Student of the Month

March 2018
Deanna Tatum
What brought you to Bumbershoot Aerial Arts?
I don’t actually remember. I know I stalked Bumbershoot’s website for years before I could fit a class into my schedule, but I can’t remember how I found the website or what sparked the initial interest.
What is your favorite apparatus to work on?
Static trapeze, hands down! I’ve taken at least one session of each apparatus, and they are all wonderful in their own way, but trapeze will always be my first love. I’ve been getting more comfortable with silks recently.
What is your favorite thing about Bumbershoot?
The noncompetitive atmosphere! I love that coaches emphasize personal best, and the students build each other up. It’s such a positive environment that promotes personal growth and values each person’s unique strengths.
What kinds of things do you do when you aren’t hanging in the air?
I’m getting ready to graduate from SEMO, and I do a lot of driving back and forth between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau. When I’m not studying or driving, I love to cook. I also do Crossfit and run.
What is your favorite dessert?
Anything with cookie dough is a definite win in my book.
When you are having a tough day in class, what do you tell yourself?
My bad days are usually because I’ve overdone it with other workouts throughout the week. I give myself permission to observe more and rest that day. I also make an extra effort to celebrate my classmates’ victories that day to get out of my own head.
What is your favorite trick? Least favorite?
My favorite trick changes weekly. At this moment, Salto is probably my favorite trick on silks, and I’m a fan of ankle slides on trapeze. I don’t know that any trick qualifies as my “least favorite,” but the most terrifying trick is currently tick tock on silks. I just can’t handle falling backwards without yelping a little.
If you could run away to a desert island with one person from Bumbershoot who would it be?
My head tells me that I’d have to bring April as a rigger, but my heart says I couldn’t possibly pick just one person.
Do you have a favorite memory from class or performing?
I have several favorite memories! One that sticks out right now is the day I did my first drop on silks. I was absolutely terrified and screamed. The entire studio (not just my class) stopped to watch and clapped. I was mortified, but it’s a good example of the support that we both receive and give as students here.
Past Students of the Month