Elizabeth Fluharty, silks program director for Mountain Shadows Aerial Silks, is creating something both beautiful and profound.
“A community space where you can be active and supportive together,” she says of the program, now in its 10th year.
Recently, to celebrate the milestone, Fluharty had students collaborate on a studio mural painting “YET”—a studio mantra that defines the benchmarks and hope-fueled moments each student has ahead of them.
Several of the students also got commemorative tattoos, “keeping hope as part of their exercise regiment,” she says.
Get Strong. Do it Beautifully
While Mountain Shadows Aerial Silks’ primary focus is on students of all ages learning how to succeed in their aerial skills classes, Fluharty also incorporates leadership principles into each practice. Every month, a different theme infuses confidence, discipline and leadership. Meanwhile, the studio is growing students’ physical strength through artistic and body movements.
“Get strong. Do it beautifully,” Fluharty says. “We are trying to help people find a little more discipline.”
Everyone Can Discover Silks
Housed within the gorgeous new Springs Dance West studio, Mountain Shadows Aerial Silks offers an Intro to Silks Class for adults, teens and youth from age eight who are interested in trying something new—no previous acrobatic or circus experience needed.
“This program has been developed to be accessible for absolute beginners,” Fluharty says.
From getting comfortable with the silks themselves, to simple poses and sequences, climbing intros and conditioning, students and instructors work together to build a foundation and trust during their first two-week group class. Fluharty’s background in partner work, acrobatics, rope and theater work (check her out as part of the Millibo Art Theatre, too!), make the depth of her artistic direction both dynamic and inspiring.
“We wanted to be more about community,” she says of the program that incorporates various layers of involvement through annual student showcases, participating with the silks program during a Springs Dance studio-wide biennial A Nutcracker: A Holiday Tradition Remixed performance, and clothing swaps to benefit community philanthropy partners.
Starting the Journey
Mountain Shadows Aerial Silks is about realizing potential, honing confidence and creativity, and finding artistic and athletic space within a community that supports and applauds strength in every phase... just as you are. There is a fluidity to the beauty and etherealness that floats from performers as they drop and wrap into poses suspended from the colorful silks hanging from the studio ceiling.
While acrobatics and strength are certainly at the core, artistry is interpreted as each student learns and builds on movements. Beginner and progressive programs cultivate body positivity and exceed self-expectations. Visit the website to start your own silks journey. Remember, you haven’t met all the best parts of yourself… YET.
Address + Phone: 4175 Centennial Blvd | 719-635-1004
Website: https://springsaerial.com/
Facebook: @MountainShadowsAerialSilks
Instagram: @Mtn.Shadows.AerialSilks
“Get strong. Do it beautifully. We are trying to help people find a little more discipline.”