trails aplenty. Perhaps I’ll meet them in the spring.

For now, one option is my DVDs, since I cleared out an area of my bedroom that’s large enough. Of course, since I packed all my belongings for 4 months into the back of my Honda Fit-sized Scion xA (appropriately named The Mouse), I had to narrow down my collection of 50+ DVDs and only brought about 8, mostly Jillian Michaels. I did some research online to see if I could find studios in Nashville that do Antigravity Yoga (which really deserves its own post, but for now, just check out this video) or aerial hoop (ditto, awesome video here or this one that’s closer to my skill level but a few more advanced poses.) For the former, I just found one studio that’s not technically blessed by the trademarked Antigravity Yoga gods, but offers a similar aerial yoga for significantly cheaper than the studio that does it in Austin — so I will be checking that out either this weekend or next week and will post about the experience. And no luck finding anywhere in town that does aerial hoop lessons. Ah well, guess I’ll just work on my grip, flexibility, and upper body strength so I can get back into that in May when I head back home!

As for a gym, I considered finding one to join month-to-month, but then I found out that my workplace just got its first gym and will be free for staff during certain hours starting sometime in the next few weeks. I checked out the equipment and it passes my machine-snob-test! Ironically, my clients (in the Eating Disorders program) won’t be allowed to use the gym at all.

Finally, the real reason why I sat down to write this post: I was looking through the sale DVD’s on Amazon the other day, lamenting that I had only brought one yoga DVD with me, and finally bought one of Shiva Rea’s. Her reputation in yoga videos is practically unmatched, but the only one I have is this weird dancey one that is apparently quite different from her usual stuff. So I went with Shiva Rea Daily Energy (Vinyasa Flow Yoga), and I figured at $9 for 7 different 20-minute yoga workouts (one for each day of the week) plus a couple bonus stretching and ab segments, I couldn’t go wrong. I just got it today, and since I haven’t made any resolutions or anything for 2012, I decided to give this challenge to myself:

I’m going to do one of the Daily Energy workouts every day for the next two weeks, and at the end of it, write about whether I feel at all different actually trying to make yoga part of my daily life. And then maybe keep going with it, no promises at this point . The length will make them easy to work into my schedule (especially since I have next to no social life in a new town), and the variety should keep me from getting bored. So with that, I’m going to get ready to head to bed and see if I can be so bold as to wake up EARLY to do my first one. My bet is 50/50 at this point…

xoxo

My all-time favourite hoop artist is definitely the Canadian Sabrina Aganier. Just take a look at this video and you’ll be hooked: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJfrkn1Ud7E

Unfortunately I can’t embed the video because it was disabled.

She graduated in 2009 for National Circus School of Montreal, originally from there, but got pretty famous especially after taking part in “La France a un incroyable talent” where she performed a sweet mixture of “soft” Marylin Monroe floor contortion work and a bit more devilish Marylin Manson aerial hoop performance which showed she was just as comfortable several metres up in the air, spinning like a whirling dervish!

Nowadays, she’s living in Berlin, Germany but seems to have been touring around Europe as well.

(Then again, there was a 2 for 1 offer – hers will be free.)

This is what my current pair looks like:

Not that I hate this nigh-indestructible pair of glasses (seriously. I sat on it once and it just bent slightly), but I can’t wait for my new pair. This one’s rusting a bit on the inside. The new ones are purple metal, with half-frames (is that how you call it?) I’ll take a picture when I get them sometime next week.

I mentioned circus in the title. By a stroke of luck, I managed to snag a place in the aerial hoop class at my school, where circus is an extracurricular activity. (Oh look, the nerd knows big words. ) Here’s what happened:

(1) My friend MN joined aerial hoop last year. I wanted to, but there weren’t any more places.

(2) This year my other friend S asked to join MN, and succeeded. However:

(3) S also did a dance audition to join the school dance group, and passed, therefore being unable to take the aerial class, because the practice is at the same time.

(4) I took her place.

For those who haven’t heard of an aerial hoop before, it’s like a metal hula hoop hung from the ceiling with either one or two cords. For those who think it’s an easy art, it MOST CERTAINLY ISN’T. In the space of two hours I forgot how to mount about ten times and my muscles have being hurting for the past three days. The class was Tuesday.  On the optimistic side, I discovered I can almost do the split, something I’ve been trying off and on since 2005. HOW AWESOME IS THAT!?

