...all things aerial and hoopy

Early today I took part in my first ever Bloggers Twitter Chat using the hashtag #socialbloggers - todays topic was 'Stepping Out of your Comfort Zone' which made me think of how I've been venturing outside of my comfort zone.

In the past few months I have been involving myself in some new and exciting hobbies and I have been feeling great because of it.

'What have you been up to then Steph?' I hear you asking...

Here's what!

1. Aerial Hoop 
I started participating in Aerial Hoop classes in January and have been obsessed ever since. The bruises can be rather off-putting but a good chum told me that 'bruises are just the trophies of what you've done' and I like to think that is true. 

The class that I go to is held at Spin City Newbury every Wednesday from 6-7pm. They are taught by my beautiful friend Yasmin Strong, who is an absolute aerial wizard!!
Have a look for yourselves...

The class is a beginners class where you learn how to get in and out of the hoop safely, build upper body strength, learn all of the beginners moves and begin to put a routine together. As well as gaining these new skills, I have made a new group of friends and my confidence has risen. 

I'd recommend that each any every one of you should try an aerial class at some point in your lives. It makes you reignite your childhood sense of fun, creativity and risk. It's amazing! 

Check out Spin City *here*

2. Aerial Yoga

I began going to aerial Yoga classes earlier on this year and instantly fell in love with it. 

As a dancer, I have found difficult to find deeper stretches to improve my flexibility due to being rather flexible already. Aerial Yoga has provided me with equipment to find these stretches. 

But you'll be pleased to know that you don't have to be a dancer to reap the benefits of this type of class!

Aerial Yoga uses slings that support your weight - whether that be one limb or your entire body (you can even use it like a hammock) 

This is amazing for relaxation, stretching and for an all round sense of fun! You get to invert (go upside down), swing, play AND get a work out at the same time! WINNER! 

After igniting my love for Aerial Yoga, I have since started training to become an Aerial Yoga Instructor. I am doing my training through the Wild Lotus Studio that is based in Newbury, Berkshire. They are holding an Aerial Yoga Instructor Training in May 2016! 

If you would like more details click *here*

3. Hula Hoop

Like many of us, I loved hula hooping as a kid. I had no special tricks, I was just pretty good at hooping around my waist. I once hula hooped for 45mins without stopping! 

Last week I had the urge to start hooping again. I mentioned it to my friend and she said that her friend Roxy was just about to pop over to have a hula hoop play around in the park. So obviously I tagged along and went for a play. I am not kidding when I say...

I HAD THE BESTEST TIME

I learnt a few basic tricks and got to spend an afternoon hooping in the sunshine. HEAVEN

Since then I have been practising my new tricks and bought my very own hoop from Roxy. 

Roxy is an incredible teacher, performer and person. 

Check out her crazy hoop skills here...

So there you have it! I have gone a little aerial and hooping mad!

What crazy and fun things have you been doing recently? I'd love to know! 

Big Loves, 

Steph x

Spring Equinox 2015

I apologise for the delay in posting this, I have stupidly been delaying my first blog post because I'm an idiot who seems to be going through some form of QUARTER LIFE CRISIS!

Anyway, that's a whole other blog post in itself, right?

On Tuesday 24th March, I had the wonderful opportunity to help out at the annual Spring Equinox show at the Corn Exchange in Newbury, Berkshire. This wonderful platform for young local dancers has been running for quite a few years now and was created by my wonderful friend, Laura Kelleher-Byrne (she is an absolute dance wizard, i'll have you know!)

This year there were gorgeous performances by ACE Dance Company, Junior & Senior West Berkshire Youth Dance Company's, NCYDC, D@anga and EEDC.

 The reason why I wanted to blog about this event is because it gave me an opportunity to reflect on my journey as a dancer and also realise how much I've grown as an individual. I had the joys of being an audience member throughout all of the dress rehearsals and the pleasure of helping backstage during the performance itself. During both of these roles, it made me realise how lucky the young dancers (both past and present) of Newbury are. Considering that Newbury is a pretty small town, there are endless opportunities for young individuals to express themselves through this art form. Sometimes the dance world can get incredibly competitive and nasty but luckily for me, Newbury's dance scene is wonderful.

I can't quite remember the year but I also performed at this event and it was so exciting. To think that I performed here with ACE Dance Company, then went on to complete my degree at Coventry University, moved to London and then moved back to Newbury feels somewhat cyclical.

That's something to think about eh?

 Each and every child, parent & dance teacher that was involved with Spring Equinox left feeling positive, inspired and a general overall sense of achievement. In particular, I was overwhelmed with pride for how brilliant everything and everyone was and I CANNOT wait until all of the summer dance shows to get here!

What inspires you to follow your passions? 

Steph x

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