DIY FAIL: How NOT To Learn Circus From Social Media
The Hunger
You’re hungry for training – I get it! I’ve been right where you are. I will be the first to tell you that I’m an Instagram and YouTube enthusiast – aerial and German wheel videos are like crack to me. Also? Oreos, but that’s another post entirely. I spend probably 20 minutes a day glued to social media, combing videos for performances and moves I like and want to steal learn. BUT – there’s a big difference between appreciating performances/variations and using video as a substitute teacher. There’s a period of time as a student where you’re just learning how your apparatus works; it’s not just a series of tricks that you’re filing away, you’re actively figuring out how to drive this thing. A wrong turn could leave you with an unspeakable wedgie, dislocated shoulder, broken ankle, or worse. So, how should you use all this readily available info? With caution, friend.
How To Endanger Your Life 101
- Watch videos and online tutorials.
- Go into the studio and try to recreate what you saw (or think you saw) on your own. You’ll earn yourself a Darwin Award.
Be Smart – How To Use Online Resources To Further Your Aerial Training
- Watch the masters. What is it about their performance that is so captivating? Do you see things you would like to learn? Make a list of them. Then…
- Work on the material with your coach. Why spend hours on the struggle bus when a good teacher can safely get you to your destination in half the time? It’s safer, faster, and less painful to work with a pro!
- Take careful notes in class, observe your fellow students, and video yourself if your instructor allows it. Trust me – you’ll learn more about your performance watching yourself than someone else! Post your triumphs online, and let everyone cheer for you! (Be sure to tag your studio or teacher)
- Soak it all up. Read the blogs, expose yourself to tons of reputable resources, and always ask yourself who’s doing the talking. Question everything. Then….
- Keep running it all past your coach.
Watch YouTube til your eyeballs fall out! Get inspired and all revved up with stuff on the ‘gram! I love knowing what my students would like to work on. That said, remember that any good coach has a methodology to their teaching. There is a real and important progression to aerial work – a good foundation is essential, and there’s no way of getting around that. So yes – tell your coach you eventually want the triple! Show them those videos! They’ll help you create the roadmap to safely get there, without picking up a bad habit or a slew of injuries along the way. Love and pull-ups, Laura
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