Aerial Hoop with Midnite Martini at Vertical Fitness Dallas

Midnite Martini and I!

The night of Cirque Du Burlesque, Jessica convinced me to attend Midnite Martini’s aerial hoop class the next morning at Vertical Fitness. I looked at her begrudgingly, “I’m not going to be up for much tomorrow, I’ve been drinking all night!” But she persisted and I enrolled for the Saturday morning class. First off, finding Vertical Fitness was not an easy task. I arrived at the intersection of Preston and Campbell and the only dance studio I could find was Move Studio. After a quick call they informed me their location was behind Move Studio in the Power Play Fitness building.

I arrived during the warm up session and Midnite Martini was kicking out pilates style moves with the class. Within a couple of minutes, she patiently explained the rules of engagement and showed us some hoop positions. Soon volunteers bravely ventured into those hoops, each one stumbling and moaning from discomfort. One thing they don’t tell you; these rings are metal and there’s really no padding. After a few eager attempts, I mounted that damn hoop and tried not to wince as I maneuvered on that unforgiving surface. Somehow the higher I climbed the less scared I became. It felt more manageable once I was closer to the base of the mount. Still, my body flopped all around the metal ring while Midnite stood next to me; watching and talking me through every motion. Considering this was a completely new experience she definitely put my fears at ease.

It seemed like every instructor at Vertical Fitness was in this class. On one hand it was cool because they seemed more experienced and they were all helpful and very sweet. It was a little annoying to constantly wait in line for my turn. But I made the best out of it and climbed their aerial silks. It actually turned out for the best because I’ve always wanted to give the silk ropes a whirl! The fabric was 10 times more comfy but trying to shift into different positions was aggrivating, then again I didn’t have a teacher walking me through it (I missed that class). If I had to decide on my favorite so far, I’d say hoop was much more exhilarating. I loved having the powerful grip and the ability to spin; even though just trying it scared the hell out of me.

Jessica Prince's photo http://www.facebook.com/jessica.r.prince

After all the basic moves were conquered by a good portion of the class, we moved on to more difficult tasks; like spinning & double hoop! Midnite extended one hand on top and the other on the bottom of her hoop then propelled her body into a circular motion. She gracefully glided through the air like a bird in flight. She made it look so damn easy! I’m thinking, “That looks like fun!” So I attempt the same trick and quickly recognize my foolishness. I can’t hold my entire body weight up at an angle with my puny little arms. Then I looked over at Midnite’s tiny body frame and think, “I’m not gonna fuck with that chick!” I barely whirl myself around in a couple of circles before I feel my breakfast fighting its way up my throat. This is where the realization hits me; these aerialists are complete rock stars! This shit is extremely difficult.

Once the room stopped spinning Midnite says, “Ok everyone, it’s double hoop time!” I look over at Jessica, “We’re going to get this all done in one hour!?!” But just as the words left my lips Midnite jumped on top of the hoop like a jack rabbit through briar patch. “Ok, who wants to go first?” Still wondering about the logistics of it all, I waited and watched a couple girls go first. I finally drew up enough courage to jumped up and let Midnite walk me through the steps. She clutched my feet with her legs and instructed me to frog my feet out so she could tighten her grip. Jessica took a picture of me in this position, and it’s not flattering but I was terrified. Before long the panic left my body and I was able to fully embrace that awesome moment. By the end of the class we all felt like a big family that climbed a mountain together. I found there is a special bond you form with perfect strangers after enduring a terrifying situation and conquering it.

Overall I felt the class was worth every penny; Midnite was an amazing instructor. I learned so much and my soul felt uplifted by the end. I especially appreciated the warm welcoming environment at Vertical Fitness. I would definitely be interested in taking more classes there. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for Move Studio (located at the same intersection). I thought about doing an entire blog about my experience, but then I realized it would just be a huge bitch fest and unworthy of my time. If I ever do go back there it will be for Ginger Valentine’s Burlesque Charm School but I’d probably rather take those classes at the Ruby Room!

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