Tammy Zarb at Industry Aerial Arts on the Gold Coast Queensland, speaks to us today about what it takes to make it as an aerial artist in this day and age.

She runs the very fun and popular Aerial School which produces top class entertainers who have gone onto such fantastic gigs as “Cirque Du Soleil” and “Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines” (just to name a few)!

They offer a free introductory class for the everyday person, beginner, advanced or professional. Anyone who wants to get fit and have fun in the air.

We really do find out if, as it says on their website, …”life is better in the air”

If I am a beginner and have no upper body strength, can I still learn Aerial Arts?

Yes, of course you can. Students come to class with a wide range of fitness levels. Students come to Industry Aerial Arts to improve on skills, gain strength, stamina and flexibility and for many aerial arts/fitness has given them a satisfying weekly health and fitness regime.

How do you think people at the Artists’ Adviser can benefit from attending Aerial Classes with you?

Students will get a good understanding of what aerial arts is all about. It’s fun, innovative and it beats running on a treadmill, going to the gym and doing those repetitive exercises week after week. It is stimulating, creative and challenging all at the same time. You will never get bored, and you won’t want to wait a week for your next class! The best thing is anyone can do it, at any fitness level and at any age. Fitness benefits include spinal decompression, gaining spacial awareness, overall body awareness; improve balance and mobility in the joint and limbs. Not to mention the cardiovascular benefits and upper body strengthening
and toning.

What are the 3 characteristics you believe you need to make it as an Aerial Artist?

Knowledge: Gather yourself a good compilation of elements (aka skills) that you have mastered and that you are comfortable with. Experiment on a variety of different apparatus to find which one is right for you.

Confidence: An important key. Simply make sure your performances are solid. Try and include light and shade, fast and slow movements, to add dynamics. Know your wraps and know where you are dropping to.

Style: This comes from within, and something no one can teach. However, my job as an aerial instructor is to help students draw upon their emotions and cultivate their own style. With the help of certain exercises and specific techniques, students are able to develop emotion in order to move their audience. A good aerialist these days, will use style to stand out in a crowd!

What professional opportunities are there available for Aerial Artists in Australia and the rest of the world?

With the popularity of shows from companies like “Cirque Du Soleil” aerial acts are in demand. From luxury cruise liners and traveling arena shows, to casino production shows and corporate events, aerial arts has taken off, both here in Australia and overseas.
Some of my former students have gone onto successful careers with “Cirque Du Soleil”, “Les 7 doigts de la main”, “Cavalia”, “Cirque De la mer” and “Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines”. Other students have gained entrance in to renowned cirque institutes such as “Ecole National de Cirque” – Montreal and “Pendulum Aerial Arts” – Portland,Oregon.

What are 3 things our readers can do TODAY to get closer to a career in Aerial Arts?

1. Find yourself a good instructor, one who is experienced, professional and has been around the block a few times. As an aerialist and instructor, I have something different to bring to the table, through my own experiences with my dance and fitness background, so keep an open mind.

2. Set yourself a daily training regime. (pull-ups, abdominal work, resistance training and stretching) Consistency is the key to body conditioning and endurance. You will want to make sure you always apply the correct technique with proper mechanics whilst conditioning. I am constantly telling my students to “work hard now, and sit pretty later”. Listen to what your body is telling you. Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. If you follow this, then you’re on the right track.

3. Keep focused. Remember you want to show your audience how you can dance in the air and tell a story at the same time. Your goal as an aerialist will be to make aerial dance look easy. (If they only how much training and effort went into a 5 min performance, HA!) Get yourself along to some dance classes. This will help translate your feelings and elements in the air. Not to mention the clean and polished look it will give you. Try it, who knows you may just surprise yourself.

Tammy Zarb hails from Australia and has spent the past 15 years overseas enjoying international success as a classically trained dancer. Tammy took to the air with aerial arts in early 2000. Residing in the United States of America, for three years, Tammy performed as a freelance aerial artist and in 2007 Co-Founded “Orlando Aerial Arts” which quickly became a sort after training centre for aerial instruction, artist development and creative concepts. Training students of all levels and preparing them for a career in the field of aerial arts and due to demand classes still continue today.

With all the experience, performances and travel Tammy has done …..No wonder “life is better in the air!”

To receive your FREE introductory class
visit www.IndustryAerialArts.Com.Au
Email Tammy Zarb at admin@industryaerialarts.com.au or call her on 0429 944 866. Don’t forget to “LIKE “ us on facebook.