Of course, it didn’t help that I had had an Assistant-Monitor in Aquatic Security (translated literally from French) class Sunday, during which I think I swam a little over 40 laps. We started in on teaching young children the breast stroke. You know how they first learn to swim with straight arms? – Yeah, I DON’T KNOW HOW THEY MANAGED IT. Our arms hurt like *bleep* afterwards.

But I digress. I still love the aerial hoop class so far, though.

Still on the topic of circus, there was a new boy in my class, whom L (my friend, not L of Death Note, all you pun hunters) almost immediately dubbed my ‘love plushie’. Secretly, I agree with her because he’s cute, like a plushie I feel like squeezing randomly. It’s too early in the friendship for that, though. *grin*

What does he have to do with circus? Well, he turned out to be quite good at poi (look it up) and even gives shows with fire. The moment my friends saw him they told me immediately, “Oh look, Kerri’s got competition~” and earned death glares each. I’d like him to teach me something, but I don’t know if I’d have the guts to do so – asking for help from male friends has always been my weakness. Wish me luck…

And before I forget – I’m thinking of taking up hoop dancing or hoop path (basically dancing with a hula hoop), but all I can do is spin with my torso, my arm and my finger. I need something to learn from, so all you hoop dancers out there, if you have anything that might help, comment with it; I’ll thank you forever =) I do know it’s better to ask my teacher, but he doesn’t specialize in hoop dancing, so I don’t know if he has anything to teach.

Oh, and this blog will mainly be talking about random things, but I can’t always come up with popular topics – just look at this post. If there’s something you want someone to talk about, by all means, suggest it and I’ll see what I can do. ‘Till next time~

—Kerri Lyss

I hope you’re ready for some fun, Jacksonville.  You can catch the new show at the Riverside Arts Market on August 6th from 10am to about 3pm.

The busking is what thrills me the most at the moment.  Through KickStarter, I created a project to help fund the last bit of my big street performance routine (as of this posting, there are still ten days left to pledge, check it out).  I started out as a street performer on River Street in Savannah, Georgia, so I’ll always go back to it and respect  it as an art form.  It truly is, no matter your specific skill.

Unsolicited audiences are the toughest of crowds.  For the most part, you have no idea what to expect from your guests in terms of attention span, general disposition, and at times, level of intoxication.  After a few years of that, I feel like I can take on any crowd, which is why I put together a big street set.

I’ll be doing a few trial runs on River Street this weekend and a big debut at Riverside Arts Market in Jacksonville on August 6th.  You can expect plenty of photos and video very soon.

There are some other UBER SECRET projects in the works, related to aerial training, but I’ll save that post for another day.

Dance.  Hoop.  Climb.  Fly.

This is my job and my love.  That’s what you’ll find here.  Follow along for tales about performing, training, fans, travel, the hungry dogs that shadow, and how sometimes the combination of these things get me into trouble.

I’m a devil with wings.  I’m Riot.

Set up of event before VIPs arrive

I’ve heard that there were some awesome new stores open in KLCC like Cream & Fudge Factory, Sephora…etc but have not made a trip to KLCC a priority. This time around I finally got to go because VIVA CIRCUS were hired to perform for the launch of 1Malaysia Unified Mega Sale campaign…and I got to see what KLCC was like at 6:30 in the morning when we had to go in for rehearsals

(-___-”) doing silks at 6:30 in the morning is almost unheard of ay…

The multiskilled duo ready to rock morning practice

Event team leader Zen was there earlier for set up and still had the caring touch to prepare Cold Storage sushi for gf Yikke in the afternoon. aaawwwww!!!! sweetness!!!

Happiness for BF and sushi

Chillaxing before the show

Opening with Ministers Ng Yen Yen & Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob

Viva Circus by Viva Vertical

Aerialists Kitt, Miko, Lola & Yen

For performance booking, contact events@vivavertical.com

This evening I was feeling pretty down after getting back to my parents place after dinner. I took a  friend out for Lord of the Fries and a beer so I could cheer him up, which worked I think, but after a stressful day, having a drink made my energy levels drop which caused my mood to drop too. After spending a short time sitting in my room feeling a bit emo, I turned to YouTube again and who better to bring back cheer than Katy Perry! Music can have such an effect on mood and I love this song, plus it helps me visualize my trip to the US. I really need a goal and something to help remind myself why I’m working a lot. So now I feel better – I’m reenergized and inspired to put my all into work and study and saving for my trip.

What inspires you? Is it music, pictures, videos, people?
What do you feel helps you achieve your goals?

