Recently, my life has been pretty hectic, and I’ve either been too busy to come to the studio, or put forward the bare minimum effort in class when I do come in. I’m sure this is something that most—if not all—of us have experienced at some point during our Aerial Dance journey. On those days when lounging on the couch seems tempting, I’ve found that, despite the effort it takes, I generally feel much better after attending class and getting out of the house.

It’s important to be kind to ourselves. If we’re feeling physically or emotionally drained but still making an effort in class, we might notice that our bodies don’t move as easily as usual. It can be easy to get frustrated by this and want to degrade ourselves, but I remind myself that showing up, even when it’s tough, is an accomplishment in itself. Even if I show up to class and only doing a combo once per side or skip a couple of egg-arrow-pikes in conditioning, I am still doing something. Consistency will help me improve my aerial skills much more than if I only came in when I felt unimpeded. 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our current performance to our best days, but this is counterproductive. Progress in aerial dance, like in any discipline, is not always linear. There will be times when we feel stronger and more capable, just like there are definitely times where we feel like we can barely lift ourselves off the ground. What’s important is the commitment to putting effort towards our practice. Showing up to class regularly, even when it’s challenging, helps to maintain our skills and build resilience.

It has been healthy for myself to approach classes and practices with an open mind regarding how my body will decide to fulfill the tasks I give it that day. Embracing the idea that every class attended, regardless of performance level, contributes to my journey allows me to focus on the positives. Each session, no matter how modest, is a step towards better technique, increased strength, and enhanced mental fortitude. Ultimately, maintaining this routine helps me stay connected to my goals and makes the occasional days of progress feel even more rewarding. In the grand scheme, it’s the cumulative effect of these consistent efforts that drives real improvement and personal growth in our aerial dance practice.