Mimi and I went on a pole-marathon today. We started off with Pole Power before Pole Flex, total two hours. Then we continued dancing at the Richmond studio for free trial class at Aerial Divas since we have been quite curious after its launch only a week ago.

I did not really know what to expect, not knowing how I’d get up the hoop since my muscles have been used to the pole. It requires a different type of strength and this is certainly quite challenging. Like a pole-dancing class, the warm-up started off with some aerobics movement before stretching (pilates) then we launched into a few different tricks (see photos below). I didn’t think I would be able to get up the pole. Rachel Kmetko, the principal instructor did an amazing job teaching us. World’s best – she was from Cirque Du Soleil, can’t beat that!

The Aerial Divas studio at Richmond. There are 9 hoops on-ground and 1 for the instructor (stage).

I did my bit of stretching. It’s weird to be in leggings since we were all (most of us were Pole Divas’ students) so used to wearing less for pole-dancing.

Mimi, myself and Sonida.

It was fun fun fun! Truss-dancing wasn’t part of it.

Circus chicks!

My all-time favourite back-bend.

A straddle.

Mimi doing the Blue Bird.

My turn to do the Blue Bird – it was so challenging. I think I was the only one who screamed after I did a tumble turn.

This trick above! Do you know, I have a fear of seeing things upside down? I have no problem with heights but have a problem doing two major things; a tumble-turn (like in the water) and also a handstand (off the wall).

It’s just a different experience. It’s fun to dance. I love it. And when we girls get together, we always talk about dancing, the different techniques to use, what’s required, why I fell off the pole like I did last week in class attempting a trick etc. Because it’s a different world, different to gossiping about grandmother stories.

I am not sure if I might sign up for a class yet, I know I will at some point – I might give it a go in the next term. I will need to reorganise my schedule.

If you haven’t seen this in my previous post – this is a full aerial hoop performance by Lou Landers and Rachel Kmetko.

Official Website: http://www.aerialdivas.com.au

Aerial hoops – whee fun! Great strength required too!

My pole dancing studio, Pole Divas took inspiration from strip clubs to create their award winning pole dancing franchise, and now they look to the circus for their new venture Aerial Divas.

Aerial Divas will be the world’s first dedicated aerial hoop fitness studio and will bring ‘Circus Fitness’ to the masses. Classes will begin this month at Richmond, and everyday women will now be able to take their fitness to new heights learning how to master a pose in a hoop suspended a meter and a half off the ground.

I did give it a try, with my somewhat “yes-I-think-I-am-strong-from-pole-dancing” skills by jumping onto the hoop a little and man, was it just tough. Then, I looked at Principal Instructor Rachel Kmetko‘s (formerly of Cirque Du Soleil’s ‘O’ in Las Vegas) abs and I knew instantly that aerial hoops were about core strength.

One hoop per student.

The combination of Pole Divas history of helping women get fit, have fun and feel sexy, plus the excitement and innovation of aerial hoop fitness means that Aerial Divas is primed to be one of the biggest phenomenon’s in female fitness in decades. If you have been following my blog about my pole-journey, you would know what I’m trying to convey. Aerial hoops are an extension of it.

Aerial Divas is at the forefront of a Circus Fitness revolution.

Aerial Divas
Level 2, 252 Church Street
Richmond VIC 3121
(03) 9421 5951

http://www.aerialdivas.com.au

Aerial Divas. Taking Fitness to New Heights.

The Aerial Divas studio accomodating for many within the class.

The aerial hoop (also known as the lyra, aerial ring or cerceau) is a circular steel apparatus (resembling a hula hoop) suspended from the ceiling, on which circus  artists may perform aerial acrobatics. The hoop sometimes has a hand loop and a bar across the top. It can be used static, spinning, or swinging.

Tabs are the connection points where the aerial hoop attaches to the rigging. Most aerial hoops connect at either one point (single tab configuration) or two points (double tab configuration).

Source: Wikipedia

Sophia Buckley, marketeer for Pole Divas & Aerial Divas group at the door welcoming guests.

Mr. Champagne and Jesse Spezza from Beckon Photography.

Thalia & Tamara.

L-R: My pole mates; Eliza, Thalia, Tamara and myself.

With Saffron Gallagher, winner of last year’s Advanced level of Unleashed Pole Dancing Amateur Competition. She now dances with Melbourne School of Classical Dance. An amazing dancer, one I truly admire.

Kennetta Hutchens, owner of Pole Divas and Aerial Divas.

Sexy photos start here!

Kennetta Hutchens with Rachel Kmetko.

Hollie Sheehan’s sexy butt.

Gracie Buntine.

Hollie Sheehan and Lou Landers.

Rachel Kmetko again.

More of Rachel. Such perfection. Such artistry.

Such flexibility.

See what I mean about the abs? It’s because of aerial hoops. Core strength required!

I got tired just from taking these photos. It’s hard to bring myself up onto these hoops!

I’m going for my first trial class on 20th February.

I love how pole dancing / aerial hoops (aerial-dancing?) makes me forget how lonely I can get in my hubby’s absence while he races overseas.

Check out the aerial hoop performance by Aerial Divas, Australia featuring Rachel Kmetko & Lou Landers:

All Aerial Divas classes will operate a one person per hoop policy, making this studio a world first as each student will be constantly on the hoop and will not have to share apparatus.  Aerial hoop fitness classes offer you the chance to get fit and toned in a different way to pole dancing as you use your core to stabilise the momentum of the hoop.  Aerial Divas will provide one of the most intense core workouts possible!

Register your interest in Aerial Divas here

Official Website: http://www.aerialdivas.com.au