Sarah Schachterle - HERLIFE Magazine

“At 53, I experienced my first Aerial Dance class,” Gayle
says. “I have danced and ice skated at an intermediate level,
but had minimal upper body strength. Nonetheless, I was
so intrigued by Aerial Dance that I had to give it a try. I was
amazed at the quick learning curve, not only for myself, but
for the numerous teenagers in the class, who at the beginning
of the first class showed little potential but by the end of the
second class was already ‘flying’ in beautiful positions! That
inspired me to bring the excitement, joy and beauty of Aerial
Dance to Denver. My goal is to offer that inspiration and experience
to youths and adults in a way that is affordable, supportive
and joyous.”
In June 2007, she made a bold move and opened her
unique aerial dance studio. The specially designed floor
features a level-set padding area for aerialists and a “sprung”
floor area for other types of dancing. With over 3,000 square
feet, seven aerial stations and a total of 35 rigging points in her
specially designed training studio, Gayle admits it’s been hard
work, but the payoff to see people reach a higher potential has
made it worthwhile. “The confidence and self-esteem young
and not so young students have developed after starting aerial
dance classes is truly my favorite part of Aerial Dance. Of
course, I love seeing our students develop into gorgeous and
exciting aerial dancers too! But watching the amazing personal
growth is what inspired me to open the studio.”
The state-of-the-art studio was built to stringent
specifications that were approved by the city every step, from
pre-construction through completion, and has consistently
received the highest ratings by inspection crews. And if you’re
a first-time flyer, Gayle recommends you start with the aerial
basics or aerial fitness to learn basic skills on a variety of apparatuses,
and then progress to the individual apparatus classes.
Even though she has designed her business primarily for
recreational purposes in teaching classes, camps and programs,
she has handpicked her instructors to also prepare students for
exciting careers in the up and coming field of Aerial Dance and
Aerial Dance Performance.
“Each apparatus offers a whole new world of movement
that isn’t possible without that piece of equipment,” Gayle
exclaims. “Our fine instructors and variety of apparatuses
make us stand out! You will have fun and get the best training
from our top quality instructors who are all specially trained in
Aerial Dance. Many of our instructors are professional performers
as well.” On July 23 and 24, 2011, Gayle’s studio will again
host the 2nd Annual Aerial Awards International Weekend. The
event will promote aerial artistry, creativity, and performance
opportunities for recreational aerialists while building a circle
of friendships among aerialists around the world. Gayle has
also designed weekly classes, after school programs, weekly
summer camps and holiday events like the Leprechaun’s Magic
Aerial Show and Party in March. “What intrigues people the
most is the beauty of the movement, the freedom to move at all
different angles while showcasing on different apparatuses,”
Gayle says. “It’s magical.”
Aerial Dance Over Denver is located at 8964 E. Hampden
Ave. near I-25 and I-225. Visit www.aerialdanceoverdenver.
com or call 303-771-0161 for class times and prices, after school
programs and upcoming performances.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCE:
“Smile! With Aerial Stars Over Denver
& Mandy Harvey”
Live Aerial Dance performances to
Mandy Harvey singing live!
March 5 and 6 from 7:15p.m. to 9 p.m.
Mandy Harvey, music major at CSU became
deaf and spent two weeks in her room, crying and
wondering what to do with her life and her love of
music. She decided to make more music and started
taking voice lessons. Her instructor was amazed that
she could sing with perfect pitch. Mandy has captured
the fascination of the music world; she is able to sing
with perfection by feeling the vibrations. Her first CD
“Smile” is named for the title song. “Aerial Stars Over
Denver” is the performing troupe of Aerial Dance Over
Denver comprised of professional aerialists and top
students. Several have performed internationally.
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