Words by Tabitha Katz| Photography by Sky Sirens Creative Team

This week, we decided to interview one of our newest instructors, Tabitha Katz! Tabby’s infectious positivity brings sunshine to our studio and we hope this gives some insight into her aerials journey.

What is your name and work Instagram handle?

Tabitha Katz, @tabitha.aerials

How long have you been dancing and how did you start in aerials?

I was not a dancer before stumbling my way into aerials! My dance background was limited to a few jazz classes when I was four and having lil boogies around my bedroom. 

As I moved into my early twenties I really struggled with finding an exercise outlet that worked for me. I’d been a competitive swimmer as a teenager and had never been one for team sports. I used to joke that any sports on the ground just weren’t for me! Now I’ve bypassed the ground altogether! I’m also not super self-disciplined, so maintaining a home or gym fitness routine never quite worked for me. 

The pole classes at Sky Sirens were advertised to me on Instagram and I figured why not give it a try. When I got my tour of the studio and saw the lyra room, I immediately signed up for a class! Being in the lyra felt as natural as swimming had done, and 18 months later it is like coming home every time I dance!

How long have you been teaching at Sky Sirens and which styles do you teach?

I have just started teaching at Sky Sirens this term! It’s been really interesting transitioning from a student into a teacher, and I’m so excited to provide the same encouraging environments that I got to learn in to my students. I teach Lyra and Sling, and love to explore combining erotic and contemporary styles. My favourite thing to do on Lyra is spin, whether on a low hoop or high hoop, so I hope to pass that love on to my students!

What advice to you like to give to your students?

Try to find something to make you laugh. It can be really hard to stay motivated and to not get frustrated when it comes to aerials. Whether it’s because you’ve been struggling trying to get a certain move, or you’re working on building your strength and flexibility, or your body needs an alternative that day. Sometimes it can be scary being on a metal hoop up in the air and it becomes a mental game. Whenever I’ve had setbacks with Lyra, I’ve always tried to look for something to make me laugh. Often it’s in a moment when I’m not exactly graceful, where my limbs get stuck in very confusing ways, and I have to figure out exactly how I’ve gotten myself into this spot! 

What do you do when you’re not being a Siren?

I like to describe myself as a disaster plant mum. I love looking after my plants in my down time, but I very rarely have any idea what I’m doing. I really enjoy reading and spending time around books. As an introvert, you can often find me curled up at home in a sunny spot, reading or crocheting, and listening to music! 

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

This is such a difficult question. To visit? I would say somewhere on the Italian coast. Or maybe the Japanese mountains. To live? London. 100%. I’ve wanted to live there since I was a kid watching Doctor Who on telly. I love a good historical drama, so I’d say most of my desire is based on a romanticised idea of the city, but that’s not stopping me.

What does this term hold for you?

This term is going to be all about finding my feet as a teacher at Sky Sirens! I’ve been absolutely loving it so far and can’t wait to fully settle in to the role. Personally, my goals as a student as to work on my control and fluidity, and expand my repertoire of moves to throw into combos!