From First Class to Coach: Grace’s Aerial Arts Journey
- Kayla Mathieu
- Dec 18, 2025
- 2 min read
Grace is 22 years old, a coach at South Dakota Aerial & Arts, and also works at the library at Hawthorne Elementary. In this testimonial, Grace shares her aerial journey, what keeps her coming back to the studio, and her advice for anyone curious about trying aerial arts for the first time.
South Dakota Aerial & Arts Testimonial
How her Passion for Aerial Arts Began
Grace has been practicing aerial arts for about five years.
Her journey included periods of inconsistency before becoming regular.
What started as curiosity quickly turned into a passion.
“My mom and I saw an ad for a class one day when I was in high school, and we were like, ‘Oh, that looks kind of fun.’ So we gave it a try.”
Why Grace Loves Taking Classes at South Dakota Aerial & Arts
Traditional workouts didn’t hold Grace’s interest.
Aerial arts keeps her motivated and mentally engaged.
The studio became a place of friendship and community.
“This is entertaining enough that I want to keep coming back, and there’s always something new to learn, and it’s where I made some of my best friends.”
Favorite Memories at South Dakota Aerial & Arts
Grace’s first showcase performance stands out as a milestone.
Early showcases were small but meaningful.
Seeing her growth over time has been incredibly rewarding.
“That was my first-ever performance, and I look back at that and see how much I’ve grown since then.”
Advice for Beginners: What Coach Grace Wants New Aerialists to Know
Learning aerial skills can feel frustrating at times.
Comparing yourself to others can slow confidence.
Progress takes time, patience, and consistency.
“You will get better. It might be slow progress, but it’s still progress.”
Debunking the Biggest Myths About Aerial Arts
Many people believe aerial arts requires strength, flexibility, or prior fitness experience. Grace wants to set the record straight:
You don’t need upper body strength to start.
You don’t need to be flexible.
Aerial arts can be adapted for all bodies and abilities.
“I really do believe that this is for anybody. We can find a way to make it for anybody.”
Join Us at South Dakota Aerial & Arts!
Ready to begin your aerial journey? Come try a class and discover the strength you never knew you had! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to further your aerial skills, South Dakota Aerial & Arts has a class for you. Sign up today and discover the endless possibilities aerial arts has to offer. Don’t miss out on the chance to see our talented staff and students in action!
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