Classtivity

What’s that, you ask? Think dance and acrobatics… while suspended in air, by silk. If it sounds challenging, that’s ‘cause it is; aerial dance works out muscles that we don’t use in everyday life, focusing heavily on our core and upper body—but don’t let that stop you from trying it out! Heather Hammond, an international aerialist and instructor from Heliummm Aerial Dance & Entertainment, recognizes how intimidating this art can be, making it her goal and motto to “educate, don’t alienate.”

 

Heather has been dancing since the age of five (starting with—you guessed it—ballet). However, trapeze found its way into her life and she hasn’t looked back since. Her classes are small, allowing maximum attention to each student (but for those who want all the attention, Heather also holds private classes). She works with students of all experience levels, from absolute beginners to advance, and are currently held in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

 

Below is an interview we’ve had with Heather to hopefully offer more insight into this unique art. If you’ve tired of ballet and are looking for something new to challenge yourself, as Heather did, take the leap and sign up for classes here!

 

How long have you been teaching?

I've been teaching most of my life. I started teaching swimming and diving  as a teenager, when I worked as a lifeguard.  I later started teaching dance, and then aerial arts.

 

What initially drove you to try aerial dance?

I've been dancing since i was five, when my Mom put me and my twin sister in ballet. Trapeze found me. I was antique shopping with my stepmother. She spotted a flying trapeze rig and said that looked like something I'd enjoy. We went over to see what it was about. I signed up a session and was hooked. They asked me if I was interested I trying out for the performance troupe, and that was it.

 

Did you teach elsewhere before opening your own space?

My business is growing. Right now I'm teaching out of rented spaces in Williamsburg, Brookyn and Manhattan.

 

How do you like to prepare for classes?

I see who is coming and think about what they are working on. I like to think about sets of skills that go together, or that are natural progressions from one to to the other.

 

I'm also prepared to adjust as necessary depending on what everyone needs on any given day. Some days are low energy, or days when the body doesn't cooperate. Sometimes the mental focus is not there for whatever reason. With any physical endeavor you have to listen to and sense where your students are at - "what does the situation require?" is sometimes a more important question than "what do I want to have happen today."

 

Fill in the blanks:

Before I take this class, I will be filled with anticipation and maybe a little fear.

After I take this class, I will feel elated and proud of myself.

My friends will think I am a little crazy and be a little jealous when they find out I am taking this class.

 

What’s the most rewarding feeling of teaching in this space?

I love watching people make progress, overcome a hurdle, or conquer a fear.  I celebrate the little accomplishments each step of the way.

 

When you’re not teaching classes, how do you like to spend your time?

There's not that much free time these days! Today I got a great massage. I also like to read, hang out with my wife and our little old dog.

 

What types of classes do you like to take yourself?  What’s the craziest class you’ve ever taken?

I like to take classes with different teachers. Everyone has something to offer.  The craziest class was a parachuting class. It was more of a full-day workshop before we jumped out of the plane. Believe it or not, I'm a bit of a chicken!