We send out E-newsletters twice a month to share aerial tips, inspiration and behind the scenes insight into our creative process. You'll also be the first to know about any new offerings and events!
I was in a rut…
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Hi Reader, A couple years into my aerial journey, I hit a wall. My training practice was solid, I had great teachers, but something felt off—I was stuck in a rut, going through the motions and craving something more. I didn’t know it then, but that challenge became one of the most valuable lessons of my career. In search of inspiration, I took a giant leap of faith and signed up for a two-week aerial workshop—alone, with no idea what to expect. It was both exciting and terrifying, but it completely changed my path. Those two weeks at the Aerial Dance Festival in Boulder in 2005 reignited my passion and gave me clear direction. It wasn’t just that I had a great time and learned so many new aerial things. (although both were true) It actually helped me to realize what I needed… a profound shift in perspective. I needed to get out of my comfort zone enough to see the next step in my path forward as an aerialist and creator. When I got back, I launched into new projects and ideas that lead me to where I am today. And the crazy part? This workshop was almost 20 years ago, and I STILL find myself using techniques and approaches that I learned there. To this day, I love to pass on these techniques to my students. Principles of duo work with Elsie Smith and Serenity Smith Forchion; beautiful & efficient approaches to bicycle climb and wheeldown from Fred Deb; wild and provocative creative approaches from Keith Hennessy. Not only that, but I still have aerial friends who I stay connected with from that event. That’s proof of the lasting power of attending a curated intensive that’s designed to breathe new life into your aerial practice. That experience also shaped my belief in the importance of travel, new environments, and creative community. Eventually it’s part of what inspired us to create our Paper Doll Retreats—so that aerialists like you can experience the same transformation. If you’re feeling stuck or craving growth—our Greece Retreat is an amazing opportunity to experience this same type of perspective shift. You’ll immerse yourself in daily aerial workshops, explore new creative approaches, and connect with a community of like-minded aerialists…all in the unforgettable and stunning surroundings of Crete. What to expect:
Attending this retreat is not just a “fun experience” to cross off your list. It’s an opportunity to reshape your connection to your love of aerial arts. And believe me, I know how intimidating it can be to sign up for something new. Especially with a teacher you may have never worked with, or a place you may have never been before. But I also know from first hand experience how powerful it is to take that leap. If you’re ready to push past your limits and reignite your passion, we would absolutely love for you to join us in Greece. Warmly, Ps. Remember to mark your calendar if you haven't already! An email with the registration link will arrive at 9am PST / 12pm EST / 5pm London Time on October 7th. Be ready to snag your spot! Follow us on |
Paper Doll Militia Newsletter
We send out E-newsletters twice a month to share aerial tips, inspiration and behind the scenes insight into our creative process. You'll also be the first to know about any new offerings and events!
Hi Reader, My grandmother was a world traveler. In her 101 years of living on this planet she traveled to over 40 countries! As a child, I remember all the unique trinkets and crafts she brought back from her adventures abroad. I also remember how interesting and well-traveled she always seemed. She truly was a woman of the world. Grandma and Grandpa passed down their wanderlust to our whole family. I grew up peeking through a beautiful window into the vastness of this world. When I was 16,...
Hi Reader, Have you been experiencing a dose of artistic inertia? In my lifelong pursuit of a creative life I’ve definitely encountered my fair share. In the process, I’ve been lucky enough to gather and develop tools that have helped me plow through challenges and supercharge my creative process along the way. I’m excited to share some of my lessons with you today. But before we jump in…let me start by saying, this topic is NOT JUST for those who make a living in some kind of artistic...
“Running, lifting weights, doing aerial, dancing vigorously, or practicing breath of fire all made me feel fierce. The lack of these activities left me feeling fragile." Being an aerialist, dreamer, achiever, small business owner, artist, and generally an extremely active individual has made me intimately acquainted with the concept of DOING rather than NOT DOING. I'm not alone in this; I've noticed that many aerialists share a similar lifestyle—one that's incredibly packed! I want to delve...