It may not be a surprise that I’m still completely addicted to pole dancing. Right now I’m trying to complete Advanced 1 and wishing I hadn’t had such a long break at the start of this year! The thing I am most excited for right now is my studio’s student competition. I’m not competing as I’m currently working there helping organise the event but it’s going to be a huge night.  Both Aerial Hoop and Pole Dancing students are competing for the title, sash and huge prizes in four skill categories. It’s going to be an AMAZING evening.

I’m currently taking two classes, Advanced 1 where I am learning advanced level tricks but also need to prepare a short routine and perform it in front of my classmates and friends. So that’s kind of scary but I’ve performed five times on four occasions and also gone to three auditions so the scary part isn’t actually performing. Instead I’m struggling to have the time and strength to perfect my tricks, like the one pictured, which I’m working on at the moment. The combinations of tricks at this level require a lot of strength. I’m getting there, but slowly.

I’m also taking an Aerial Hoop class which is a whole new style of Circus Fitness class they’ve started in a custom built studio. It’s a hoop suspended from the ceiling in which you can make all sorts of beautiful shapes with the body, a cross between dance and acrobatics. Aerial Hoop is a ridiculous core workout that looks simply stunning. Check this out, one of the instructors freestyling;

The other thing that I’m really excited about is Summer Pole Camp. I really want to go but it’s a little bit costly and it’s money that I should be putting toward my trip to California in September, my orthodontic bills and/or my credit card.  Summer Pole Camp is a 4 day camp on the Gold Coast where Poledancers from all over Australia gather to be taught by some of the best pole dancers in the world in all different styles. It also includes workshops on flexibility, conditioning, gymnastics and other dance related disciplines. Basically it sounds like Heaven to me.

Yes, I’m planning on going to the US in September. I haven’t booked anything yet because I need to get my passport first. I can only get leave during that period and I’ve been getting plenty of research done in my downtime, it seems like the right time and so on. That’s another story though…

If you haven’t tried pole dancing or you’d like to give aerial hoop a go, check out http://www.poledivas.com.au or http://www.aerialdivas.com.au or Google for a pole dancing studio near you :)

These girls rock

The Pyro Pin-Ups of Sahara Storm Studio and Circus Arts are preparing for their first major, full-scale show this summer. Tickets are available now for this stunning mix of fire dance, aerial performances, stunning weapon demonstrations, dance and vocals as well as amazing lighting and sound to top off your thrilling evening.   The Aerial Angels will be headlining the June 24th show at the Menard Sports Complex and will thrill you with amazing stunts, whip cracking, fire tricks, and their mysterious and ever so naughty Wheel of Destiny.  This stunning combination of  these two beautiful, professional groups will have you laughing, screaming, and sitting on the edge of your seat.  This is a fantastic date night event!  Tickets are 25$  and are available now at Sahara Storm Studio of Wasilla, and the Menard Sports Center.  Watch for our awesome posters all over town.   As if we were not hot enough, we had to go and light things on fire…..

Come and check out all of our awesome and one of a kind class offerings as well: Tribal Fusion Belly Dance, Burlesque, Pole Fitness, Aerial, Hard Body Hottie, and of course Zumba.  

We also offer a complete schedule of children’s circus programing that encourages fun family interaction, skill development, confidence, team work, strength, balance and performance skills.

I recently took up the pole for a new workout. I wanted to do something fun and creative, and it pretty much fits the bill. It’s as hard as it looks. Good! I need the physical and mental challenge.

If you live in Austin, you should check out Brass Ovaries. http://brass-ovaries.com/ I was sore as heck from their pole fit class. The pole spins class is just too much fun. Did you know the pole itself spins? So, you can do some spins and moves with it stable. Then, you can remove a pin at the bottom and really get whipping around.

I thoroughly enjoyed the aerial hoop tonight.  I showed the beloved and my kid a youtube clip. Kiddo tells me, “Look, Mommy. She go weeee!” I definitely ’went wee’ tonight. I had so much fun that I didn’t notice I was getting bruised up.

I’m just so excited because I have exercised everyday for this past week, and I anticipate keeping my routine for the next few months.  My schedule includes:

Monday: 1 1/2 hours of ballet
Tuesday: 1 hour aerial fitness followed by 1 hour of aerial hoop and tissu
Wednesday:  1 hour of aerial hoop and tissu
Thursday:  1 1/2 hours of ballet
Friday:  Pull ups, push ups, sit ups, and stretching
Sunday:  Kayaking

In retrospect, this week wasn’t even that difficult!  Truthfully I looked forward to every class!

