Words by Kittyhawk | Photography by Katia Schwartz

This week, we decided to interview our Silky Sweetheart Siren, Kittyhawk! Kitty has been teaching at Sky Sirens for just over one year, and is passionate about helping her students build strength, embrace creativity and reach their goals. We thought it was time to sit down with Kitty and talk about her performance style, some advice she gives her students and what she gets up to in her down time!

How long have you been doing sling and lyra and how did you start?

I started when I turned 20 because I was looking for a new form of exercise to keep me fit. I’d never really done sport before and I was pretty unfit! I tried so many different things including trail running, rock climbing, personal trainers, weights, etc but aerials totally captured my heart. I had sweet, encouraging teachers who made me feel like I could do anything if I tried. 

I actually started on trapeze but gradually transitioned over to lyra as I learned to love to spin. Sling came after when I reached a point of frustration with lyra and my abilities and needed something new to focus on for a bit. 

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

I’ve been teaching at Sky Sirens for just over a year now. I teach all levels of lyra and sling as well as Sexy Flexy, Lyra-gram and Insta-sling. 

How would you describe your dance/performance style? 

I feel like my dance and performance style is still evolving! I don’t come from a dance background and I’ve learned a lot over the past year about myself and where I want my performing journey to go. My main aim is to always be entertaining to watch but at the moment I’m focusing on how to be flowy and make performances look effortless. I like to move slowly and take time to connect with the audience.

What advice do you like to give your students? 

Anything is possible through dedication and passion. Don’t discount yourself just because you are still learning or building strength. Yes, lyra and sling are challenging to learn. Your body will be sore, bruised and at times you’ll give up, but your potential is endless if you’re determined to keep at it! When I started, I had zero natural talent and never in a million years thought I would end up changing my life around so I could be an aerial instructor! 

The most important thing to remember is that it is YOUR aerial journey – go at your own pace and don’t let others tell you what you should or shouldn’t be doing. Be empowered to create your own goals and seek them out with your instructor’s help. 

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

When I’m not being a Siren, I spend a lot of time with my beautiful Great Dane, Bailey! We have very similar personalities so you can often find us sun worshipping together in the backyard or cuddled up watching Netflix documentaries. Everyone always comments on how much of an odd pairing we are given how huge Bailey is beside me, but he really is just a big sook! I could gush about him all day!! 

What does this term hold for you?  

This term I’m teaching Diamonds, Emeralds and Pearls Lyra as well as Rubies and Sapphires Sling. And of course, Lyra-gram and Insta-sling!