Students Learn To Dance On Air

Dance students at Flagler Palm Coast High School had a unique opportunity to explore new forms of movement during a special workshop presented by VertiFit Aerial Arts. Mrs. Monsanto, a dance teacher at FPCHS for the past 11 years, empowered her students to develop beyond the traditional forms of movement such as ballet, tap, or jazz, and experience suspended movement for the first time. This was also the first time an aerial arts workshop was offered at FPCHS.

The workshops, conducted by VertiFit owner and founder Barrie Michaels, included aerial silks and lyra. To further the educational component Ms. Michaels also incorporated the history of each apparatus and a lesson on the physics of inertia and rotational motion in addition to teaching various moves and skills. As a bonus, the students had a special demonstration on how to dance with beautiful isis wings; named after the Egyptian goddess. All the students were delighted to learn these new forms of dance and enjoyed the workshops immensely. Sydney Cuthbert, a sophomore, said, “It is a lot harder than it looks. It’s a lot of fun and a good workout. My whole body was sore the next day. Ms. Michaels was very patient with us; and explained things very well. I want to start taking classes with her.”

Several teachers observing commented that they were very pleased that FPCHS is able to provide these exceptional learning opportunities to the students.

A subsequent workshop on aerial yoga is also scheduled next week to discover the many health benefits it provides, such as increasing proprioception and mental focus.

If you are interested in learning more about these forms of dance contact www.VertiFit.com Classes and summer workshops are available.