Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Stanley.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started classical ballet training at three years old and shortly after began performing in theaters. Through my teenage years, I studied at professional ballet companies, training, performing, and becoming an apprentice at 14. I began assisting in teaching classes, studying and performing some of ballet’s most prestigious pieces. I graduated from The Governor’s School for the Arts and went to earn a BA in Humanities with a focus on Social Work from Florida State University. For 20 years now, I have studied how to speak others’ “language” and to better my communication skills incongruent with my expertise in a movement to coach others. In 2010, I discovered aerial silks and dug deeper into movement and the capabilities of the human body… especially a 5’2 little lady. I started teaching aerial silks and fitness in 2012 in Atlanta and quit my “big girl” job to pursue a career in aerial. By 2015, I was teaching at three different aerial studios around Atlanta, active in the circus community, performing regularly, and cross training in kickboxing. After touring and performing for a year and a half with the world’s largest touring live action stunt show, I came back to Atlanta as the show’s aerial coach. I am currently coaching local athletes and movement artists in aerial, ballet, and strength training at Sky Gym Vinings (formally The Space) and Vesta Movement.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’m not sure if there is a smooth road (if any) on a journey. Due to my genetic makeup and 30 years of tremendous stress on my body, I had to undergo career-ending invasive shoulder surgery. Refusing to accept that I would never be in the air again, my peers became my classroom “stunt doubles” so I could still teach my classes. While they demonstrated the movements I verbally cued. With the help of my family, coaches, friends, and peers I took a year physically rehabbing and studying verbal coaching techniques. I, then, landed my biggest performing contract yet. Some of the biggest obstacles for a movement artist is the self-doubt and harsh self-critique. Even though there are physical challenges, mental challenges always seem to creep to the forefront.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an independent contractor that specializes in performing, coaching, and choreographing in aerial arts. More specifically, I focus on aerial silks, aerial sling, aerial straps, and aerial rope or corde lisse. I’m probably most known for my technical coaching and my complex wrapping in an aerial sling.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, there is a personal success and then, there is a success where you are recognized by others. Sometimes, the skills I’m working on in my own practice don’t seem flashy to the untrained eye, but to me, being confident and actually liking how I’ve executed the movement, is a huge success. Then, there are times that I get praise from a mentor or get hired for a prestigious job that can bring the notoriety needed to have a successful career. Both are important, especially in an artists’ field.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iterumaerial.com
- Email: aerialshannon@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/laeghdee
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iterumaerial
Image Credit:
J. Corey Hitchcock, MC6Media, Vesta Movement, ShocPhoto- Shoccara Marcus, Judy Host, Dave’s Creative Side, Jasin Monday Photography
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