Greetings fellow space cadets! If you’re anything like me, your memory isn’t your strong suit. And let’s face it, remembering everything that goes into pole and aerial is super overwhelming. From the names of spins and poses on various apparatus, to specific muscle engagement, and personal tips for success, it’s nearly impossible to remember it all. Especially as a beginner.
Pole and aerial classes are just that. It’s a class. You came to learn, and what do you do when you’re learning? You take notes! For some, the class cards provided by Aerial Dance is enough. But personally, the margins just aren’t enough. It’s scientifically proven that hand writing notes leads to improved memory retention. This is because our brains need to process information and summarize it in our own words. My daily planner is my lifeline. It’s purple, sparkly, and I’m not ashamed to admit that it came with stickers. Like my pole journal, I could probably get by without it. But it just makes life so much easier. Here are some tips to organizing your own aerial journal!
Use a multi-subject notebook
Using a multi-subject notebook can only mean one thing. You only have to remember one thing! It’s already sectioned off to categorize by apparatus. Consider also holding a specific section for your favorite stretching and conditioning moves. For an eco-friendly option, companies like Rocketbook offer affordable, reusable notebooks. You can scan and organize your notes with your phone and when the notebook is full, simply microwave it and the pages will be wiped clean! Just be careful not to leave it in your car on a hot summer day…
Date EVERYTHING
Add the full date to your pages, including the year. This will make keeping track a breeze. Looking back on my notes from years ago, I wish I had added the year to all of them. It’s fun to look back for a reminder of just how long and hard you worked to achieve a certain trick that might now be a staple in your freedance and performances.
Master the stick figure!
Draw stick figures to help remember what a pose or spin looks like. Even if it’s not perfect, sometimes seeing the general shape of something is enough to trigger your memory. Write step by step notes in your own words about what your stick figure is doing, with a “to-do” list of conditioning exercises to help improve things you might be struggling with like grip in your knee pit or shoulder mobility.
We hope this helps! Happy spinning!