What brought you to Bumbershoot Aerial Arts?
I had been in St. Louis for a year or so and was looking for either an aerial or aerial yoga studio and found a Groupon for Bumbershoot. I grew up going to Cirque du Soleil and watching that behind the scenes show on Bravo and was mesmerized by aerial and circus. So I had to give silks a try! Two and half years later and you guys won’t be getting rid of me anytime soon!
What is your favorite apparatus to work on?
Ahhh I’m having a love affair with slings right now and am enjoying the fluidity and movement so much. Rope has been a new and exciting challenge recently as well, but nothing is as good as silks! The possibilities are just endless on silks!
What is your favorite thing about Bumbershoot?
I just love being at Bumbershoot! It feels like a treat every time I go to class or open — like a little kid going to recess. I get to be creative and have fun while also being mentally and physically challenged, all alongside some awesome people!
What kinds of things do you do when you aren’t hanging in the air?
I teach middle school English, so during the school year I’m geeking out about the spelling bee and analyzing the most recent 6th grade gossip. I’m also getting my Masters in TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages). Over the summer, I teach swimming lessons to kiddos and travel to as many places that my bank account allows. You will also find me playing nerdy board games, cycling, and binge-watching TV shows on my couch.
What is your favorite dessert?
I love dark chocolate. And dark chocolate with raspberry is even better. So anything involving that will do. But, really, I don’t discriminate too harshly against desserts. I often eat cookies for breakfast.
When you are having a tough day in class, what do you tell yourself?
I think about how far I’ve come and how I never could have imagined how much I’ve grown. I was so excited when I inverted in a knot! It’s all about perspective. It also helps to remind myself that I beat my boyfriend in pull-up contests. :) (Sorry, Nate)
What is your favorite trick? Least favorite?
DOUBLE STAR! Haha I’m sure Amy is laughing at this one. I was patiently awaiting the day I could do double star and it did not disappoint! Though I will say I am really loving theory and figuring out wraps and different ways to transition. I could do that all day. However, I would not and could not do bicycle climb all day. It just doesn’t work for me. I’d rather ride my actual bicycle.
If you could run away to a desert island with one person from Bumbershoot who would it be?
My circus partner in crime, Mackenzie! We’ve been in class together since our second session at Bumbershoot and haven’t looked back! And no, we did not know each other before coming to Bumbershoot! We are true Bumberfriends. :) Though I’d really like to take everyone and have a big circus party on an island, because who wouldn’t want that?!