I wish I had the money to take more, but it is kind of pricey.  Anywhere you go it is going to be at least $30 a class.  Sucks because you can get a gym membership at $25 for an entire month!  However, you can get deals and packages at studios that make it a little less.  I am just so lucky that I am not paying rent right now or I know I wouldn’t be able to take these!  Yikes!

The classes I am taking includes the hoop/lira and tissu/fabric/silk.  The lira is basically a strong hula hoop hanging from the ceiling, and the tissu is two long pieces of fabric hanging from the ceiling.

This aerial hoop girl video is awesome and there are soo many more videos on YouTube.

This is a video of aerial silk from Cirque du Soleil.  Click to about halfway through cuz the first part is slow.

Ta-da!

Is anyone else taking crazy acrobatic classes right now?  I really want to learn contortion but I don’t know anywhere that teaches it. Lemme know!

When I arrive, we’re sat down and given the health and safety t’s & c’s. Which, thankfully, for all those that were worried, included a note about thin straps and boobs popping out. I feel smug, I’ve got 3 layers on AND a bra. We then move in to one of the awesome sweeping spaces alarming called the Generating Chamber. Feels more SyFy than children’s party. First we warm up; the particularly hot guy leading it gets us to do some skipping, arm swinging & hopping. Ah, now it’s a bit more children’s party. So much for clowning around though, I quickly find myself panting and I must be grimacing as the hot boy grins at me and suggests I smile. I blush instead.

Afterwards, we’re split into two groups. Half for ropes, the other traipeze and the plan is to swap half-way through. In my foursome are two lovely, bubbly girls and a boy; we’ll call him Paul. Seeing as that’s his name it would be odd to call him anything else. Paul is clearly a dancer; he has that walk that looks like someone’s stuck a rod between his bum cheeks, marrionettish. He’s obviously fit and in a group full of girls reckons he’ll be a bit of a dab hand at this circus malarkey. It’s true what they say though, pride comes before a fall off the traipeze.

We learn quickly: Circus is hard and it hurts. A lot. I also notice that one girl might have been particularly nervous about the whole exercise as she swings above our heads and make a mental note never to wear light grey. The lady teaching us is fairly kooky and she seems to take great delight in our inexperience. I like her though and she knows her stuff. After we’ve all had a chance to flail about on the traipeze and tie ourselves in knots on the ropes we’re told we are good enough to sign up for the Circus Arts course. Hurray, I’m in.

Now all I need is a spangly leotard and a ringmaster boyfriend.

The photos are blurry, but I’m still fond of them. I’ll post video if it finds its way into my hands.

Photography by Liz Schraffenberger.

(via iamalewiscarrollpoem)

GORGEOUS!!!

In Anusara yoga, we talk a lot about the first principle “Open to grace” but until now I don’t think I have been truly embodying this principle! Being completely and utterly open can be quite scary. We build barriers and close our hearts to try to protect ourselves. Ultimately it is fear that prevents us from being fully open. Breaking down these barriers is not always easy and it takes time but as I peel away the layers I find the joy that is bursting to come out!

I am reading a book at the moment called ‘Why Women Don’t Ask’ and it is very interesting! As women, we tend not to ask for things because we think we don’t deserve them. For me, asking for what I want goes hand in hand with being open. It can be daunting to ask for what you want for fear of a negative response or people’s perception of you as “demanding”. However, studies show that people who ask for what they want are more likely to get it. This January, I have been opening my heart and asking for what I want and, it works! January has brought me yoga teaching opportunities, blossoming friendships and the start of an environmental campaign.

As you know from previous posts, I have been yearning for creative outlets and my latest experiment to express my creativity is the aerial hoop. I started my lessons a few weeks ago and it has been quite a challenge! Last week, I was practicing a move called ‘Lady on the moon’ (love that name!) which involves taking your hands off the hoop.

Aerial Hoop

Ever since I learnt this move, I have always kept my hands within reaching distance of the hoop ‘just in case’! My wonderful instructor Symone came over and said “Joanna, when you leave your hands in that position it makes you look nervous. You can obviously take them off so why leave them there? Extend them fully!” In my mind, I thought “Ok, open to grace and try it”. I slowly extended my arms and, yes, I wobbled a little bit, but I didn’t fall off and I surprised myself! This is my metaphor for January!

Open to grace, feel the fear, ask for what you want, don’t look nervous and smile when you wobble!

I remember doing a class with the School a few years ago when they were located downtown (got to do the flying trapeze  — wheeeee!). A lot of fun but be prepared for quite the challenging workout and some sore muscles in the days to follow!

My CSOTD was done earlier this morning but just getting around to posting it now:

Sausage Pony Illustration