Hope Armstrong likes to spin, flip, climb and be upside down. No she isn’t a gymnast or a circus performer, she is an aerial artist.
She has taught the art out of her studio in Peronne Plaza, Hastings, Christ Church, for the past year.
Hope was born in Trinidad, but grew up in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) for ten years with her mum and sisters.
“My mother is Barbadian, so I’ve been a frequent visitor to the island,” she said. “I love Barbados so much that I decided to make it my home four years ago. Growing up in three different countries was actually pretty cool. I had my family in Trinidad and those in Abu Dhabi so it was nice to visit them every year.”
The 21-year-old, who attended the American International School of Abu Dhabi, is certified in aerial arts and is also a personal trainer.
“I was certified in Florida at the National Personal Training Institute for personal training and I got my silk certificate in Virginia Beach with Aerotek Aerial Movement,” she said.
“I remember watching a movie when I was about nine years old and seeing aerial hammock and instantly wanting to learn how to do it. I had no clue where I could learn something like that so I forgot about it until a couple years ago when I saw someone in Trinidad offering classes. Two months later I was on my way to the United States to get certified.”
Hope explained what aerial arts is. “An aerial silk is a length of material used as a tool to climb, create figures, perform tricks and stunts. Since I have a great love for music and dance too I mix of dance, gymnastics and acrobatics to be a fantastic core and upper body workout. We also incorporate exercises for your lower body to give make the class a full-body workout.”
“When I tell people my profession is an aerialist, their reaction is total confusion. A lot of people still don’t know what aerial silks is. But I’m always excited to educate them and share my passion.”
Hope’s classes are small, (five per class) and she offers private lessons and private group lessons (up to ten per class).
“You don’t need experience to give it a go.
There are tricks and exercises for all levels and each session is structured to you.
“Our students are of all ages (six and up), shapes and sizes. We open our doors to anyone keen in learning this art.”
Hope’s favourite apparatus is the aerial hammock, “but during my training I was introduced to straight silks as well as lyra and trapeze. Lyra is definitely something I am interested in pursuing in the near future.”
Hope has a physically demanding job and teaching alone allows her to stay active and fit.
“Outside of class I make a strong effort to workout and stretch daily. I also believe diet is essential to stay focused and energised throughout the day.”
Safety is also important in class and each individual has an aerial silk and a safety mat below them.
“We maintain safety in our classes primarily by warming up and stretching before class begins. Our instructors are trained to teach you correct form and are always there to spot you, especially as a beginner.
“With proper instruction I would not consider our classes dangerous, however when I do perform there is slight risk as the silk is much higher off the ground. My training has made me confident in my abilities as an aerialist.”
And thankfully she has never had and accident during a performance.
“I must say that when I started out my first performance was the scariest. I was so nervous I was shaking. But I had such a blast, I loved every second and have loved performing ever since.”
Hope also does aerial silk as a performance at events.
“I do choreograph some of my own routines, but I definitely get inspiration from my students who also put their personal touch into our routines. It’s always a group effort, which is nice. Selkie Hom and Erin Thomas are without a doubt my biggest inspirations.
“The most difficult thing for me is to perfect all of the moves while spinning. Silks is very dynamic in the sense that my students and I create our own moves and variations. And social media is a great tool to see what other aerialists around the world are coming up with.”
Hope said she would love to see this type of fitness throughout the Caribbean.
“My biggest achievement is having a successful business at such a young age. I am also happy when I see a student achieve a goal they have been working on. The fulfilment shown in the happiness on their face makes my day.”
Hope says her next step is to get her make-up artistry certificate.
“I have made many sacrifices. Plus my mum and sisters still live in Abu Dhabi, so I’d have to say being so far away from them is my biggest sacrifice. I miss them every day.”
